Crafting Tradition in Umluj
Meet Ameen Sanoosi, the Master of the Fishing Port in Umluj, a town with a rich maritime history that has shaped the lives of its inhabitants for generations.
Ameen's dedication to preserving and reviving the traditional art of wooden boat building, known locally as 'Al Sanbuk,' reflects the enduring spirit of Umluj's maritime community.
His story is deeply rooted in the coastal heritage of Umluj, where wooden sailboats have been used for centuries. These boats, once the lifeblood of the local economy, were crafted by master carpenters and used to export products such as coal and fish. However, this vital practice has waned over the past 60 to 70 years.
"Sailing boats were traditionally made by master carpenters from Umluj," Ameen reminisces, "but over time, this tradition has faded away."
Determined to revive this heritage, Ameen is deeply involved in a national initiative launched by Red Sea Global and the Tamkeen Association to preserve the rich maritime legacy of Umluj and other coastal cities along the Red Sea. With the support of these organizations, the project is dedicated to the cultural and economic rejuvenation of the region.
Ameen is reviving the traditional art of wooden boat building, known locally as 'Al Sanbuk'.
Ameen is reviving the traditional art of wooden boat building, known locally as 'Al Sanbuk'.
Wooden sailboats were once the lifeblood of the Umluj economy.
Wooden sailboats were once the lifeblood of the Umluj economy.
A national initiative launched by Red Sea Global and the Tamkeen Association involves young apprentices learning the intricate skills of boat restoration and construction.
A national initiative launched by Red Sea Global and the Tamkeen Association involves young apprentices learning the intricate skills of boat restoration and construction.
Young apprentices restore the old boats and construct new ones under the expert guidance of a master carpenter.
Young apprentices restore the old boats and construct new ones under the expert guidance of a master carpenter.
Apprentices learn to prepare the wood, then paint and fix the sail, and finally, master the art of sailing.
Apprentices learn to prepare the wood, then paint and fix the sail, and finally, master the art of sailing.
Ameen is proud to pass on these boat-building teachings to the next generation.
Ameen is proud to pass on these boat-building teachings to the next generation.
"We are thankful to Red Sea Global and the Tamkeen organization for helping us revive our boat-building heritage," Ameen says. The project involves young apprentices learning the intricate skills of boat restoration and construction under the expert guidance of master carpenters.
"Today, the young apprentices are restoring the old boats and constructing new ones under the expert guidance of a master carpenter," Ameen explains. This process begins with preparing the wood, then painting and fixing the sail, and finally, mastering the art of sailing. The apprentices acquire valuable skills and a deep appreciation for their cultural heritage through these steps.
Ameen's pride in this initiative is evident. "This project warms my heart because I don't need to bring in people from outside the region or outside the Kingdom. The local youth can learn and embrace the occupation, and that genuinely brings me joy," he says.
This continuity of tradition underscores the community's resilience and commitment to its heritage. The initiative has received widespread acclaim, captivating the hearts of men, women, and children and enchanting visitors with tales of sailors' journeys across the Red Sea.
“My brothers and I thrived in this way of life, and today, we pass on these teachings to our own children," Ameen says.
"My brothers and I thrived in this way of life, and today, we pass on these teachings to our own children."
Umluj Location
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