Sharjah showcases its heritage at TIBF.

Dr. Sultan Sooud Al Qasimi, a member of the Heritage Preservation Committee in the UAE and a member of the American University of Sharjah Board of Trustees, emphasized that a city’s identity goes beyond its physical heritage, cultural expressions, architectural prominence, and historical monuments. Instead, it is intricately intertwined with the collective memory of its inhabitants, reflecting a shared human identity and cultural legacy. This insight was shared during a panel discussion titled “City Identity” organized by the Sharjah Book Authority in Thessaloniki, Greece, on 19th May 2024. At the ongoing Thessaloniki International Book Fair 2024, there was a panel featuring Nikos Vatopoulos, a transport engineer and Professor at the University of Thessaloniki, and the President of Thessaloniki City Council. The panel was moderated by Katerina Tsapikidou, Director of the International Relations Service in Thessaloniki under the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Discussing his book "City Identity," Al Qasimi stated, "I wanted to explore the history of Sharjah because it encapsulates the broader history of the Gulf region. Many pioneering efforts began in Sharjah, including journalism, municipal infrastructure, establishing the airport, and introducing postal services."
"The process of completing this book took five years, as early immigrants dispersed and took their documents, photographs, and records with them when they left. Despite this obstacle, I diligently collected a wealth of previously unseen photos and documents, which are now revealed for the first time within the pages of this book."
"This collaborative book, authored by 17 writers, chronicles 16 iconic building projects in Sharjah, including a cinema with an integrated Chinese restaurant, showcasing the city's cultural diversity since the 1960s. The book features a collection of globally sourced photographs, such as an image of the Flying Saucer building obtained from an Australian maintenance worker."

"Although not the initial focus, we were determined to capture the building's narrative. To this end, we commissioned a sci-fi writer to craft a fantasy-based story about the Flying Saucer, making us the first to employ this innovative approach in documenting architectural structures," he added.
During the discussion, Al Qasimi presented a photograph of the Sharjah Post Office, which was created by the Lebanese company Dar Al-Handasah. The design features beautiful architectural depictions in the form of a bird, while also embodying an Islamic identity within the building. He also shared an image of a commercial structure designed by Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis and acknowledged contributions from the Greek company "Archadion" in developing the port of Sharjah, highlighting the strong connections between Sharjah and Greece.
Nikos Vatopoulos, the author of Walking in Athens, discusses how his book portrays contemporary literary and urban narratives of Athens, showcasing the city's rich cultural layers. He calls for closer ties between Sharjah and Thessaloniki, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.

Vatopoulos recognized Sharjah as a leader in nurturing Emirati and Arab relations with Greece across various domains such as architecture, art, literature, and culture. He also shed light on Thessaloniki’s ongoing exploration of its cultural identity post-liberation from Ottoman rule, illustrating a diverse and intricate identity akin to a mosaic.

In concluding his viewpoints, Vatopoulos acknowledged Thessaloniki's status as Greece's cinematic hub and discussed the complexities involved in developing the metro network amidst the city's multifaceted urban heritage, encompassing remnants from the Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman eras.