Highlights of the Muscat International Festival in English - ircica

Highlights of the
Muscat International Festival for Arts, Heritage and Creativity
Accompanied by:
International Seminar on Innovation and Creativity in Arts and Crafts
Muscat International Award for Innovation and Creativity in Crafts
(Worth US$100.000)
and the International Exhibition of Artisans-as at-Work
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
on 27 January-24 February 2011
The Muscat International Festival is one of the most significant and popular
events celebrated in Oman. It is an impressive family celebration where culture
and fun were experienced. The festival has attracted a host of residents and
visitors. This remarkable festival is distinguished for its joyful combination of
cultural activities. Muscat Festival is a unique and has been considered as one
of the attractive destinations in Oman for visitors from around the globe. The
various events featured have been able to capture the imagination of visitors as
they have successfully reflected the true essence of Omani culture and heritage.
1

The Omani Heritage Village at the Qurum Natural Park celebrates the different
social aspects of life in Oman, such as the traditional handicrafts and folklore
which is a source of adventure and entertainment for both citizens and residents
alike. This village catches the attention through striking events that highlight
the Tradition of various cultures of the globe. At the Omani Heritage Village
visitors enjoyed seeing first-hand experience of the traditional arts and crafts,
some of which are still practiced. Visitors also watched Omani men and women
artists at work weaving, making pottery just as they would in their natural
surrounding. The Muscat Festival is definitely a must-see tourist destination and
plays a significant role in boosting Oman’s tourism and hospitality industry.
The Muscat Festival was opened on 27 January 2011 which was organized
jointly by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture
(IRCICA), Istanbul, and Muscat Municipality, Sultanate of Oman. This
wonderful event includes the "Muscat International Festival of Arts, Heritage
and Creativity", a seminar on "Innovation and Creativity in Arts and Crafts";
"Muscat International Award for Innovation and Creativity in the Crafts" (worth
US$ 100.000); and the International Exhibition of Artisans-as at-work.
The Muscat International Festival for Arts, Heritage and Creativity attracted
artisans and art lovers from all over the world. The International Village is a
focal point for the showcasing of artisan showpieces from across the world, as
well as providing an opportunity to celebrate the work of traditional Omani
artisans in the international arena for the first time. A highlight of village is the
Muscat International Award for Innovation and Creativity in Crafts. Aimed to
stimulate US$100,000 which was distributed to winners in various Craft Topics.
Involving over 150 artisans representing 25 countries ranging from various
countries such as: The hosting country Sultanate of Oman, Kyrgyzstan,
Tajikistan, South Africa, Turkey, Mauritania, Lebanon, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt,
Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Iran, India, Palestine, Morocco, Syria, Uzbekistan,
Macedonia, Japan, Russia, Senegal, Mexico in addition to participants from
Qatar and Jury members from France.
Dr Halit Eren, Director General of IRCICA addressed the International
Seminar on Creativity and Innovation in Crafts. He pointed out the importance
of organizing this International Event in Muscat in which more than 150 Master
Artisans participated from various countries who came from different
Geographical regions. He pointed out that the Master Artisans displayed their
innovative works and applied techniques in well designed stands. Dr. Eren
expressed his pleasure to know that nearly 14,000 visitors visited the exhibitions
stands at the first day while 40,000 visitors visited the stands during the week
end. He also referred to the fact that the festival aimed to raise more awareness
of the real role played by crafts towards contributing economically and
2

culturally to our communities. He confirmed that this event comes within the
importance given by IRCICA for the development of Crafts Sector in the OIC
Member Countries. Dr. Eren finally stressed the fact that the seminar has
provided a unique opportunity for craft specialists and artisans to come together
to exchange viewpoints and conduct deep deliberation on the future prospects of
the crafts sector.
Dr. Halit Eren, Director General of IRCICA at the office of
HE Engineer Sultan bin Hamdoon Al Harthy, Chairman of Muscat Municipality
The activities of the Muscat Festival 2011 opened in its new session with a
crowd of participants in two locations of Al-Qurm and Al-Naseem Parks, and
other locations associated with the events. The organizing committee of the
festival has prepared many events and performances, folklore activities and
pleasant surprises to the visitors every day. HE Engineer Sultan bin Hamdoon
Al Harthy, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the festival pointed out
that the festival witness a family gathering and large family and visitors from
inside and outside the Sultanate who gathered to watch the launch of visual
display and laser show, entitled (Oman: present and future) which provide the
achievements of Renaissance achieved and the ambitious visions of the future an
impressive center, was the launch of the festival to.
3

HE Engineer Sultan bin Hamdoon Al Harthy, Chairman of Muscat Municipality
Mr. Al-Harthy confirmed that the festival aims to promote tourism and cultural
heritage of the Sultanate, and attract all categories of different nationalities by
displaying a wide variety of activities and events. He also said that this year's
festival was unique, as the events were chosen accurately, and many events were
added. This is a strong evidence about the size of participation and innovation
in all events in terms of adornment and the Heritage Village and the popular
markets, pointing out that the message of the festival combining heritage,
authenticity and contemporary with an open message to all people to visit
Muscat - this historical city. He also said that this year, the festival gained
international participation and will highlight the broad aspects of culture,
heritage, tourism, economic, social and recreations.
He pointed out that the Muscat Festival this year, scored a great success and
remarkable event which came in different from the previous festivals as a result
of the number of events and the universality of some of which have contributed
to the transfer of the festival from its local to global in particular through the
"Tour of Oman" which attracted a global media represented by a number of
space stations, world sports, news, allocated large areas of the news stations, the
French TV and Sky News, and The New York Times, and Channel European
sports "Euro Sport" and sites of global electronic websites as Yahoo, Hotmail,
Twitter and other stations which have enabled hundreds of millions of viewers
in the nations of the world to follow the cruise in which the 128 riders and see
the different features of the Sultanate through the tracks that have been
identified for this year's race and the introduction of new routes which was in the
way of Green Mountain and pictures. He also added that 45 journalists
representing newspapers and publications around the world in addition to the
Web's most global electronic ones such as Facebook, Google, Hotmail and
codes of public and private.
4

