Al-Qallafah is the craft of building traditional wooden ships in the eastern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is considered part of the woodworking profession. The artisan practicing this craft is called a al-Qallaf, and there is also the Majdami, a term used for the craftsman responsible for repairing ship damages, who often accompanies pearl diving ships on their journeys.
The craft of wooden shipbuilding has been widely recognized in the Arab Gulf countries as part of their heritage, reflecting the connection between the coastal regions and Gulf countries with the sea, fishing, and pearl diving. The inhabitants of the Eastern Province, and the Arabian Gulf in general, have practiced the craft of al-Qallafah since ancient times. They relied on maritime routes to connect with other peoples, as land routes were arduous. This contributed to the flourishing of maritime navigation and, consequently, the development of traditional shipbuilding.
Related quizzes
Related articles
