By Sara Al-Mukhaizeem
KUWAIT, Nov 30 (KUNA) -- For hundreds of years, the diwaniya has been the focal point for gatherings in Kuwait with various discussions touching on all aspects of life in the country.
Historians have traced the origins of the diwaniya, which means a gathering hall in Kuwaiti dialect, to the sea culture.
Captains of fishing dhows and pearl merchants needed a place to conduct their business and from such humble beginnings, the idea of the diwaniya was born.
After the formation of the Shura council in the early 1920s, the diwaniya's role transformed from a place strictly for doing business to social hubs that touched on various subjects from politics, religion and more.
From the 1960s onwards, diwaniyas became an integral part of Kuwaiti culture with almost every household having a place dedicated for people to gather and chitchat about anything and everything. (end) sm.sd.gta