HE Engineer Sultan bin Hamdoon Al Harthy, Chairman of Muscat Municipality is
presenting a Handmade Ceramic Plate to H E Mr. Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud Al Busaidi,
Secretary General of the Council of Ministers
He added that the success of the festival was also noted by a number of other
important events, most notably the Muscat International Festival for Handicrafts
and traditional arts not only in terms of number of participating countries, which
amounted to (30) states from different continents, but the quality of the
participants who are considered pioneers in the field that they practice in their
countries, which show a range of distinguish craft items, as well as folk arts.
Such event he added allowed around 150 artisans to examine the experience of
each other, and exchange cultural and craft knowledge with each other.
The Muscat International Festival for Arts, Heritage and Creativity was
inaugurated by H E Mr. Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud Al Busaidi, Secretary
General of the Council of Ministers which was organized by the Research
Centre for History, Art and Islamic Culture in Istanbul (IRCICA) and Muscat
Municipality in the presence of H E Mr. Ali bin Masoud Sunaidi, Minister of
Sports Affairs, H E Engineer Sultan bin Hamdoon Al Harthy, Chairman of
Muscat Municipality and a number of Foreign Ambassadors and officials of the
Muscat Municipality. With the presentation of the Omani Folklore Show, Mr.
5

Khalid officially cut the ribbon declaring the opening of the festival which
advanced an international dimension to the Muscat Festival. After the ribboncutting
ceremony Mr. Khalid along with the audience made a visiting tour to the
participating country pavilions.
Inauguration of the Muscat International Festival for Arts, Heritage and Creativity
H E the Secretary General of the Council of Ministers expressed his admiration
of what he has seen in the country pavilions notably the master pieces in various
craft items and works of rare art stating that he feels himself touring around an
international museum of masterpieces of rare craft products from various
different geographical countries, emphasizing the importance of repeating the
holding of such events and festivals for its substantial role in cultural interaction
and cultural exchange among different countries and cultures.
6

Mr. Saif bin Sibah al-Rashidi, Director-General under the chairmanship of
Muscat Municipality and General Supervisor of Information and External
Relations pointed out that the participating group of craftspeople were selected
carefully, noting the importance of the official opening of the International
Festival under the patronage of HE Mr. Khalid bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Secretary
General of the Council of Ministers. He added that through this festival there
was the announcement of the Muscat International Award for Creativity and
Innovation in Crafts for all the participa5ting artisans.
It is notable that the festival has managed through the fourth week of the festival
to maintain the level of popular success that has been achieved in the first week,
which continue to be seen in the program of events fixed and included in several
locations both in the garden of the Qurum National park and Al-Naseem Park.
Over 150 Master Artisans from various different countries have come together
at the Muscat International Festival for Arts and Crafts to display their skills and
products which include handicraft, textile items, artworks, pottery, carpets,
kilims, mosaic, traditional costumes, leather works, ceramics, paintings, silver
works, wooden crafts, textiles, Ebru and paper making, illumination and
7

ornamentation and much more fascinating arts. Ahmed al Badri, a visitor to the
festival said that it is a unique opportunity to interact and know the various
different cultures of different countries in one place.
H E Mr. Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud Al Busaidi, Secretary General of the Council of
Ministers along with the Ambassador of Morocco at the stand of a Moroccan Artisan
The festival aimed at gathering all the innovators and craftspeople in this field in
pavilions forming a craft village where they will display their works, their tools
and the techniques used in their workshops; on this occasion. The festival
included:
Exhibitions of Artisans-at-work,
An exhibition of masterpieces of handicrafts products,
Arts and crafts market (Bazaar),
An exhibition of the albums, catalogs and books published in the field of
arts and handicrafts.
8

During the festival Dr. Halit Eren, Director General of IRCICA made a visit to
H.E.Mr.Yusif Bin Alwi Bin Abdullah, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultanate of Oman,
Live Presentations of Artisans-as at-Work
Master Artisans representing the most important crafts of various countries were
presented at this festival. The selected artisans were displayed their tools, skills
and techniques in the fields of arts and handicrafts in special pavilions.
Participants and visitors of the exhibition enjoyed the opportunity of getting
acquainted with this rich heritage, meet artisans and inquire about their works,
and to acquire some of these pieces for those who are interested in handicrafts;
as a result, this will contribute in increasing public awareness of this important
field.
In addition, IRCICA have managed the participation of three folklore Groups
from the Republic of Senegal, Republic of Tataristan and from the Republic of
Turkey. Thousands of visitors have enjoyed watching the folklore show of such
wonderful groups.
9

