Istikanah

Element Name

Istikanah

Other Names

Biyalah, Istikan

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

The istikanah is a small glass cup usually used for drinking tea, with a capacity close to that of a coffee cup. It is distinguished by an elegant narrowed shape and straight rim and may sometimes have a small handle, in which case it is known as a biyalah. Some istikanahs were decorated with attractive patterns and ornamentation reflecting popular taste and the refined simplicity of traditional hospitality utensils. The istikanah became widespread with the emergence of popular cafés and majlises where people gathered to drink tea and exchange everyday conversation. It was often served with a small glass saucer, and some people would pour a small quantity of tea into the saucer to cool it before drinking it slowly, while others did so quickly to reduce its heat before returning to their daily work. The istikanah is closely associated with memories of traditional social life and represents part of the customs of hospitality and social interaction in 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.

04

Local Artistic or Technical Creativity: The element embodies creativity that originated from the local environment, whether in the materials used, methods of performance, or design patterns. This creativity may have developed collectively, reflecting how people interact with their surroundings and respond to their needs in an innovative way that expresses collective intelligence.