Khaberni - The Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo captured the spotlight in the celebrations of Al Nassr club reclaiming the top position in the Saudi Roshan League after he appeared wearing a rare "Al-Mu'allima" Hasawi Bishat, in a gesture that coincided with the Saudi Founding Day celebrations, turning this heritage piece into the talk of the crowd both inside and outside the kingdom.
The Saudi craftsman, Ali Al-Ghawas, one of the participants in crafting the Bishat, told "Al-Arabiya.net" that this bishat belongs to the "Al-Mu'allima" style, an ancient style whose value exceeds 80,000 Riyals, due to its luxury and precision in embroidery.
He explained that this type has been and still is among the formal attire worn by notables and high-profile figures at national occasions, which gave Ronaldo's appearance a special presence and a significant symbolism. The crafting of the Bishat took about a full month and involved nine craftsmen, including his mother, in a meticulous manual process that requires long experience.
The "Al-Mu'allima" Bishat is characterized by its visible decorations on the chest and shoulders, combining a classic style and hand embroidery using golden or silver Zari threads, with a detailed presentation of the inscriptions showcasing the traditional features of the Hasawi Bishat, and is typically tailored from luxurious fabrics like natural cashmere or light wool, giving it a flowing and elegant appearance when worn.
The manufacturing process starts with weaving the fabric and then proceeds through multiple stages including assembling the edgings, collar, patches, extensions, cords, and it culminates with the "Bardakh" stage where the luster of the Zari and its distinctive golden color are highlighted. The duration of crafting the Bishat varies depending on the density of embroidery and the quality of fabric and can span from ten days to several months in some cases.
This bishat carries a social and cultural value that transcends being merely a piece of clothing. It is considered a symbol of the rooted heritage of Al-Ahsa and an extension of a long history associated with the emergence of kings and top leaders during the stages of the founding of the Saudi state. Hence, Ronaldo's appearance in this Bishat was not a fleeting event but a moment that re-highlighted the traditional Saudi crafts and the presence of the Hasawi Bishat as one of the prominent components of national identity.
Ronaldo continues to participate in the upcoming national occasions of the Saudis, following his previous presence at the National Day celebrations, expressing his happiness with his stay in Riyadh and his support for the Saudi sports project, thereby affirming his role as a global sports player who has become part of the cultural and social scene in the Kingdom.