The Senegali Folklore Group
11

Folklore Group from Mexico
Tataristan Folklore Group
13

Tataristan Folklore Group
14

Turkish Folklore Group
15

aditional Costumes Show
Tr
16

Wood Crafts from Russia
19

Arts and Crafts Market (Bazaar)
This Bazaar was organized in the form of a craft village where craft products
and pieces from different countries were offered for sale. Omani Nationals,
visitors and tourists groups have got the opportunity to discover the diversity of
handicrafts such as sewing and embroidery; traditional costumes; carpets and
rugs; decorating, Qur’an binding and gilding; marbled paper; architecture;
mushrabiya; stucco colored glass; pottery and ceramics; silver and metal crafts;
and engraving that reflect the high level of cultural heritage which were
developed through the ages.
Artisan Shaukat Ali, Carpet making, Pakistan
Work of Artisan Malik Naqqash, Pakistan
20

Seminar on Innovation and Creativity in Arts and Crafts
119-20 February, 2011
The seminar is organized in order to raise international awareness of the
importance of arts and crafts; to explore the economic role that these products
can play; to discuss ways of exploring job opportunities for citizens in this
sector; to try to activate innovation and creativity in this field; to examine the
revenues that this sector can generate when linked with the touristic and
economic sector; to examine the current situation of the crafts and the
perspectives of their development; to preserve the originality of the traditional
crafts; and to introduce the sector and make it known through the available
channels.
Artisan Vorotnkova Tatiana, Kyrgyzstan showing her works of Traditional Costumes
7 key note speakers were invited to present papers in this event. The seminar
examined, among others, arts and crafts of the past, present and future, under
cultural, economic and touristic perspective and their role in the cultural
dialogue between peoples, and the relationship of these arts with the habits and
traditions of this region. It also dealt with the question of the size of the labor
employed in this sector and its economic revenues, the perspectives of
21

marketing, the efforts of the Government in the development and preservation of
arts and crafts, and training and educational opportunities in this sector.
Artisans from various countries
The themes of the seminar will deal with all aspects and means that guarantee
the increase of public awareness on the importance of artisans and this heritage;
the responsibility of the audio-visual media in forming a generation that will be
aware of the importance of the sector; and the development of educational
programs for children with a view to creating a generation awareness of the
importance of arts, handicrafts and heritage.
Experts and specialists, centers and institutions interested in developing this
sector are invited to this seminar to study the current situation of handicrafts and
get acquainted with the methods applied in the concerned countries so as to set
up the main lines of development during the next decade.
The objectives of the Seminar:
The Seminar aims at achieving the following objectives:
22

Revitalizing the economic and cultural sector by providing the visitors and
participants with the opportunity of getting acquainted with the masterworks
of arts and crafts as well as the characteristics of creativity and innovation in
this area.
Organizing competitive programs for young artisans to urge them to express
more innovation and creativity in the field of arts and crafts; also honoring
them with awards to encourage their participation in such activities to
achieve and perform distinguished masterworks all the time.
Evaluating the present situation of arts and crafts and employing them in the
economic field, and determining a framework for the development of their
cultural and social aspects.
Discussing the measures that can be taken to avoid the loss of values and
traditions that characterize arts and crafts, with a view to preserving the
special nature of this artisanal aspect of the heritage.
Issuing an academic document resulting from the presented papers, which
will be useful to the specialized organs in the Member States, to fill up the
gaps in this area and publishing the papers of the seminar in a book
documenting arts and crafts as a reference for experts and scholars in this
field,
Developing a strategy for international cooperation in this sector.
Themes:
1 - General theme: arts and crafts: past, present and future,
2 - Arts and crafts from the perspective of heritage and culture,
3 - Arts and crafts from the perspective of economy and tourism,
4 - The size of employed labor in the field of arts and crafts, and its economic
returns,
5 – Perspectives of handicrafts marketing,
6 - The role of arts and crafts in introducing the cultural heritage identity and
make it known,
7 - The role of arts and crafts in the cultural dialogue among peoples,
8 - The relationship of arts and crafts with the habits and traditions of the
region,
9 - The impact of arts and crafts on European art,
10 – Patronage and Governmental Efforts in developing and protecting arts and
crafts,
11 - Training and education opportunities in this sector,
12 - Means that guarantee the increase of public awareness of the importance of
artisans and this heritage,
13 - Audio-visual media and their responsibility in forming a generation
consciousness of the importance of handicrafts,
14 - Educational programs for children and their role in forming a generation
awareness of the importance of arts and crafts and heritage.
23

The Omani Folklore Group
The Opening ceremony of the seminar was attended by HE Engineer Sultan
bin Hamdoon Al Harthy, Chairman of the Muscat Municipality, and Dr. Halit
Eren, Director General of the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and
Culture (IRCICA), Istanbul, and a number of interested people and specialists
in the field of crafts and traditional arts, in addition to a number of artisans from
different countries, researchers, specialists from the Sultanate of Oman, Arab
countries and some other foreign.
The Ceremony began with a recitation from the Holly Qura’n followed by
opening words from Muscat Municipality, delivered by Mr. Juma Salim al-
Shkeily, General Supervisor, Planning and Training, in which he praised the
role of artisans and valuing the role of the Public Authority for Craft Industries
in the Sultanate for the size of developing efforts made which was clearly
observed in all its activities. He also praised the significant role played by the
Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), Istanbul for the
coordination and organization of the Muscat International Festival for Crafts and
Traditional Arts along with the existing seminar on Creativity in Crafts and the
Muscat International Award for innovation and Creativity in Crafts.
24

