The Folk Culture Under The Umbrella of The National Reform Project

On February 14, 2001, people of Bahrain gave “YES” to the National Action Charter, endorsing it with a 98.4% of voices in a nationwide referendum, thus demonstrating the unprecedented popular support that contributed to the crystallization and inauguration of the National Reform, which was launched by His Majesty, Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, may God protect him! A number of courageous political measures and decisions had set up the basis for the atmosphere of détente in the local political arena and for the openness to different streams, in a clear wish to involve multiple voices in decision-making. At that time, Bahrain and other Arab countries reached historical crossroads, where all international and regional events indicated that the time was up for reform and change, and that a bold, unrecoverable decision to climb the doorsteps of history had to be made. In this context, the Reform Project of His Majesty, the King, was a historical chance to the cultural move, which Bahrain witnessed in the following years. We hence witnessed an advanced upswing in different aspects of life, including the political, economic, and social spheres, which, in turn, led to a major move towards the modernization of legal and administrative systems, the formation of constitutional institutions and bodies, the realization of a democratic order, and the freedom of speech and expression. We should not forget, however, that the achievement of such a democratic path for peoples and governments requires a great deal of understanding, patience, and diligence. This is a necessary element to get committed towards rendering love, tolerance, and democracy, being the only unavoidable option, despite all difficulties associated with it in its early stages, for this is what we have learnt from the nations that took the same road in the past. During the past years of the prosperous era of this young Kingdom, the culture, which was given a significant amount of attention, became an important pillar of political, economic, and social development. The authentic creativity actually thrives in an atmosphere of freedom, democracy and openness, being a vital component of the rise of our National Culture, whose origins are centered upon the civilizations, which flourished in both the sea and the desert. We may absolutely contend that the issue of the “Folk Culture” Journal for the third year is a manifestation of democratic freedom and prosperity and a way to cling to the Arabic national identity and to the multiplicity of cultural roots and origins in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The publication of the Journal is one of the growing seeds of a set of plants which firmly constitute the enormous Reform Project. We take care of it and secure its continuous growth for the sake of our future generations. In this endeavor, we rely on the support and guidance of His Majesty, Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, may Allah guard and protect him! We extend our greetings to the leadership and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain, who in these days celebrate the anniversary of the Glorious National Day. Under the Wing of the National Reform Project, the flowers will always bloom, and the souls will be filled with great ambitions and wishes!