All about the Emirates Handcraft Centre in Sharjah
If you are ever in the fantastic Heart of Sharjah heritage district, the Emirates Handcraft Centre is a must-see visit. Why should this historical gem rank so highly on your Sharjah bucket list? Let’s find out.
What is the Emirates Handcraft Centre?
The Emirates Handcraft Centre was originally the home of Mohammed Salim Al Mazroo’a, a pearl merchant and descendant of a Yemeni and Saudi family who moved to Sharjah. Also known as Bait Al Mazroo’a, the former home of the 19th century pearl merchant is like many traditional homes in UAE. For example, it does not have any windows or additional openings, as is common in many historic homes across the country.
The structure features 17 rooms. Among these, 14 are located on the first floor. Most of these rooms are rectangular in design and include doors which open to an outer yard. The home and its expansive courtyard is surrounded by stucco and stone walls and is characterised by 27 structural elements. These include wood and plaster embellishments as well as a Molasses room.
What to do at Emirates Handcraft Centre?
If you have ever wanted to get acquainted with traditional Emirati crafts, the Emirates Handcraft Centre is the place to visit. Each room in the building features different traditional crafts. Visitors will be able to see effigies of artisans in the process of making palm leaf baskets and other handmade products. Aside from the exhibits, there are also many interesting displays with information about the local architecture. As a visitor, you can also take home a memento by shopping for souvenirs.
Where is the Emirates Handcraft Centre located?
The Emirates Handcraft Centre is situated in old Sharjah within the Heart of Sharjah heritage district near Corniche Road and the West Gate. It is situated right next to the Sharjah Art Foundation Art Space.
What is the Heart of Sharjah?
The Heart of Sharjah project is one of the region’s largest cultural heritage projects to date. Intended for completion by 2025, the purpose of the project is to restore the area to exactly how it was in the 1950s. This innovative project is comprised of five distinct phases and is the product of a joint collaboration between the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, Sharjah Art Foundation and the Sharjah Museums Department.
The Heart of Sharjah project aims to revitalise one of the city’s most essential historical areas, and the Emirates Handcraft Centre is a big part of that. Aside from the centre, the district is also home to several museums and heritage sites in Sharjah such as the Al Eslah School Museum.
That’s all for our coverage of the Emirates Handcraft Museum in Sharjah. we hope you enjoy your visit there.
Want to explore the more Sharjah’s history? Maybe consider a trip to the excellent Sharjah Heritage Museum.
Finally, if you’re a history buff looking for other galleries showcasing fascinating exhibits of Middle Eastern art, you should definitely consider visiting the Miraj Islamic Art Centre in Dubai.
For more updates on cultural attractions in the UAE, stay tuned to MyBayut.
(Cover image credit: Heart of Sharjah Facebook page)