Dr. Halit Eren, Director General of IRCICA presented also his welcome
speech during the ceremony in which he expressed happiness to organize this
important event in cooperation with the Muscat Municipality, giving a brief of
the Centre's role and activities in the field of history of Islamic Civilization,
culture, science, crafts and arts. He affirmed the goal of IRCICA with the
Municipality of Muscat to gather artisans from various parts of the world to
come together and form the village of artisans seen at the Qurum Park. He
added that the seminar aimed to raise international attention of the importance of
handicrafts, and discuss areas of activating the economic role of this cultural
aspect. It also aimed to discuss ways of finding job opportunities for citizens in
this sector, and encouraging the spirit of innovation and creativity in this field.
Program of the Seminar on Innovation and Creativity in Crafts,
* Venue: Conferences Hall, The Grand Mosque of Sultan Qabus, Muscat.
Saturday 19 February 2011
Opening with Recitation from the Holy Qur’an,
Address of Muscat Municipality, Mr. Juma Al-Sheikeily, General
Supervisor of Crafts Activities.
Address of Dr. Halit Eren, Director General of the Research Centre
for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA),
25

Seminar Participants from various countries
First Session: Handicrafts and Tourism
10.00 Paper of the General Authority for Traditional Industries in
the Sultanate of Oman,
Suleiman al-Harthy,
10.30 Crafts and Tourism: Problems and Prospects,
Indrasen Vencatachellum,
11.00 Discussion
11.20 Coffee Break
26

Photo from the Second Session entitled:
Importance of the Establishment of Craft Villages
Second Session: Importance of Establishment of Craft
Villages and the Introducing of the Regional Cultures and
the Assuring of the Sustainable Environment,
11.30 Traditional Crafts as a Mean of Introducing Regional
Cultures and Assuring Sustainable Environment,
Naoto Suzuki,
12.00 Importance of the Establishment of Craft Villages and the
Best Use of Restoring Traditional Architectural Buildings
and Historical Monuments for Employment within the
Economical, Tourism and Cultural Sector,
Nezih Maruf,
12.30 Discussion
12.45 End of the Session and Free Lunch
27

Sunday 20 February2011
Third Session: Handicraft Centers and the Means
Necessary to Ensure the Increase Awareness of the Society
of the Real Developing Importance of this Sector,
09.00 Handicraft centers as a tool for revitalizing the traditional
artifacts industry: An Egyptian Experience,
Mohamed Elkhatib,
09.30 The Necessary Means to Ensure the Increase Awareness
of the Society of the Real Developing Importance of this
Sector, Faika Uwaida,
10.00 Discussion
10.20 Coffee Break
Fourth Session: Dr. Asad Arabi and Mr. Mohamed Said Al-Blusi,
Fourth Session: Arabic Islamic Miniatures and the Sufi
Dimension: Development of Handicrafts
10.30 Arabic Islamic Miniatures and the Sufi Dimension
Asad Arabi,
11.00 Development of Handicrafts,
Mohamed Said Al-Blushi,
11.30 Discussion
28

Muscat International Award for Innovation and Creativity in Crafts,
Awards worth US$100.000
Handicrafts around the world consist of a rich range of remarkable innovations
in various fields such as decoration, carpets, sadou and kilim, mushrabiya,
stucco colored glass, engineering designs, bookbinding, miniatures, traditional
costumes and other masterpieces that continue to stimulate effectively tourism
and economy and highlight innovations in the field of cultural heritage.
Muscat Municipality and IRCICA agreed to establish this Award Scheme in
order to awarding the promising winners of artisans and to stimulate competition
spirit, and thus ensure renewable innovations leading to the emergence of new
products in the handicrafts field of which we are proud of.
H E Mr. Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud Al Busaidi, Secretary General of the Council of Ministers
at the stand of Artisan Kurambay Matmuratopv, Uzbekistan, who win the first prize in
Miniature
29

Mr. Juma Salim al-Shkeily, General Supervisor, Planning and Training,
Artisan Lora Zafer Taleb, Kilim Crafts, Lebanon
30

Dr. Halit Eren, Director General of IRCICA
Importance of the award
The importance of this award lies in the fact that it draws attention on an
important aspect of the cultural heritage and makes it known at international and
regional levels; as well as bringing together the works of artisans from distant
and different regions, stimulating crafts people’s creativity in this field and make
them feel the importance that is attached to their works by the community so as
to preserve this fertile heritage. It will also stimulate innovation spirit,
encouraging artisans for more creativity and drawing attention on craftspeople
and their important role in preserving crafts heritage.
31

Stand of the Ministry of Tourism, Syria,
Objectives:
Taking measures that ensure originality and research, organization of crafts
training and determination of the method of cooperation in this area.
Developing these arts and increasing the young artisans’ innovative
predisposition through competitive programs and incentives for variation and
creativity, and thus achieving renewable handicrafts industries.
Defining a practical policy to ensure innovation spirit in the crafts sector and
coming up with a clear plan of action to revive this field, as it constitutes a
support in the cultural, economic and touristic areas in the countries of the
world.
Improving artisans’ conditions of work and strengthening their innovative
capacities.
Raising the regional and international awareness on the importance of
artisans by exhibiting their distinguished and winning products in this award.
32

