Sharjah Ruler Spearheads Arab Poetry Forums Across Nine African Nations

H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has instructed the Sharjah Department of Culture to manage the third cycle of Arab poetry forums in Africa. This initiative will cover nine countries: Chad, Mali, Ivory Coast, Benin, Nigeria, Guinea, Senegal, South Sudan, and Niger.

Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qasir, Director of Cultural Affairs at the department, noted that the directives from the Sharjah Ruler aim to enhance Arabic language and literature in Africa. His Highness values Arab and Islamic heritage in many African nations as a key part of Sharjah's cultural efforts.

The Department of Culture has been working closely with these African nations to ensure the events are organised efficiently and with rich cultural content. Preparations across these nine countries have been completed for the third edition of the Arab poetry forums. The events will start in Chad later this month and continue sequentially until concluding in Niger in October this year.

Al Qasir mentioned that the Cultural Affairs Department plans to implement the third phase of this initiative by organising poetry events throughout 2024 in Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, Chad, Niger, Mali, South Sudan, Benin, and Ivory Coast. He stressed that these poetry forums are a testament to supporting the Arabic language.

The previous editions featured 18 poetry gatherings in Africa with over 200 poets and poetesses participating. These events saw strong official and public involvement. Poetry houses in Arab countries have provided platforms for African poets through various poetry evenings and festivals in recent years.

Significant Milestones in Cultural History

The first edition brought together 114 poets and poetesses while the second edition included over 120 creators. These gatherings have become vibrant cultural arenas aimed at boosting Arabic language presence in these regions. They represent new poetic landscapes enriching Arabic literature.

Several African countries hosted Arabic poetry gatherings for the first time during the inaugural edition. This marked significant milestones in their cultural history. The collaboration between the Department of Culture and local cultural institutions ensured distinguished poetry events by pooling efforts professionally.

The poetry gatherings are a result of joint efforts between the Department of Culture and local cultural institutions in host countries. These collaborations ensure that each event is professionally organised to highlight distinguished poetry performances.

The third cycle of Arab poetry forums aims to continue fostering a deep appreciation for Arabic literature across Africa. By bringing together poets from diverse backgrounds, these forums create a platform for cultural exchange and mutual enrichment.

With inputs from WAM