Al-Ahsa Bisht Festival: 5 countries showcase weaving arts in Al-Ahsa
In a cultural celebration reflecting the depth of Gulf and Arab heritage, the Heritage Commission solidified the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as a global cultural destination by organizing the "Al-Ahsa Bisht Festival" at the historic Ibrahim Palace in Al-Ahsa Governorate. The festival witnessed broad participation from across the Gulf and the Arab world, underscoring Al-Ahsa's pioneering role in shaping the region's shared heritage identity. The palace's halls were transformed into a vibrant platform for recounting the stories of hand-weaving techniques passed down through generations.
Al-Ahsa: The cradle of the craft and the capital of bishts (traditional men's cloaks)
The Al-Ahsa bisht is more than just a traditional garment; it's a symbol of prestige and Arab heritage with a history spanning centuries. The significance of this festival lies in highlighting Al-Ahsa as one of UNESCO's most important Creative Cities in the field of crafts and folk arts. Bisht weaving in Al-Ahsa is a distinct art form, characterized by the precision of its "zari" (gold and silver threads) and the quality of its fabrics, making it the leading authority on this craft in the Gulf and the Arab world.
Intercultural exchange and sharing of experiences
A select group of leading bisht merchants from the Gulf and the wider Arab region agreed on the profound impact of the festival in reviving the living memory of the traditional weaving craft. Participants described the event as an exceptional platform for exchanging craft expertise, providing them with a rare opportunity to showcase their authentic products to a discerning audience.
In this context, Iraqi merchant Hassan Al-Niyar revealed the deep artistic connections between the Najafi abaya and the Al-Ahsa bisht, noting the similarity in hand-sewing techniques between southern Iraq and those in Al-Ahsa, reflecting the shared cultural roots of the two countries. Al-Niyar then outlined the stages of manufacturing the Najafi abaya, beginning with shearing and hand-spinning sheep's wool, highlighting the subtle differences in the "yellow garment" and the variations in tailoring across different Iraqi regions.
Developing while preserving identity
From the Kingdom of Bahrain, Hussein Al-Youssef, a descendant of a family that has practiced the craft since 1939, affirmed that the Bahraini bisht is a historical extension of its Al-Ahsa origins. He pointed to the success of Bahraini artisans in developing the zari embroidery patterns and introducing modern colors such as beige and gray, while also creating artistic touches like the "eighth pattern" associated with the ruling family, and incorporating the finest Italian and European fabrics to meet the demands of modern luxury.
Royal pattern and record numbers
In the Syrian pavilion, trader Sadiq Baalbeki pointed out that the Syrian bisht is distinguished by its "royal pattern" with red lines and the use of genuine zari that has a greenish tint, stressing that the craft in Syria is witnessing a remarkable development in quality.
For his part, Kuwaiti merchant Farid Al-Baghli emphasized that the artisans of Al-Ahsa were the ones who passed on the secrets of the craft to neighboring countries, considering Al-Ahsa the "legitimate mother" of this industry. Al-Baghli also drew attention to the Kuwaiti achievement of entering the Guinness World Records for weaving the world's largest bisht, measuring nearly 17 meters in length, as a message of pride in Gulf identity.
Classical precision and princely standards
Qatari merchant Ali Al-Yousef concluded the testimonials by emphasizing the commitment of Qatari artisans to preserving the "old Al-Ahsa precision" worn by the late kings of the kingdom, preferring to use a fine zari thread no wider than 1.5 inches to maintain a classic, formal style. He explained that the distinction lies in the intricate details and the zari's origins, whether German or French, thus offering the collector a wide range of luxurious options.
