Tunisia Celebrates the First Decade of the Kairouan Arabic Poetry Festival
Tunisia recently celebrated a significant milestone, marking ten years since the establishment of the House of Poetry in Kairouan during the tenth edition of the Kairouan Arabic Poetry Festival. This prestigious cultural event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, brought together over 40 poets, artists, and critics from Tunisia and the Arab world, passionately reflecting the status of Arabic poetry in Tunisian culture.
Opening of the Kairouan Arabic Poetry Festival
The opening ceremony took place at the Palace of the Star of Zahra, overlooking the Mediterranean coast in the Sidi Bou Said area, attended by prominent cultural figures, including His Excellency Abdullah bin Muhammad Al Owais, Chairman of the Culture Department in Sharjah. Participants in the first poetry session praised the establishment of Houses of Poetry, considering Sharjah to be the “Princess of Culture” for its unwavering support of such initiatives.
In a statement, Abdullah Al Owais expressed: “We are pleased to gather again at the Kairouan Arabic Poetry Festival in its tenth edition, and the House of Poetry in Kairouan has truly been a bright beacon for Arabic poetry across the nation.” He emphasized the importance of supporting this cultural project that enhances national identity.
New Cultural Projects
During the celebration, Abdullah Al Owais shared exciting news about the release of the first phase of the Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia of Sciences, Literature, Arts, and Media. He highlighted the significant contributions made by Houses of Poetry, praising their initiatives that showcase the success of Arabic poetry over the years.
The anniversary of the establishment of the House of Poetry also addressed the ongoing need to develop and modernize the cultural scene, explaining: “Houses of Poetry have managed to provide real opportunities for young poets and foster communication between different generations to enhance the creative landscape.”
Involvement of New Voices
In a notable gesture, a group of children participated in the poetry sessions, reflecting the House of Poetry in Kairouan’s commitment to instilling a poetic culture from an early age. The audience responded enthusiastically to their talents, underscoring the importance of supporting new poetic voices.
Additionally, several senior poets recited poems that highlighted human and national sentiments, adding depth and value to this exceptional event. Poet Khadija Al Tayeb remarked, “A child of meaning settled in my mind,” affirming the creative connection between generations.
Acknowledgment and Recognition of Cultural Status
During various speeches at the event, the active role of the House of Poetry in Kairouan in enriching cultural life was emphasized. Tunisia’s Minister of Cultural Affairs, Her Excellency Amineh Al Sarrafi, expressed her gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi for supporting cultural projects, noting that the House of Poetry in Kairouan represents an important civilizational and intellectual initiative.
She added, “The success of the House of Poetry grows stronger with time, and as we celebrate ten years, we all have hope for the future.” She also called for expanding cooperation between Houses of Poetry and other cultural initiatives across the Arab world.
A Rich Cultural Journey and Architectural Authenticity
During the festival, a video was presented documenting the key milestones of the House of Poetry in Kairouan over the years, reflecting the efforts made to promote literary and poetic culture. The Palace of the Star of Zahra, which hosted the event, is a magnificent example of Tunisian architectural heritage, where Andalusian art blends with Tunisian cultural identity.
The Kairouan Arabic Poetry Festival remains a permanent platform for creativity, and this celebration of its first decade reflects Tunisia’s commitment to supporting culture and poetry, affirming the importance of initiatives like the House of Poetry in Kairouan that contribute to the continuity of literary creativity.