Publicizing the works of talented craftspeople of different regions, in order to
create cooperation and exchange opportunities between world artisans in a
way to allow them to get acquainted with the works, experiences and
techniques of each other.
Improving the living conditions of artisans, and appreciating their efforts in
the society as well as granting them with the appropriate position they
deserve.
Eligible works
1 – Artisans were requested to present at least two pieces of their products: one
completed product along with semi completed one to be finalized in front
of the jury committee members showing their skills of work.
2 – Participation was open for all artisans provided the product is submitted for
the first time and has never been presented before.
3 - Artisans were requested to provide comprehensive information about every
presented product, that is to say an overview on the origin, the materials
used and the techniques applied.
4 – Measures were fixed to ensure that Awards will be given to the artisans
who make efforts to revive a rare skill.
5 – Measures were also confirmed that Awards will be given to artisans who
bring one of the best samples of their works, and show their skill in
working during presentations phase.
Value of the award
Muscat Municipality agreed to grant awards worth US$100.000 to be distributed
to ten handicrafts themes; each crafts theme will obtain three awards as follows:
the first award worth US$5.000, the second worth US$3.000, and the third worth
US$2.000, that is to say a total of US$10.000 for each award. It was also agreed
that ownership of the award-winning products goes to Muscat Municipality,
which will publicize them, conserve them in a special museum and prepare a
documentary catalog of the winning entries.
The Jury
The jury committee consisting of craft experts who have a long and field
experience in the area of developing handicrafts- to evaluate the artisans’ works
and hold meetings within the period indicated for the submission of craft pieces
in order to proceed with their selection. Members of the Jury Committee are as
follows:
1- Mr. Indrasen Vencatachellum
Coordinator, International Network for Craft Development- RIDA. From 1988
to 2008, Director of UNESCO’s Programme for the promotion of crafts and
design. He has initiated the first ‘Ten Year Plan of Action for Crafts
33

Development in the World’, launched the “UNESCO Crafts Prize” for Africa,
Asia, the Arab States and Latin America followed by the SEAL of Excellence;
prepared skills upgrading workshops in several sub-regions and organized
meeting of experts ( “ Crafts and Tourism; Codification of craft products; Leadfree
ceramics; natural dyes international symposium and workshop...) as well as
a series of exhibitions ( “Crafts from around the world”, “DESIGN 21”...)
Innovation in Miniature,
Stand of the Artisan Kurambay Matmuratopv, Uzbekistan, who win the First Prize
2- Dr. Nezih Maruf,
Head, Crafts Development Program, IRCICA, Istanbul. Evaluator of the
UNESCO Crafts Decade for Arab States (1988-1999). Jury Member of the
UNESCO Award for Creativity in Crafts for Arab States, Tunis, 2005. Jury
Member of the Annual Creativity Crafts Fair in Tunis, 2005. Coordinator and
Organiser of the First International Award of the Artisans At Work Festival
held in Islamabad in 1994. Jury Member of the International Award for
Artisans Innovators in the Muslim World, Riyadh, 2006; Jury Member of the
Doha International Award for Creativity in Crafts, Doha, 2010;Coordinator of
34

the IRCICA Activities within the UN-OIC Coordination Meetings for the
Priority Area of Cooperation entitled: Development of Arts, Crafts and Heritage.
Organised various international exhibitions, Congresses, festivals on Crafts
Development in many countries between the period of 1989 and 2011.
Published many specialized books and volumes about craft Development issues.
Contributed various papers to different international seminars and meetings
namely: UNESCO Experts Meeting, Islamabad, 1994, Asila Festival, Morocco,
1996; International Seminar on Crafts Exports, Algeria, 2000; International
Meeting on Traditional Industries in Douz, Tunisia in 2005, Riyadh Congress on
Tourism and Handicrafts in 2006; and Doha International Crafts Festival, 2010.
3- Dr. Naoto Suzuki,
Ph.D., Regional Development, Graduate School of Science and Technology,
Chiba University. Professor, Design Culture Unit, Design Science, Graduate
School of Engineering, Chiba University. Senior Industrial Development
Officer, Private Sector Development Branch/IPC, United Nations Industrial
Development Organization (UNIDO), Vienna, Austria (1978- 2003).
Consultant, Engineering Consulting Firms Association (ECFA), Tokyo, Japan
(1975-1978). Presented various technical papers among them: “Effective
Regional Development through Artisan Craft Promotion”- 178 pages, May
2005; “Promotion of Artisan Crafts toward Creation of Wealth and Reducing
Poverty”, submitted to Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture
(IRCICA), International Congress on Islamic Arts and Crafts, Isfahan, October
2002; “Development Strategies for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)”,
Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting (GOIC), May 2001. Among his
presented lectures: “Japanese Experience in SME development and Investment
Promotion”, February 2001, Tripoli, Libya; “Development Potential for
Vietnamese Artisan Crafts”, March 2001, Ninh Binh Viet Nam; and “Traditional
Craft Development in Lao PDR”, November 2002, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
4- Architect Mohamed Elkhatib
As an architect and environmental planner, Mohamed is the founder and
managing director of Environmental Design Group (EDG) in Egypt as well as
the founder and vice president of Aquatech Company for Tourism and Urban
Development S.A.E , which has been running since 1997. His work as the
Chairman of Scientific Institution for Environment and Development since 2006
led him to become a member of the consulting committee for preparation of the
strategic vision ‘Cairo 2050’, which he has been involved in since 2008. With
over 24 year’s professional experience in vernacular architecture, eco-tourism
and environmental planning, he has worked extensively with both private and
public sectors (local Egyptian and international) agencies.
35

