Years of Culture supports Indonesia’s bid for Unesco World Heritage

Qatar Museums’ (QM) Years of Culture (YoC) initiative and Indonesia’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology have partnered to conserve and highlight the historical and cultural significance of the Spice Route.
The two institutions are working towards securing Unesco’s recognition of the Spice Route as a World Heritage Site, with plans to compile substantial evidence for submission by the following year.
In his address at a panel discussion yesterday (October 17) at the Qatar National Library (QNL), Indonesian ambassador Ridwan Hassan thanked and acknowledged the partnership between Qatar and Indonesia in the framework of the YoC initiative.
He highlighted the programme’s unique focus on exploring the historical and cultural connections along the Spice Route, underlining its profound influence on global heritage.
“The relationship between the Arab world and Nusantara has a deep historical connection, characterised by centuries of cultural, trade, and diplomatic ties. One of the most significant aspects of their relationship is the ancient Spice Trade route. This maritime network connected the Arab world with Nusantara, facilitating the exchange of valuable spices, such as cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper, as well as other goods.
“In fact, the Spice Trade route was not only about the exchange of valuable spices, but also facilitated a significant cultural exchange. Arab traders, who were predominantly Muslims, began to settle in various port cities and trading hubs across the Nusantara region, until Indonesia became the world’s largest Islamic country by population,” the envoy said.
The project commenced with the “Appreciation of the Cultural Actors on the Spice Route” residency programme, enabling scholars to traverse countries along this ancient trade route. Their mission is to gather evidence showcasing the cultural impact of the Spice Route through archaeological findings, historical documents, and local intangible heritage.
The initial leg of this residency covers three countries, including Qatar. Participants Idris Masudi, Adimas Bayumurti, Fathurrochman Karyadi, supervised by A Ginanjar Sya’ban, are leading this endeavour.
“Qatar was chosen as one of the first host countries of the residency programme due to its rich collections of cultural artefacts related to Arab culture and history, and deep insights into the historical trade relations between the ancient Arab world and Nusantara. We hope these studies will enrich historical knowledge, enhance understanding, and strengthen its eventual bid for Unesco’s list of World Heritage Sites.
“The residency programme marks a crucial step in safeguarding this invaluable heritage for future generations,” Hilmar Farid, Director General of Culture in the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, said in a press statement. Researchers participating in the residency programme shared their significant findings at the panel talk at QNL, with spokespersons including Hassan and researcher/academic Adimas Bayumurti, among others.
According to QM, numerous cultural institutions in Qatar are actively involved in the residency, providing researchers access to their collections of manuscripts and artefacts. The National Museum of Qatar, housing a diverse collection from the Cirebon shipwreck in the Java Sea, offers a unique opportunity to explore maritime culture and trade relations. QNL provides access to Arabic sources on Archipelago Spices, particularly pre-16th-century accounts of Arab travellers and traders in the Indian Ocean region.
“The Spice Route had a profound impact on the cultural tapestry of the Arab world. This was more than a conduit for precious spices, but was also one of the best examples of cultural exchange and human connection.
The ties it forged transcended centuries, enriching our understanding of the past and setting a path for an interconnected future. We are honoured to take part in such a worthy endeavour,” a YoC representative said.