In a remarkable celebration of literary excellence, Sharjah honored four Tunisian writers in Carthage, highlighting their contributions to the cultural landscape of the Arab world. Under the esteemed patronage of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, a member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the 24th edition of the Sharjah Cultural Honoring Forum took place in Tunis, Tunisia, honoring four esteemed Tunisian writers: Azeddine Al-Madani, Dr. Khaled Al-Gharibi, poet Zakia Al-Tanbari, and novelist and critic Dr. Mustafa Al-Kilani. This event reinforces Sharjah’s role as a pioneering cultural initiative that enhances the Arab creative scene through fresh stations celebrating Arab creators in their homelands.
Ceremony Highlights at Beit Al-Hikma
The honor ceremony was held at Beit Al-Hikma in Carthage, attended by Abdullah bin Muhammad Al-Owais, Head of the Sharjah Culture Department, and Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Qusair, Director of Cultural Affairs in the department. Also present was Dr. Tawfiq Qareera, General Director of the Tunis Institute for Translation, representing the Tunisian Minister of Cultural Affairs, Ms. Amina Srarfi, along with a host of intellectuals, writers, journalists, and family members of the honorees.
A Tribute to Artistic Contributions
The event commenced with a documentary presentation that emphasized Sharjah’s pioneering role in supporting and nurturing Arab creators, establishing a cultural environment that fosters creativity. Attendees were introduced to the achievements of the four honored figures, highlighting their significant milestones and the remarkable literary and intellectual contributions they have made over many years of dedicated cultural work.
Dr. Hatem Al-Fitnasi, who moderated the ceremony, praised Sharjah’s influential role in supporting Arab culture and intellectuals through numerous cultural initiatives, including the Sharjah Cultural Honoring Forum.
The Significance of Honoring Tunisian Talent
Abdullah Al-Owais stated that the Sharjah Cultural Honoring Forum has become a beacon in the Arab cultural scene, providing a prestigious platform that celebrates creative expression and the intellectual giants committed to enhancing Arabic culture. He noted that the ceremony was dedicated to honoring a select group of the literary elite from Tunisia, who have enriched the cultural landscape with their profound thoughts and extensive humanistic vision.
He emphasized that this recognition comes as a rightful acknowledgment of Tunisia’s rich cultural heritage, where writers, poets, and intellectuals have formed a fundamental pillar in the journey of Arabic literature, contributing to enlightenment and beauty across generations. It further signifies the fruitful collaboration between Sharjah’s Culture Department and Tunisia’s Ministry of Cultural Affairs, grounded in the longstanding brotherly relations between the United Arab Emirates and Tunisia.
Words from the Tunisian Minister of Culture
In her speech, delivered on her behalf by Dr. Tawfiq Qareera, Tunisian Minister of Culture Amina Srarfi expressed her sincere gratitude to the Ruler of Sharjah and acknowledged the Emirate’s role as a center for culture and creativity, honoring a group of Tunisian intellectuals for their contributions to Arabic culture.
Srarfi remarked, “The selection by Sharjah for the honorees was fruitful in terms of their cultural influence and diverse engagement.” She highlighted that many of the honorees are academics who have remained connected to their cultural milieu, combining rigorous theoretical critique with practical engagement. The cultural movements in Tunisia have been effectively built through educational institutions, merging knowledge with creative expression.
She also noted that the honorees reflect the diversity of Tunisian culture, drawing from their rich heritage while embodying unique artistic talents. Her acknowledgment culminated in thanks to the Emirate of Sharjah and its cultural patrons for this significant gesture, which sows the seeds of friendship between Tunisia and the UAE.
A Shared Vision Among Honorees
The honorees expressed their appreciation for Sharjah’s vital role in the Arab cultural scene, affirming it as a beacon for artists and a destination for creativity. They described the recognition as a testament to their dedication and creative journey.
At the end of the ceremony, Abdullah bin Muhammad Al-Owais and Mohammed Al-Qusair presented certificates of appreciation to the four honorees, acknowledging their artistic efforts. Through this event, Sharjah’s honoring of four Tunisian writers in Carthage not only celebrated literary accomplishments but also deepened the cultural ties between the two nations.