By Nawaf Al-Deqbasi
DOHA, Dec 11 (KUNA) -- Kuwait has always been renowned for its unique maritime tradition thanks to its sailors' well-established activities and brilliance in winter business journeys and summer pearl-diving trips.
Skippered by Kuwaiti skilled sailors, huge Kuwaiti ships carrying date used to sail off to India, Yemen and African coasts in winter, while bringing incense, timber, spices, tea and whatnots on return trips.
In fact, Kuwaiti shipbuilders, locally known as "Qalalifs", earned regional and international fame thanks to excellence in shipbuilding.
Shipbuilding usually involved a master (Qalaf) who had a number of Qalalifs under him. Usually commissioned by merchants and famous skippers, the Qalalifs made it their mission to construct the ships no matter how long or hard the tasks were.
To highlight Kuwait's maritime tradition, Nawaf Al-Asfour, together with several other Kuwaiti researchers and craftsmen, are partaking in the Katara 9th Traditional Dhow Festival held in Qatar between December 3-16.
Speaking to KUNA, Al-Asfour, the head of the Kuwaiti delegation to the event, said Kuwait is taking part in Katara Festival by showcasing Kuwait's old crafts, which is the core of trade in the Arabian Gulf, in order to make new generations familiar with the business of their ancestors.
The Kuwaiti tradition scholar said that Kuwaiti exhibits encompass pearl-diving tools, ancient ship parts, old maritime pictures and historical documents.
He added that Kuwait's involvement in the traditional festival mainly aims at the promotion of its maritime tradition and its major privileges, stressing that such events are of paramount significance to protecting and safeguarding maritime tradition and ancient handicrafts.
Under the patronage of Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani, the Katara organizes Katara 9th Traditional Dhow Festival kick-started in Doha on December 3 and runs until December 16.
Organized by Katara Cultural Village, the annual event is inspired by Qatar's rich maritime heritage and celebrates history through cultural events. This year, the festival has seen the participation of 11 countries including Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Turkey, India, Greece, Italy, Spain, Iran, and Zanzibar.
Traditional music and dance performances from different troupes add color to the festival which features a program packed with activities and events including exhibitions, traditional art, competitions, and cultural and recreational activities. (end) nnd.mt