The Importance of Oral History in the Gulf (En/Ar)

We are pleased to participate at the Qatar National Library in a series of lectures on the history of the Gulf under the title 'Beyond Documents - The Importance of Oral History in the Gulf.' The Arabian Gulf region is rich in cultural heritage and diverse historical narratives, home to many oral traditions that have shaped its identity across generations. Until the mid-20th century, the region primarily relied on oral communication and storytelling, making 'oral history' one of the most important tools for preserving cultural heritage and national identity. These narratives remain a living testament to the history of the region's peoples and their stages of development. With the comprehensive renaissance the region is witnessing, oral history has become an indispensable tool for safeguarding authentic traditions and historical narratives from extinction, ensuring their sustainability and transmission to future generations. This seminar within the 'Gulf History Lectures' highlights the importance of oral history projects in documenting the region's history, as it is a fundamental and complementary source to written history. The lecture will review the role of institutional systems and community initiatives in protecting and preserving oral history in the Gulf region. This session will be held remotely via Zoom. Date: February 11, 2026. Time: 5:30 - 6:30 PM. Language: Arabic and English. The speakers in the seminar are: * Amal Al-Haidous, Head of the Oral History Department at the Qatar National Museum, where she will present the museum's oral history project. * Dalal Al-Dail, founder of the 'Tura' project for documenting the history of Kuwait, highlighting the importance of community initiatives in this field. To attend: Please register via the link in the bio, and you will receive the live stream link one day before the event.