UAE | Heritage and Culture
Developing the treasures of Dubai
Japanese photographer Y. Kawashima captured 73 amazing and unique black and white pictures during his visit to Dubai in 1962. Now, 47 years on, the public got the chance to savour the treasures of that era for the first time.
- By Fatma Salem, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:07 May 8, 2009
- Image Credit: Y. Kawashima
- This picture of women engaging in commercial activities is one of the pictures on display at the exhibition.
Dubai: Japanese photographer Y. Kawashima captured 73 amazing and unique black and white pictures during his visit to Dubai in 1962.
Now, 47 years on, the public got the chance to savour the treasures of that era for the first time. Dubai 1962 exhibition showcases various traditional Emirati events.
The exhibition offers the public the opportunity to take a journey of the emirate's heritage through the photographer's lens.
Each photo tells a story.
The displayed pictures resurrect the happenings of 1962 and each one of them reveals a crucial aspect of the city back then. One shows people from different walks of life going about their daily routine; you will be stopped by the snapshots of "Come on, Dance! A woman clapping hands with some musicians cheering on.
This was one of the displayed photos dating back to 1962 and the rest reflect a specific event or document the rhythm of the daily lifestyle of Emiratis during that era, such as one of the man of true wisdom and vision - the father of Dubai - the late Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, a solitary shopkeeper with his pipe in a hardware and leather jumble shop, chatters of women and children among the hustle and bustle of a busy street, a gold shop with a small display case, a Japanese salesman negotiating with a textile shopkeeper (textile was the main export commodity from Japan during the 1960's).
Another snapshot shows women taking an active role in commercial activities, a man at the fish market, children dressed in festive cloths with gold accessories symbolising a social occasion. Another photograph shows a young boy with his father (Ebrahim Al Janahi is the young boy who was photographed in 1962).
The young boy in the picture is now the Chief Commercial Officer of Jafza, who was among the guests seen during the opening day of the exhibition, admiring the pictures with nostalgia.
Shidrokh, an Iranian American visitor at the gallery who experienced the life in Dubai and witnessed some activities of the 60's era says, "What a nice idea to host 1962 and introduce it to the current generation, I'm impressed by all the displayed pictures, as a matter of fact, they are taking me back to that beautiful simple time and being surrounded with all that precious memories made me relive each picture's memory."
Shidrokh adds, "How wonderful to resurrect the early memories of the country and such exhibition enables the new generation to learn more about their immortal heritage."
When UAE residents Kimi and Gota Akai presented Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum - President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group - with a photograph of his brother, the late Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum from Kawashima's collection last year, Shaikh Ahmad invited the photographer to Dubai and the lensman made a return journey last November after 46 years.
Kawashima, 79, says he is extremely happy to showcase his rare collection of photos in their city of origin.
"I'm happy to share the taste of joyful success and timeless memories with the source of my 1962 inspiration Dubai and its people." Kawashima spoke to Gulf News through his interpreter Julie Braham
"Dubai has a mystical power that touches one's heart. A camera may only reflect the surface of objects. But I wished to capture the inner feelings of the people here. I shall be happy if my photographs could convey the great heritage of cherishing people's heart, the spirit of Dubai," Kawashima said.
In 1962 Kawashima was accompanied by his journalist friend H. Kato to Dubai and it was the first time for the Japanese journalists to set foot in Dubai and they were stunned by the city's culture. Kawashima is happy about the success of the exhibition.
"To see people from different nationalities coming to view my 1962 collection made me immensely pleased and I truly feel I accomplished unforgettable success that linked my name to Dubai's history."
Dubai 1962 is hosted by Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre at Mall of the Emirates 2nd floor. The exhibition is on until May 26.
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