5- Madame Faika Uwaida, Director of the Development Establishment for
Culture and Arts, Beirut, Lebanon. Diploma in advance Islamic studies, the
Sorbonne V, Paris. Currently preparing for Ph.D. in Islamic studies, Al-Maqasid
al-Islamia, Beirut. Member of several cultural and heritage associations and a
member of the World Crafts Council WCC. Former Vice-Chairman of this
Council in Asia - Pacific. Participated since 1994 with many professional
conferences in Asia, Europe, Arab countries and Africa. Organized since 1990 a
number of conferences and symposia on craft issues in Lebanon, and supervised
the printing and the coordination of many cultural books. Conducted many
studies on crafts in Lebanon at the request of the Regional Office of UNESCO
in Lebanon.
6- Dr. Asad Arabi,
Researcher in the field of Islamic Arts with a PhD in Islamic Arts from
Sorbonne University in 1987. Professor and Lecturer in various universities
(Paris, Casablanca and Damascus). Member of many Major Festivals in Cairo,
Sharjah and Damascus. Contributed numerous papers on the field of arts to
many symposia and conferences. Editor in Arabic and French to many wellknown
periodicals. Artist known in Europe and in many Arab capitals live in
France since 1967. Contributed a number of research papers in the field of
Islamic art, among them a research paper on Islamic Ceramic, International
Symposium on Arabesque in the Crafts of the Muslim world, Damascus, 1997.
7- Mr. Mohamed Said Al-Bluchi,
Heritage expert at the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Qatar. Bachelor
of Antiquities and Arts, College of Arts and Humanities, Department of
Antiquities and Arts, Lebanese University, 1984. Director of the Exhibition
Stand of Qatar at Shanghai Expo-2010 in collaboration with the High
Commission. Director of the Department of Museums and Antiquities in the
Qatar Museums Authority, 2006. Chairman of the Department of Archaeology
in the Department of Museums and Antiquities of the National Council for
Culture and Arts, 2003. Head of Arts and Industries in the Department of
Popular Culture and the Arts, the National Council for Culture, Arts and
Heritage, Qatar, 2000. Head of collection and auditing at the Center of the
Folklore of the Cooperation Council for the Arab Gulf States (1991-1996).
Researcher in the field of material culture, crafts and industries in the People's
Heritage Center, 1985-1991. Participated in several meetings and international
and regional conferences including: the first forum on the Islamic glass industry
under the supervision of the Arab Organization for Education, Science and
Culture in the city of Fez, Kingdom of Morocco during the period from May 18,
2001; History of al-Sadou Weaving in Qatar, the International Symposium on
Carpets and Kilims in the Muslim world, Tunisia, 1999; Present State of
Ornamentation in Qatar, the International Symposium on the ARABESQUE of
36

the Muslim World, Damascus, 1997; and the preparation of research presented
to Seminar on Crafts and traditional industries, entitled: The reality of industries
and folk crafts in Qatar between the past and present, Bahrain, 1993; and a
seminar on traditional music in Gulf Arab states under the patronage of the
UNESCO Office in Doha during the period from 28 April 29, 1997.
8- Mr. Nasir Saif Al-Hatami,
Head, Design and Handicrafts Promotion Section, General Authority for
Traditional Industries, Sultanate of Oman.
Mr. Juma Salim al-Shkeily, General Supervisor, Planning and Training,
and General Supervisor of Crafts Activities at the Muscat Municipality also
participated in the work of the Committee.
During the examination and inspection of the submitted works, the Jury took
into account all the characteristics and technical features of each product, and
special attention was given to evaluate the following categories of assessment:
Excellence, Creative Concept Design;
and Invention in traditional Technique.
A. Excellence and Creative Concept
It means that the craft product is a perfect representative of traditional
craftsmanship, that it unites the spiritual and the physical qualities of a craft
product, responding to the ideal as well as to the material functions for which it
has been created and brought to achievement.
Since the Award has been placed under the theme “Creativity” and since,
indeed, the creative imaginative power of the artisan plays a major role for the
maintenance and promotion of crafts, this criterion – the faculty of innovation –
is valued as very important, even though the product might not be classified as
“excellent” in every regard.
B. Design and Invention in traditional Technique
Here we are dealing with craft products which may be regarded as “new” or
“marginal”. Creating without copying, designing for the innovation (art for
art). The idea that any new design has to convey something of the ideals of
beauty and respect for nature.
It aims to reward those who apply different techniques, adapting them, to some
extent, to a new environment, thereby perpetuating employment of artisans to
build up and embellish the frame of life. This adaptive process has already
taken place in a number of branches and deserves being encouraged.
37

Works of the Master Artisan Mohamed al-Jabari in Mozaic, Palestine
38

Wining Entries and Artisans
After a series of evaluation tours and visits to the stands of the Artisans, the Jury
Committee had a set of meetings to select the winning entries of the Award.
During the Final Session held on 22 February 2011 and after the collection of
points obtained for every artisan, the group of artisans who have been received
the highest points in each of the craft topics areas, have been identified for the
first, second and third prizes. As a result, the Jury Committee decided that the
Following Artisans are the Winners of the Muscat Festival Award for 2011:
المنمنمات
الحرفي كورامباي ماتموراتوف،‏ أوزبكستان،‏ الجائزة الأولى،‏ وقيمتها خمسة آلاف دولار.‏
Miniature:
1- Mr. Kurambay Matmuratopv, Uzbekistan, (US$5,000) First Prize.
-1
Mr. Kurambay Matmuratopv, Master Artisan in Miniature, Uzbekistan,
39

