- Majlis, a Cultural and Social Space
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Majlis, a Cultural and Social Space
Majlis represents is an essential part of the life of the Gulf communities. It is the place where community members gather to discuss local events and issues, exchange news, welcome guests, socialize, and entertainment.
It is also the place where people meet to solve problems and disputes, pay condolences and hold weddings. The place where the tribe Sheikhs and elders discuss the affairs of daily life and exchange news with all members of the community.
The Majlis usually consists of a large area with carpets on the floor and cushions against the wall, and there is a stove or fire to prepare coffee and other hot beverages. The Majlis spaces are open to all age groups, and there are special Majlis for men and others for women, including what is of an academic or literary nature.
The Majlis plays an important role in the transmission of oral heritage, including folk stories, songs and poetry. Knowledge is mostly transmitted informally when children accompany community members on their visits, and observe elders in the Majlis, where young people learn community manners and ethics, dialogue skills, listening and respecting the opinion of others.
Majlis, a Cultural and Social Space was inscribed in 2015 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE.
by Ansari M Joshi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Majlis, a Cultural and Social Space
Date of Inscription
2015
- See also
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Al ‘azi, Elegy, Processional March and Poetry Al-Ayyala, a Traditional Performing Art of the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates Al-Bar’ah, Music and Dance of Oman Dhofari Valleys Al-Khanjar, Craft Skills and Social Practices Al-Razfa, a Traditional Performing Art Al-Taghrooda, Traditional Bedouin Chanted Poetry in the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman Alheda’a, Oral Traditions of Calling Camel Flocks Arabic Calligraphy: Knowledge, Skills and Practices Arabic Coffee, a Symbol of Generosity Arabic Kohl Bisht (men’s Abaa): Skills and Practices Camel Racing, a Social Practice and a Festive Heritage Associated with Camels Date Palm, Knowledge, Skills, Traditions and Practices Harees dish: Know-How, Skills and Practices Henna: Rituals, Aesthetic and Social Practices Horse and Camel Ardhah Oman Youth Sail Training Ship (Safinat Shabab Oman) Programme for Peace and Sustainable Cultural Dialogue Falconry, a Living Human Heritage Traditional Weaving of Al Sadu Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, Female Traditional Interior Wall Decoration in Asir Alardah Alnajdiyah, Dance, Drumming and Poetry in Saudi Arabia Almezmar, Drumming and Dancing with Sticks Arts, Skills and Practices Associated with Engraving on Metals (Gold, Silver and Copper) Cultural Practices Related to Taif Roses Knowledge and Practices Related to Cultivating Khawlani Coffee Beans Semsemiah: Instrument Crafting and Playing Al Aflaj, Traditional Irrigation Network System in the UAE, Oral Traditions, Knowledge and Skills of Construction, Maintenance and Equitable Water Distribution Al Ahalla, a Living Performing Art in the United Arab Emirates Al Azi, Art of Performing Praise, Pride and Fortitude Poetry Al Sadu, Traditional Weaving Skills in the United Arab Emirates Al Talli, Traditional Embroidery Skills in the United Arab Emirates Safeguarding Programme for Al Sadu, Traditional Weaving Skills in the United Arab Emirates The Zaffa in the Traditional Wedding
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