Sharjah Cultural Forum 2 Launches With Focus On Abbasid Era's Cultural Legacy

The second edition of the Sharjah Cultural Forum commenced at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre. H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, attended the event. This forum underscores Sharjah's commitment to nurturing cultural growth and solidifying its status as a hub for thought and creativity through initiatives that promote literature and knowledge.

The forum's agenda included dialogue sessions and artistic performances, focusing on how writing strengthens national identity. It highlighted writing as a means of human and cultural communication across generations. The event spanned three days, showcasing a variety of talented writers and artists. The opening day featured a musical performance titled "Oud Playing" by Sherine Tohamy, followed by poetry readings from Abdullah Al-Hadiyya.

H.H. Sheikha Jawaher attended the session "Harun al-Rashid: Bridging Reality and Imaginative Views," which delved into the Abbasid era, a vibrant period in Arab and Islamic history. Researcher Awad bin Hasoum Al Darmaki offered insights into this era's cultural and intellectual contributions. He discussed Harun al-Rashid's portrayal in Western writings, urging reliance on credible sources to understand Islamic civilization's achievements.

Al Darmaki began his presentation by guiding attendees through key cultural influences that shaped this historical period. He emphasised how advancements in science, literature, and ideas during the Abbasid era left a lasting mark on cities of that time. This aligns with Sharjah's mission to deepen understanding of human history while enriching cultural awareness through knowledge.

A session titled "The Most Prominent Cultural Features of the Abbasid Era" was part of the forum's activities. Dr. Mohammed Al-Maztouri presented "The House of Wisdom and Cultural Salons," highlighting intellectual hubs that defined that renaissance period. The House of Wisdom symbolised knowledge flourishing, translation, scientific research, while cultural salons facilitated dialogue among scholars.

Another session explored how contemporary literature has been influenced by Abbasid poets and writers. Dr. Hessa Al Ketbi examined artistic elements from that era that persist today. This discussion underscored how language and art have transcended time to impact modern literary works.

Impact on Modern Literature

The first day concluded with "Reading Books from the Early Abbasid Era," led by Professor Issa Yousef and Dr. Atef Mansour. They discussed significant shifts in thought during early Abbasid times that shaped Arab culture in subsequent years. These discussions aimed to inspire new generations to explore past legacies for cultural wisdom.

The Sharjah Cultural Forum featured diverse dialogues focusing on literary and artistic creativity during the Abbasid era, known for remarkable developments in poetry, music, thought, philosophy. The event sought to inspire future generations to delve into historical legacies for cultural wisdom and creative aesthetics.

With inputs from WAM