Miniature works of Mr. Kurambay Matmuratopv
التذهيب والزخرفة
الحرفي مالك محمد عبدا لرحمن نقّاش،‏ باكستان،‏ الجائزة الأولى،‏ وقيمتها
خمسة آلاف دولار.‏
-2
Illumination and Ornamentation:
2- Mr. Malik Muhammad Abdul Rehman Naqqash, Pakistan, (US$5,000) First Prize.
40

Another types of works of Mr. Malik Muhammad Abdul Rehman Naqqash, Pakistan
Illumination and Ornamentation:
الحرفية أصليهان غوناي،‏ الجمهورية التركية،‏ الجائزة الثالثة،‏ وقيمتها ألفي دولار.‏
3- Ms. Aslihan Guney, Turkey, (US$2,000) Third Prize.
-3
41

Ms. Aslihan Guney, A Master Artisan in the field of Illumination, Turkey
receiving her Award
الخزف
إبراهيم الحرفي
سعيد حامد مرعي،‏ جمهورية مصر العربية،‏ الجائزة الأولى وقيمتها خمسة آلاف دولار.‏
Pottery:
4- Mr. Ibrahim Said Hamed Marei, Egypt, (US$5,000) First Prize.
-4
42

الحرفية هالة العبيدي،‏ الجمهورية التونسية،‏ الجائزة الثانية وقيمتها ثلاثة آلاف دولار.‏
5- Mrs. Hela INOUBLI LABIDI, Tunisia, (US$3,000) Second Prize.
-5
Pottery work of Artisan Hela INOUBLI LABIDI, Tunisia
43

الحرفي سمير بن حمد إبراهيم الزجالي،‏ سلطنة عمان،‏ الجائزة الثالثة وقيمتها ألفي دولار.‏
6- Mr. Samir Ben Hamad Ibrahim alZajali, Oman, (US$2,000) Third Prize.
-6
السيراميك
الحرفي مهند بلقاسم سايس،‏ الجمهورية الجزائرية،‏ الجائزة الثانية وقيمتها ثلاثة آلاف دولار.‏
Ceramics:
7- Mr. Mohanad Belkacem Sais, Algeria, (US$3,000) Second Prize.
-7
44

Works of Mr. Mohanad Belkacem Sais, Algeria
الحرفي مهدي حيدري،‏ ايران،‏ الجائزة الثالثة وقيمتها ألفي دولار.‏
8- Mr. Mahdi Heidari, Iran, (US$2,000) Third Prize.
-8
45

السجّاد والكليم
الحرفي موسى باشاران،‏ الجمهورية التركية،‏ الجائزة الأولى وقيمتها خمسة آلاف دولار.‏
Carpets:
9- Mr. Musa Kazim Basaran, Turkey, (US$5,000) First Prize.
-9
Mr. Musa Kazim Basaran, a Master Artisan in Carpet Making, Turkey
Mr. Musa while receiving his Award
46

الحرفي ابرا اندياي،‏ السنغال،‏ الجائزة الثانية وقيمتها ثلاثة آلاف دولار.‏
10- Mr. Ibra Ndiaye, Senegal, (US$3,000) Second Prize.
-10
Mr. Ibra Ndiaye, A Master Artisan in Carpets from Senegal
الحرفي عبد الوهاب صويحب،‏ الجمهورية التونسية،‏ الجائزة الثالثة وقيمتها ألفي دولار.‏
11- Mr. AbdulWahab Suweihib, Tunisia, (US$2,000) Third Prize.
-11
47

الحرف الخشبية
-12
الحرفي بن بلفقيه محمد،‏
المملكة
المغربية،‏ الجائزة الأولى،‏
وقيمتها
خمسة آلاف دولار.‏
Woodwork:
12- Mr. Ben Belfkeih Mohamed, Morocco, (US$5,000) First Prize.
48

الحرفي عيسى سيسوكو،‏ السنغال،‏ الجائزة الثانية،‏ وقيمتها ثلاثة آلاف دولار.‏
13- Mr. Issa Cissoko, Senegal, (US$3,000) Second Prize.
-13
49

الحرفي علي السبسبي،‏ الجمهورية العربية السورية،‏ الجائزة الثالثة وقيمتها ألفي دولار.‏
14- Mr. Ali al-Sabsi, Syria, (US$2,000) Third Prize.
-14
50

الحرف المعدنية
الحرفي الساخي ادريس،‏ المملكة المغربية،‏ الجائزة الأولى وقيمتها خمسة آلاف دولار.‏
Metal Crafts:
15- Mr. AlSakhi Idris, Morocco, (US$5,000) First Prize.
-15
Mr. AlSakhi Idris, a Master Artisan, Morocco performing his silver craft works
51

الحرفي روموالد أويدراجو،‏ بوركينا فاسو،‏ الجائزة الثانية وقيمتها ثلاثة آلاف دولار.‏
16- Mr. Romuald Ouedraogo, Burkina Faso, (US$3,000) Second Prize.
-16
الحرفية كاتارينا دودا،‏ مقدونيا،‏ الجائزة الثالثة وقيمتها ألفي دولار.‏
17- Ms. Katarina Doda, Meccedonia, (US$2,000) Third Prize.
-17
Ms. Katarina Doda, Jewelry works from Macedonia
52

الأزياء التقليدية
-18
الحرفية ختام زكي عامر خلف،‏ الجائزة الأولى وقيمتها خمسة آلاف دولار.‏
Costumes: 18- Mrs. Khitam Zaki Amer Khalaf, Palestine, (US$5,000) First Prize.
الحرفية ثريا بابا زوجة عمر بخاش،‏ لبنان،‏ الجائزة الثانية وقيمتها ثلاثة آلاف دولار.‏
19- Mrs. Mrs. Souraya Baba Bakhash, Lebanon, (US$3,000) Second Prize.
-19
53

