Luxor Arabic Poetry Festival Concludes, Celebrating Cultural Unity And Cooperation In Egypt

The Luxor Arabic Poetry Festival recently concluded its ninth edition in the vibrant setting of Luxor's open-air theatre. This event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, was organised by Sharjah's Department of Culture and Egypt's Ministry of Culture. Over four days, more than 100 poets, critics, academics, writers, and artists participated.

Abdullah bin Muhammad Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture in Sharjah, attended the closing ceremony alongside other notable figures. Among them were Muhammad Ibrahim Al Qaseer from Sharjah's Department of Cultural Affairs and Dr. Muhammad Hassani, Director of the Egyptian Public Library. Hussein Al Qabbahi, Director of the House of Poetry, also graced the event.

Al Owais highlighted the fruitful collaboration between the House of Poetry and Luxor Governorate. This partnership includes cultural and academic institutions like Luxor University's Faculty of Fine Arts and the Egyptian Public Library. He emphasised that such cooperation enriches Egypt's cultural movement, especially in southern regions.

Dr. Hassani praised His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's vision for establishing Houses of Poetry across the Arab world. He noted that these houses foster Arab cultural unity and have created a unique cultural environment in Luxor.

Hussein Al Qabbahi expressed gratitude to attendees while acknowledging Luxor's historical significance and its growing cultural prominence. He credited this growth to His Highness's support for the House of Poetry, which has opened new avenues for Egyptian poets to express themselves.

Al Qabbahi also mentioned that many creators nurtured by the House of Poetry have become leading figures in Egypt's cultural scene. The house collaborates with official Egyptian institutions to further enhance Egypt’s cultural landscape.

Festival Highlights

The festival celebrated Egypt’s rich poetic tradition annually through events like these. Participants acknowledged Sharjah’s significant role in supporting poets across the Arab world without conditions or restrictions.

The festival has played a crucial role over nine years in connecting poets from northern and southern Egypt with a shared sense of belonging to both their country and the broader Arab world.

Future Collaborations

Dr. Hassani described ongoing collaborations between the Egyptian Public Library and the House of Poetry as vital for nurturing talent in Luxor and Upper Egypt. He referred to this partnership as essential for advancing cultural work.

The library plans to expand its cooperation with the House of Poetry further, promising more activities that will benefit both institutions significantly.

The festival underscored Sharjah’s esteemed position among poets throughout the Arab world due to its unwavering support for intellectuals and writers. The House of Poetry continues to serve as a pivotal institution for poetry enthusiasts across Egypt.

With inputs from WAM