Al Jidr – Cooking Pot - Ministry of Culture

Element Name

Al Jidr – Cooking Pot

Other Names

Al Qidr

Practice Environment

All environments

Practice Location

All Emirates of the UAE

Scope of Practice

All segments of society

Heritage Domain/ Category

Customs, Traditions and Social Etiquette

Element Type/ Subcategory

Traditions and Etiquette of Food and Hospitality

Current Status

Living heritage

Al Jidr – Cooking Pot

Al Jidr, or cooking pot, is one of the basic vessels used to prepare food. It is made from heat-resistant materials such as copper or pottery, while aluminium came into use in more recent periods. Traditional pots varied according to their material and intended use. One of the most prominent types was the earthenware pot, among the oldest and best-known cooking pots in the UAE and widely used during the first half of the twentieth century and earlier to prepare different foods. It was locally made in pottery kilns. Another type was the barmah, an earthenware cooking pot distinguished by its ability to withstand heat. There was also the sufriyah, a copper pot available in different sizes and used for preparing large quantities of food. Together, these vessels reflect the diversity of traditional cooking methods in older Emirati society.

Criteria Applicable to Nominate Element

01

Presence in Collective Memory and Intergenerational Cohesion: A cultural element is considered deeply rooted when it is held in the collective memory of the community and forms part of their daily experiences, occasions, and social relationships. It also contributes to strengthening the bonds of interaction between different generations, as it is transmitted from elders to younger members, providing a space for celebration and communal participation, thereby creating a sense of belonging and continuity.

02

Geographical or Cultural Specificity: The element is characterized by its association with a specific geographic area or cultural group within the country, giving it a unique identity that distinguishes it from other practices. This element represents part of the social and cultural history of the community, enhancing its value as a distinctive component of local or national identity.

03

Preserving the Element within the Living Community Context: The element derives its value from being actively practiced in people’s daily lives or within their rituals and social occasions. Preserving the element does not mean freezing it in time, but rather supporting it to continue in its original environment, while respecting its natural evolution within the community context.