Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the Republic of Senegal celebrated the fifth edition of the Arab Poetry Forum, organised by the Cultural Affairs Department of the Sharjah Department of Culture. This event is part of the broader initiative to promote Arabic poetry across Africa, in collaboration with the Senegalese Literary Club in the capital, Dakar. The forum featured the participation of 15 poets and was attended by numerous academics, cultural enthusiasts, and Arabic language advocates.
Promoting Arabic Language and Poetry
The forum is a cornerstone of Sharjah’s cultural initiatives aimed at supporting the Arabic language and bolstering the presence of Arab poetry on the African continent. By nurturing literary talent, it aims to reinforce cultural bridges between Africa and the Arab world, allowing Arabic-speaking poets to showcase their experiences and creative works.
Distinguished Attendance
Among the notable attendees were Taha Sheikh Abu Khaled, representative of the UAE Embassy, and Dr. Ousmane Ngougio Tiao, head of the Arabic Language Department at Sheikh Anta Diop University. The gathering also included university professors, researchers, students, and individuals passionate about the Arabic language.
Expressions of Gratitude
In recognition of the support for the forum, the General Coordinator, Mr. Mohamed Al-Hadi Sal, expressed his gratitude to the Sharjah Department of Culture. He appreciated the continued backing from His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for cultural initiatives, underscoring its significance in encouraging poets and promoting the Arabic language. He asserted that this ongoing support fosters cultural cooperation between Senegal and Sharjah.
Poetic Performances that Inspire
The forum featured captivating poetry readings where poets shared excerpts of their literary experiences, reflecting their deep connection to the Arabic language and their love for poetry, characterised by its diverse perspectives and expressive styles. Poetry serves as a language that unites hearts, a bridge connecting cultures, and a vast space for communication and creativity.
Renowned poet Mohamed Jo Al-Jawza opened the session with a piece titled “Tunes of the Oud,” proclaiming:
“تــرنــم الروح في الأنغــام ألحـان
أوتار قلبي لها عــزف وألـوان
غنت من الصمت صوتا يستفيض صدى
فاخضـر من نبرات السحر بستان.”
Another participant, poet Mohamed Toure, recited his poem “The Mirror of My Soul,” stating:
“كلا وحقك لا أحب سواه
فاشهد على حبيه يا الله
إني لأبصره فأحسب أن من
قد أبصرته مقلتي أنا؛ لا هو.”
This engaging forum not only highlighted the rich tapestry of Arabic poetry but also served as a testament to the enduring relationship between language and art, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage in both Senegal and the wider Arabic-speaking world.