New Book by Balkis Sharara Documents the life of Her Husband Rifat Chadirji

New Book by Balkis Sharara Documents the life of Her Husband Rifat Chadirji
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New Book by Balkis Sharara Documents the life of Her Husband Rifat Chadirji

New Book by Balkis Sharara Documents the life of Her Husband Rifat Chadirji

Dar Al Mada publishing house, Iraq, has released a new book entitled “Rifat Chadirji,” featuring the biography of the prominent architect written by his wife Balkis Sharara.

The book details the journey of Chadirji and his great architectural achievements, in addition to his books on modern architecture.

In her book, Sharara opens-up about her life with her husband, their acquaintance, marriage, and his death in mid-2020. She also speaks about his family and its role in the contemporary history of Iraq, mostly his father, Kamil Chadirji, one of the most important national and political figures in the country since the establishment of the Iraqi state in the past century.

Although Balkis Sharara explored many aspects of her life with Rifat Chadirji in her two previous books that revolved around the detention of her husband and his life sentence in 1978, however, her new work reveals many details from the architect’s life, experiences, and achievements, in addition to his unique experience in photography, as well as his connections inside and outside Iraq.

“Over two months after loosing Rifat, my companion, I felt the loss of time, and recalled his words ‘I don’t have a time to waste.’ Time is precious and we should take advantage of it. But time has become abundant, and I never dreamed of such abundance. First, I didn’t have the courage to sit behind my desk or even to start writing. However, the idea of writing about him was chasing me, so I started. When I finished the first chapter, I found this experience is a reminder of the importance of Rifat’s achievements. I knew him in our everyday life, and now, I introduce him through his ideas and efforts…After I finished this book, I felt relieved and discovered new sides in my late husband.” Sharara writes in her book.



'Kimono Bisht,' a Saudi-Japanese Cultural Encounter at Expo 2025 in Osaka

The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) participated in the Saudi Cultural Week at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. (SPA)
The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) participated in the Saudi Cultural Week at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. (SPA)
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'Kimono Bisht,' a Saudi-Japanese Cultural Encounter at Expo 2025 in Osaka

The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) participated in the Saudi Cultural Week at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. (SPA)
The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) participated in the Saudi Cultural Week at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. (SPA)

The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) participated in the Saudi Cultural Week at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, from July 12 to 15. The event aimed to enhance the international presence of Saudi traditional arts, empower entrepreneurs, and provide live experiences for the public.

The event coincided with the "Year of Handicrafts 2025" and celebrated the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan, the Saudi Press Agency said on Tuesday.

During its participation, the institute presented a unique piece entitled "Kimono Bisht,” an artistic fusion of the Saudi bisht and the Japanese kimono, showcasing a distinctive cultural embodiment that blends symbolism and innovation from both ancient cultures.

The live artwork was created in collaboration between Saudi artisan Salman Al-Hamad and Japanese artist Yuho Ohkota. Bisht embroidery techniques were skillfully integrated into a contemporary kimono design, resulting in a garment that reflects a vibrant visual dialogue through the language of art.

The creation underscores the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts' efforts to employ crafts and heritage in developing contemporary content with global visual appeal and a profound artistic message. It reinforces the institute's role as a leading entity in highlighting national identity and promoting Saudi traditional arts both locally and internationally.

The institute is committed to preserving heritage, honoring living treasures, distinguished individuals, and pioneers in the field of traditional arts, while supporting national talent and encouraging interest in learning and developing these cultural expressions.