Sharjah Museums Authority announced the launch of its latest ’Letters Exchanged: Correspondence of Sheikh Saeed and His Family’ exhibition at the historic Bait Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al Qasimi Museum.

This exhibition, held at the 125-year-old house reopened last October, is the first time a collection of rare letters exchanged between Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al Qasimi, his family, friends, and acquaintances is being publicly displayed.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Sheikh Haitham bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Head of the Office of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah in Kalba, in the presence of Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority, Abdullah Ghanem Al Zaabi, Chairman of AhyaKalba Council and a number of officials and academic and cultural figures.

These handwritten letters, delivered by messengers, played a crucial role in the social and political discourse of the time, providing deep insights into the cultural and social milieu of Sheikh Saeed and his contemporaries. They also poignantly illustrate deep familial bonds, mutual care and respect.

In addition to the letters, the exhibition showcases various objects, including women’s costumes, materials of personal adornment and household items that further enrich the narrative of the museum’s namesake.

From May 29 to December 31, 2024, ’Letters Exchanged’ offers a rare glimpse into a pre-modern and not so distant era of communication, before the advent of modern postal systems, emails and social media.

This collection of letters has been generously shared by the Bin Darwesh family, courtesy of Mr. Abdulaziz bin Darwesh.

These personal documents are part of a broader collection preserved by Sharjah Museums Authority, offering visitors a window into the rich tapestry of familial and social relations of Sharjah’s past.
This exhibition is a landmark event in the preservation and celebration of Kalba city’s cultural heritage, inviting everyone to explore the rich history and architectural beauty of the Bait Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al Qasimi Museum, a cultural and historical hub attracting visitors locally and from across the globe.