الحرفية ندياي ديجوينه،‏ السنغال،‏ الجائزة الثالثة وقيمتها ألفي دولار.‏
20- Ms. Ndeye Deguene, Senegal, (US$2,000) Third Prize.
-20
54

األزياء التقليدية
21- الحرفي سي قاط هشام،‏ المملكة المغربية،‏ الجائزة الثانية وقيمتها ثلاثة آلاف دولار.‏
Embroidery: 21- Mr. SiKat Hisham, Morocco, (US$3,000) Second Prize.
النسيج
-22
الحرفية ميشي أوكازاكي،‏ اليابان،‏ الجائزة الأولى خمسة آلاف دولار.‏
Textiles:
22- Mrs. Michie OKAZAKI, Japan (US$5,000) First Prize.
-23
الحرفي عبدالجبار محمد خاطري،‏ الهند،‏ الجائزة الثانية وقيمتها ثلاثة آلاف دولار.‏
23- Mr. ABDUL JABAR MAHMED KHATRI, India, (US$3,000) Second Prize.
55

الحرفي ساوادوجو سوجوري ممادو،‏ بوركينا فاسو،‏ الجائزة الثالثة وقيمتها ألفي دولار.‏
24- Mr. SAWADOGO Sougouri Mamoudou, Burkina Faso,
(US$2,000) Third Prize.
-24
Mr. SAWADOGO Sougouri Mamoudou, Burkina Faso,
56

الحرف الجلدية
-25
الحرفي عمر دياني جويي،‏ السنغال،‏ الجائزة الثانية وقيمتها ثلاثة آلاف دولار.‏
Leather:
25- Mr. Omar Diagne Gueye, Senegal, (US$3,000) Second Prize.
الفسيفساء
26- الحرفية دانا عضاضة،‏ لبنان،‏ الجائزة الأولى وقيمتها خمسة آلاف دولار.‏
Mosaic:
26- Mrs. Dana Adada, Lebanon, (US$5,000) First Prize.
57

27- الحرفي رسمي عبد الرحمن محمود شاعر،‏ فلسطين،‏ الجائزة الثانية وقيمتها ثلاثة آلاف دولار.‏
27- Mr. Rasmi AbdulRahman Mahmoud Shaer, Palestine, (US$3,000) Second Prize.
الحرفي رضا بن الحبيب حفيظ،‏ الجمهورية التونسية،‏ الجائزة الثالثة وقيمتها ألفي دولار.‏
28- Mr. Ridha Ben el-Habib Hfayedh, Tunisia, (US$2,000) Third Prize.
-
58

One of the Mozaic Works of Mr. Ridha Ben el-Habib Hfayedh, Tunisia
جوائز تشجيعية
الحرفية فاطمة الشامسي،‏ سلطنة عمان،‏ جائزة تشجيعية بقيمة ألف وخمسمائة دولار.‏
Encouraging Awards:
29- Ms. Fatma Shamsi, Oman, (US$1,500).
-29
الحرفية بثينة سالم الرحبي،‏ سلطنة عمان،‏ جائزة تشجيعية بقيمة ألف وخمسمائة دولار.‏
30- Ms. Buthaina Salim AlRahbi, Oman, (US$1,500).
-30
59

Some of the displayed Omani Craft Works
60

Omani Traditional Folklore
61

Turkish Metal Crafts
Stand of Vorotnokova Tatiana, Traditional Costumes, Kyrghyzstan
62

Traditional Embroidery Works, Russia
Traditional Costuemes in Mauritania, Artisan Mariam Ki,
63

Artisan Najiba Fneyou, Tunisia, specialized in the field of
mixing Traditional Heritage with Modernity
64

Silver Works in Morocco
Wooden Works in Uzbekistan
65

Artisan Fary Gueye, Traditional Costumes, Senegal
Sedef and Wooden Works, Syria
66

Artisan Imotova Manzura, Embroidery, Tajikistan
Master Artisan Makhmhdov Said, Wooden Works, Tajikistan
67

Artisan Lena Mboup, Pottery, Senegal
68

Master Artisan Mohamad Abdulla Ahmidat, Mauritania, Wooden Crafts
69

Artisan Razia Haffajee, Painting on pottery, South Africa
70

Master Artisan Mohamed Rashid Huseyin,
Silver Crafts and Calligraphy
Visitors enjoying seeing the techniques of crafts applied by Artisans
71

Master Artisan Mukhtabar Mirjalilova,
Embroidery and Traditional Costume, Uzbekistan
Wooden works from Russia
72

On 24 February 2011, the curtains came down, on yet another memorable
edition of the Muscat Festival, an annual showcase of the Sultanate’s vibrant
cultural, musical, craft and folk traditions. On the concluding day thousands of
visitors thronged Qurum Natural Park for the final time this year of the festive
joy, revelry and merriment pervading event. For visitors the concluding day was
an opportunity to witness the spectacular Carnival Parade and Multimedia show.
Another key attraction has been the International Arts and crafts Village
organized by Muscat Municipality and IRCICA featuring around 150 Master
Artisans from nearly 30 Countries. The exhibition included artisans at work, an
exhibition of masterpieces of handicraft products, a bazaar and an exhibition of
albums, catalogs and books published in the field of arts and handicrafts.
73