Bahrain’s nomination was among 48 from around the world considered for inscription on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.

Adding another jewel to the crown, one more Middle Eastern treasure has been added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Besides Arabic calligraphy, Bahrain’s Fjiri musical performance also has been added to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list that was announced on Monday.

Fjiri, which dates back to the 19th century was a traditional recital performed by pearl divers and pearling crews to express the hardships faced at sea.

Bahrain’s nomination was among 48 from around the world considered for inscription on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list at an annual UNESCO-led meeting.

Bahrain was also among 16 Muslim-majority countries that presented the nomination of Arabic calligraphy.

Dating back to the late 19th century, it was traditionally performed by pearl divers and pearling crews to express the hardships faced at sea,” UNESCO said on its website.

“The performers sit in a circle, singing and playing different types of drums, finger chimes and a jahl, a clay pot used as an instrument. The centre of the circle is occupied by the dancers and the lead singer, who is in charge of conducting the performance,” it added.

Fjiri originated on the Island of Muharraq, where, up until the mid-twentieth century, most of the population formed part of the pearling community. However, today the practice has reached a wider audience through performances in festivals across all regions of Bahrain.

The art form is usually performed in cultural spaces called durs by descendants of pearl divers and pearling crews and by other individuals. The transmission process usually entails consistently practising in durs and performing for audiences. The words, rhythms and instruments are used to convey the values of perseverance, strength and resourcefulness.