Al Azi is a traditional poetry recital performed by a group of individuals without rhythmical or musical instruments. The Poems were first recited in battlefields after victory often citing the courage and generosity that exemplify the greatness of the poem’s subject. It consists of a full-rhymed poem based on traditional poetry and the lines of poetry are sometimes interposed with sayings and proverbs. Bearers and practitioners include the poet, performer, chorus and audience. The practice strengthens bonds and is connected with knowledge and practices related to nature. Al Azi was performed regularly by communities until the mid-1900s, when performances began to dwindle gradually. Due to development, thousands of inhabitants moved from the desert to urban areas, and the economic boom from 1970 to 1990 led to citizens abandoning employment in traditional sectors and the culture and arts associated with such activities. Al Azi was inscribed to the Intangible Cultural Heritage of United Arab Emirates in need of urgent safeguarding in 2017. Despite these challenges, Al Azi has withstood extinction. The practice enjoyed a revival several years ago when it was introduced into national events, with a highly successful theatrical production, and media coverage has helped revive Al Azi, encouraging more poets to compose Al Azi poems. You can watch "Al Azi, art of performing praise, pride and fortitude poetry" on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmZfiI5-yEk/ References: ICH UNESCO, Wikipedia
06-11-2019
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