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Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- General
- Kuwait Times
Researcher explores Gulf history through primary sources
KUWAIT: Independent researcher and PhD holder in modern history Dr Mohammad Al-Kharashan delivers a thought-provoking lecture on Monday titled 'Primary Sources in the Modern History of Kuwait and the Gulf,' at the Kuwait National Library. – KUNA photos KUWAIT: Independent researcher and PhD holder in modern history Dr Mohammad Al-Kharashan delivered a thought-provoking lecture on Monday titled 'Primary Sources in the Modern History of Kuwait and the Gulf,' at the Kuwait National Library. The event was held as part of the 17th Cultural Summer Festival, organized by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL). Moderated by history researcher Nader Al-Wathir, the lecture shed light on the concept and significance of primary sources — often overlooked in traditional academic frameworks — as foundational tools for deepening understanding of Kuwait and the wider Gulf region's historical narratives. Dr Al-Kharashan posed three central questions guiding his exploration: How can primary sources be identified and located? What methods are best suited for analyzing and referencing their components? And can such sources be integrated into the historical records of later eras, particularly the modern period? Using a combination of documentary examples and archival materials, Al-Kharashan employed a critical and dialectical methodology that balanced deductive and inductive reasoning. He also engaged with past academic legacies, proposing a classification system for researchers based on their approaches to primary source material. Among his key conclusions was a call for the reclassification of historical references to prioritize primary sources as essential scholarly resources. He also emphasized the importance of reviving previously overlooked documents and urged deeper exploration of source material rooted in authentic historical records. The 17th edition of the Cultural Summer Festival kicked off last Wednesday and runs for seven weeks, featuring a wide spectrum of cultural and artistic events aimed at enriching public knowledge and engagement across all age groups. — KUNA
Arab Times
20-05-2025
- General
- Arab Times
A Legacy Of Friendship: Kuwait And India Reflect On 250 Years Of Strong Bilateral Relations
KUWAIT CITY, May 20: In a testament to the rich and enduring friendship between Kuwait and India, the Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, praised the relationship between the two nations as a unique model of brotherhood and cultural synergy. His remarks came during the inauguration of the exhibition 'Rihla - E- Dosti: 250 Years of Relations between India and Kuwait,' hosted at the Kuwait National Library in collaboration with the Embassy of India and the Kuwait Heritage Society. Dr. Al-Jassar emphasized that the relationship between Kuwait and India has never been limited to mere economic interests. 'It is a deep and exceptional bond woven through centuries of mutual respect, cultural exchange, and shared values,' he said. Highlighting the long-standing maritime and commercial ties, he described how the early roots of this connection began around 1775 when Kuwaiti ships first docked at Indian ports. These initial encounters laid the foundation for what would become a dynamic trade network stretching across the East and West, positioning Kuwait as a vital commercial hub in the Gulf region. He noted that many Kuwaiti families eventually settled near Indian ports, engaging in the export of key commodities such as foodstuffs and timber, while importing dates and Arabian horses, contributing significantly to the economic and cultural prosperity of both nations. 'Our shared heritage and ancient history continue to be a guiding light toward a future of stronger cooperation and cultural unity,' Al-Jassar added. The exhibition, which runs until the end of the week, showcases rare archival photographs, historical documents, and items that highlight the profound civilizational and cultural influence exchanged between the two countries over centuries. Seminars and interactive sessions also explore these deep-rooted connections. Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Adarsh Sewaka, echoed these sentiments, noting that the relationship between the two countries predates their formation as modern states. He recalled how Kuwaiti vessels once carried dates, pearls, and horses to Indian shores, returning with rice, spices, wood, and textiles—products that sustained not only Kuwait but the wider Gulf region. Ambassador Sewaka stressed the importance of educating the younger generations about this historic bond. 'This exhibition serves as a celebration of our shared journey and a reminder to our youth of the cultural bridges that have long connected our peoples,' he said. He revealed that school and university students from across Kuwait would visit the exhibition in the coming days. Among the displays are documents related to trade at Indian ports, Arabic books on pearl diving printed in India, historic banknotes and currencies used in Kuwait up to 1961, and postage stamps printed in India. These artifacts offer a tangible look into the intertwined legacies of India and Kuwait. The ambassador extended his gratitude to the NCCAL for its ongoing efforts in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and praised the Kuwait Heritage Society, particularly its chairman Fahad Al-Abduljalil, for being instrumental in bringing the event to life. The exhibition, 'Dosti's Journey: 250 Years of India-Kuwait Relations,' is a joint initiative involving the Embassy of India, NCCAL, Kuwait Heritage Society, National Archives of India, and India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of External Affairs. It stands as a powerful tribute to the centuries-old relationship built on trade, trust, and an enduring cultural kinship.
