King Faisal Center’s UNESCO Chair Examines Oasis Poetics In Badr Bin Abdulmohsen’s Poetry

The UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, backed by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, collaborated with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) to host a lecture. This event was part of the Diriyah Global Seminar (DGS), themed "Sustaining Civilizations: Oases and the Continuity of Heritage." The lecture focused on "The Poet as Archivist: Translating the Oasis Poetics in Badr bin Abdulmohsen’s New Nabati Lyric."

Dr. Moneera Al-Ghadeer, representing the UNESCO Chair, explored how Prince Badr bin Abdulmohsen's poetry revives and preserves the Najdi dialect and Arabian Peninsula's literary heritage. She illustrated how his poetic imagery brings historical sites to life. His new Nabati lyric poem uses specific dialects and vivid depictions of oasis environments, domestic architecture, and cultural landmarks like Diriyah.

Dr. Al-Ghadeer also discussed translation's role in ensuring heritage continuity and international introduction. Drawing from her experience translating Prince Badr bin Abdulmohsen’s poetry, she emphasized how translation contributes to preserving cultural narratives. This highlights the translator's role in maintaining cultural heritage through language.

The DGS serves as a platform for scholars and experts from various fields to appreciate Diriyah's significance. It aims to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage while focusing on natural, tangible, and intangible aspects. This aligns with the UNESCO Chair’s 2025 theme, "Translating Cultures and Intangible Heritage."

Prince Badr bin Abdulmohsen's poetry not only preserves language but also connects past and present through its vivid imagery. His work captures significant cultural sites such as mud-brick homes, Wadi Hanifa, and desert landscapes. These elements establish a contemporary connection to historical narratives.

The seminar underscores Diriyah's importance by bringing together diverse disciplines to discuss its cultural legacy. By focusing on both tangible and intangible heritage, it enhances understanding of how these elements contribute to sustaining civilizations.

This initiative reflects a broader effort to highlight Diriyah’s cultural richness while promoting global appreciation for its historical significance. The collaboration between various organizations underscores a commitment to preserving heritage through innovative approaches like poetry translation.

With inputs from SPA