Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
The Power of Culture
Kingdom of Bahrain
Recorded video available
Discussion
- Cultural arts
- Music
- Traditional performing art
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Not provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese and English |
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Track Programme
- Time and
Date of
the event -
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2025.05.01[Thu]
14:30 ～ 16:00
(Venue Open 14:00)
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- Venue
- Theme Weeks Studio
Programme details
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*Subtitles may not show with multiple languages or overlapping audio.
The purpose of the event is to highlight the power of culture to transcend boundaries through artistic practice. This session is meant to be a discussion/ dialogue, followed by an Oud solo by Bahraini artist Yad Oud. The discussion explores the influences of folk music and global music trends.
*Simultaneous interpretation is not provided in this programme.
Reports
【Reflection】
The event titled "The Power of Culture" aimed to emphasize how artistic practices enabled culture to transcend geographical boundaries. This session included a dialogue followed by a solo Oud performance by Bahraini artist Yad Oud, focusing on the impact of folk music and global music trends. The event showcased the integral relationship between music and culture, particularly within the context of Bahrain.
Abduljabbar Abdulsamad, representing the museum's department at the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, introduced the session. He reflected on the significance of culture in shaping music within Bahraini society. This year, Bahrain's thematic focus was “Connecting Seas,” which highlighted how the sea had historically connected the nation to the wider region and the world, thereby influencing its culture and music.
Abdulsamad elaborated on the historical relevance of pearl diving in Bahrain, sharing a map from the late 1930s that illustrated the pearl banks in the Arabian Gulf. Known for its exceptional pearls for centuries, Bahrain had a rich heritage connected to the sea. Ancient maps from the 1500s and 1600s referenced the pearl fisheries situated in the northern waters of Bahrain. He pointed to traditional dhows, boats used for pearl diving, noting that they featured prominently cultural artifacts like Dilmun stamp seals, as well as in the works of local artists..
The discussion also touched on how extensively the sea had influenced Bahraini music and poetry. Lyrics often utilize metaphors related to the sea, embedding a deep cultural appreciation for the marine environment within artistic expressions. Abdulsamad highlighted the architectural influence of the sea, showcasing the Hasaia, a type of boat used to gather stones from the ocean for home construction. By the early 20th century, houses in Bahrain were predominantly built using these collected sea stones, emphasizing the sea’s integral role in the local lifestyle.
The conversation transitioned to historical and literary references to pearling, drawing upon the Epic of Gilgamesh, estimated to be 4,000 to 5,000 years old. In this epic, Gilgamesh's quest for immortality led him to Dilmun—identified as modern day Bahrain—, where he discovered a pearl considered the “flower of immortality.” Unfortunately, a snake stole it, entwining the pearl's significance with themes of loss and sacrifice.
Pearls stood as a cultural symbol in Bahrain, with local beliefs attributing medicinal properties to them. The event highlighted displays featuring natural pearls, known as sahteetand larger ones called Dana pearls. The traditional pearling industry faced decline in the late 1920s and early 1930s due to various factors, including the Great Depression, the discovery of oil, and innovations in pearl cultivation introduced in Japan.
Through this program, “The Power of Culture” underscored how deeply intertwined Bahrain's cultural identity was with its maritime heritage, particularly through music, art, and history. Ultimately, it reaffirmed the idea that culture is a powerful force that transcends boundaries, resonating through time and space and echoing the shared experiences of communities connected by the sea. As the event progressed, the Oud performance aimed to illustrate these themes, providing a captivating auditory experience that harmonized with the cultural narrative shared throughout the session.
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
Deepening Cultural Dialogue Through Music and Maritime Heritage
Participations like “The Power of Culture”, allow us an opportunity to gauge interests from our Japanese audience, which helps shape our approach in building our initiatives and cross-cultural understanding. This session explored the transformative potential of the arts to transcend borders and carry the collective memory of a people. In that spirit, our next steps are designed to extend the conversation and preserve the legacy of Bahrain’s maritime and musical culture through the following actions:
1. Regional Music Exchange Series
We plan to launch a curated series of music-based cultural exchange events with artists from maritime regions. These sessions will explore how coastal cultures have developed distinct musical traditions shaped by the sea, and how shared experiences can foster mutual appreciation.
2. Digital Archive of Bahrain’s Cultural Artifacts
We aim to continue to digitize key cultural artifacts—including maps, photographs, instruments, and oral histories related to Bahrain’s pearling heritage and traditional music.
3. Educational Collaborations and Storytelling Initiatives
Working with schools and cultural institutions, we will continue to develop educational materials and storytelling workshops that focus on Bahrain’s maritime heritage and its role in shaping identity. These will feature folklore, poetry, and music, and engage younger generations in preserving and interpreting their cultural roots.
4. Touring Exhibitions
We are exploring the creation of a traveling exhibition that highlights Bahrain’s rich pearling legacy.
5. Recording and Promoting Traditional Music
To preserve Bahrain’s unique musical expressions—especially those connected to folk traditions and the maritime lifestyle—we will support the recording of traditional songs and performances.
Ultimately, our initiative seeks to honor the deep-seated connection between the sea and culture in Bahrain, while using music as a universal medium to connect communities. The Expo event was a meaningful extension of our work, and we are committed to nurturing this cultural dialogue well beyond its conclusion—anchoring it in shared stories, artistic expression, and heritage preservation.
Cast
Moderator
Abduljabbar Abdulsamad
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Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
The Power of Culture
-
2025.05.01[Thu]
14:30～16:00
(Venue Open 14:00)
- Theme Weeks Studio
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
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