A peek into a centuries-old Emirati ritual

The practice of applying kohl is a tradition that runs deep in Emirati societies, reveals a veteran kohl-maker at the 18th Sharjah Heritage Days (SHD), as she demonstrates the art of making the traditional Emirati kohl using ‘ithmid’ or ‘antimony’ – a lustrous grey metalloid sourced from the Al Hejaz region in Saudi Arabia.

Seated at the Heritage Crafts Village pavilion at the festival currently ongoing at the Heart of Sharjah district, Fawzia Al Zaabi, a resident of Ras Al Khaimah, explains that the treasured beauty ritual of the region has both cultural and religious references. “For centuries, people across the Arab region have been adorning their eyes with ithmid kohl as it is believed to protect eye health, cleanse it of grime and other substances, and guarantee strength and a clear vision.”

The process of making kohl begins by immersing the rock-like antimony in ‘zamzam’ water – said to contain medicinal properties and which helps remove the impurities of the metalloid. Soaking in water for three to four days softens the stone, and the dried pieces are then crushed on a grindstone.

To this powdered mix, Fawzia adds a pinch of roasted and finely ground date seeds that is said to promote growth of the eye lashes. 

The mixture is then sieved through a fine cloth and filled into thumb-size bottles. The kohl is now ready to use with a seashell-crafted applicator. “The wetness of the eye holds the powdered kohl in place,” she explains.

The use of home-made kohl has waned with the advent of the modern-day mascara, says Fawzia. “I feel dutybound to showcase this tradition here at the Sharjah Heritage Days, to share the knowledge with the younger people so that this ancient practice of our people will continue to live beyond my generation.”

Treasured local customs and traditions like this from 29 nations across the world can be discovered and enjoyed at the festival running until April 10 at Heart of Sharjah. 

The long-awaited Sharjah Heritage Days (SHD) raised the curtain on Saturday, promising the UAE people a rich and vibrant showcase of the unique customs and traditions worldwide.

Themed ‘Cultural Heritage Gathers Us’, this edition of SHD hosts the Republic of Montenegro as Guest of Honour, and the Republic of Kazakhstan as Distinguished Guest.