Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the Cultural Affairs Department of the Sharjah Culture Department, in collaboration with the Charity Foundation for Teaching and Promoting the Arabic Language in Nigeria, organised the fifth Forum of Arabic Poetry in Nigeria. This year’s theme, “Arabic Poetry: A Bridge between African Civilisations,” took place in the capital city of Abuja, attracting a diverse gathering of poets, intellectuals, and enthusiasts of the Arabic language and literature.
Celebrating Arabic Poetry and Cultural Connection
The forum is part of a series of Arabic poetry gatherings hosted across the African continent, aimed at advancing cultural efforts led by the Emirate of Sharjah to promote the presence of the Arabic language, support poets and literary talents, and create platforms for interactions among creatives, academics, and Arabic language advocates. This initiative helps invigorate cultural and literary movements and solidifies Arabic poetry as a medium for communication and understanding among nations and cultures.
Distinguished Attendees and Insights
Notable figures from academic and cultural circles attended the event, including Dr. Saleh Musa Jibo, from the Department of Islamic Studies at Jumaira University in the UAE; Dr. Hajar Haroun Khanis, Dean of the Graduate Studies at Qalam University in Katsina; Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Imam, President of the Academic Association of the Arabic Language and Literature in Nigeria; and Dr. Maher Haroun Maher, Interim Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies, alongside numerous academics, poets, and Arabic language enthusiasts.
The Significance of Poetry in Cultural Memory
Dr. Saleh Musa Jibo emphasised the critical role of poetry in preserving the memory of nations and expressing their emotions and values. He articulated that poetry transcends mere word arrangement and rhythmic patterns, serving as a record of people’s experiences and a means to reflect their aspirations and principles. He highlighted the historical significance of the Arabic language in bridging cultures, facilitating the transmission of knowledge, and preserving heritage, noting that the continuing presence of Arabic poetry in Africa underscores the vibrancy of the Arabic language and its capability to engage with diverse cultural contexts.
Appreciating Ongoing Initiatives
Dr. Jibo praised His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his commitment to the Arabic language and its literature, as well as for sponsoring cultural initiatives that create opportunities for creatives. He also commended the efforts of the Sharjah Culture Department and the Charity Foundation for Teaching and Promoting the Arabic Language in Nigeria in supporting the Arabic language and fostering cultural and literary movements.
Promoting Dialogue and Creative Exchange
The forum reflects a keen interest in Arabic poetry within Nigeria and showcases the literary landscape, which is rich with diverse poetic experiences that blend traditional heritage with contemporary issues. Poetry serves as a vital space for dialogue and cultural bridging between Nigeria and the Arab world.
Continuing the Journey of Cultural Exchange
Dr. Omar Adam Muhammad, the General Coordinator of the forum, welcomed participants and guests, confirming that this fifth instalment continues a cultural journey that has nurtured poetic talents and broadened communication among poets, academics, researchers, and Arabic language enthusiasts in Nigeria. He stated that the theme “Arabic Poetry: A Bridge between African Civilisations” embodies the forum’s vision of utilising poetry as a vehicle for creativity and dialogue among peoples, reminding attendees that the Arabic poem has historically been a vessel of wisdom and a platform for expressing human issues and sentiments.
Thanking Supporters and Celebrating Poetry
The General Coordinator expressed gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and to the Sharjah Culture Department for their unwavering support for cultural projects and efforts to strengthen cultural ties between Africa and the Arab world.
The forum included poetic readings from various poets, showcasing their literary experiences that highlight the presence of the Arabic language within the African context, with themes centred on knowledge, love, and prophetic sentiments. These contributions affirm the diversity of the Arabic poetic experience in Nigeria, illustrating the capacity of poetry to convey values, emotions, and spiritual themes, while remaining rooted in Arabic poetic traditions and engaging with African cultural environments.
Through successive editions, the Forum of Arabic Poetry in Nigeria continues to empower the poetic and cultural movement, nurture literary talents, and expand communication among poets, intellectuals, and researchers. This aligns with Sharjah’s vision of making culture a bridge for dialogue among peoples, enhancing the presence of the Arabic language in Africa, and supporting new generations of creatives interested in Arabic literature.