emirates7 - H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, officially inaugurated the new headquarters of the Poetry House in the Heart of Sharjah on Wednesday morning.
At the opening ceremony, the Sharjah Ruler unveiled a commemorative plaque and delivered a speech acknowledging the attendance of poets, writers, and media professionals. He highlighted the importance of poetry in people's lives and expressed his intention to stay informed about the events and activities of the House of Poetry in Sharjah and other Arab cities.
Sheikh Sultan discussed the roots of poetry in Arab heritage, tracing its origins to early tribal gatherings in Mecca and the era of the Nabataeans, who used poetry to communicate and share news. He clarified that the term poetry signifies knowledge rather than mere verse, emphasizing that its etymology is rooted in knowledge.
In his address, he provided a detailed overview of the historical factors that have influenced the evolution of poetry. He focused on the origins of the Arab tribes around the Zamzam Well and their contributions to irrigation. The narrative also included the period of rule of the descendants of Nabat, the son of Ismail, who remained in Mecca after Ibrahim's departure, as well as the migration of the Nabataeans to southern Palestine and the identification of their lineage.
The Ruler highlighted the establishment of various kingdoms and the wars that followed, outlining a chronological account of historical events. He noted that the Nabataeans, after migrating north, created their state beyond the Arabian Peninsula and adopted poetry as a form of communication, referring to it as Nabataean media to relay messages. He also addressed and clarified several historical inaccuracies regarding these events.
Sheikh Sultan emphasized poetry's vital role in society, advocating for it to cover a broad spectrum of themes, serving as a medium for conveying various messages, whether positive or otherwise. He noted that the inauguration of the new Poetry House headquarters marks the beginning of a new era aimed at promoting poetry and literary pursuits through recitation. He praised the efforts of the organizers of the Al Qawafi Cultural Magazine Competition for their dedication to selecting the best poems published in the magazine annually.
He stressed the importance of having an impartial committee oversee the selection process to ensure fair evaluation without external influence. The Ruler wished them success, underlining the necessity for honest assessment and careful consideration in poem selection.
The ceremony began with recitations by three Emirati poets—Abdullah Al Hadiyya, Sheikha Al Mutairi, and Ali Al Shaali—who shared their poetic and literary experiences and the emotional depth of poetic creation.
The new Poetry House facility includes various amenities and multiple halls, serving as a distinguished gathering space for poets and speakers. It stands as a significant cultural landmark, enhancing Sharjah's offerings for writers and intellectuals by fostering a creative environment. This establishment is a cornerstone of Sharjah’s cultural initiatives, receiving substantial support and attention from its Ruler.
Aligned with Sheikh Sultan's vision to promote Arabic poetry and support poets globally, similar poetry houses are being established in various Arab cities, nurturing a vibrant cultural movement throughout the year.
The Poetry House is committed to nurturing emerging talents and fostering sustainable cultural development by supporting the endeavors of Arabic poetry enthusiasts. With its rich historical significance and esteemed status in Arab culture, poetry is often regarded as the "Diwan of the Arabs," symbolizing its role as the custodian of their narratives across diverse social, literary, political, and historical contexts.
The Poetry House aims to enhance the literary and poetic landscape by facilitating meaningful interactions among poets through poetry evenings, cultural festivals, intellectual seminars, awards, and specialized workshops designed to nurture the talents of aspiring poets.
Additionally, the House supports poets by publishing their works and providing access to specialized libraries. Its outstanding programs and services have garnered numerous awards and accolades at local and regional levels, making it a pivotal institution in promoting cultural and literary expression.
The event was attended by the Ruler of Sharjah, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture; Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage; Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Head of the Protocol and Hospitality Department; along with several officials, poets, intellectuals, and media professionals from various Arab nations.
At the opening ceremony, the Sharjah Ruler unveiled a commemorative plaque and delivered a speech acknowledging the attendance of poets, writers, and media professionals. He highlighted the importance of poetry in people's lives and expressed his intention to stay informed about the events and activities of the House of Poetry in Sharjah and other Arab cities.
Sheikh Sultan discussed the roots of poetry in Arab heritage, tracing its origins to early tribal gatherings in Mecca and the era of the Nabataeans, who used poetry to communicate and share news. He clarified that the term poetry signifies knowledge rather than mere verse, emphasizing that its etymology is rooted in knowledge.
In his address, he provided a detailed overview of the historical factors that have influenced the evolution of poetry. He focused on the origins of the Arab tribes around the Zamzam Well and their contributions to irrigation. The narrative also included the period of rule of the descendants of Nabat, the son of Ismail, who remained in Mecca after Ibrahim's departure, as well as the migration of the Nabataeans to southern Palestine and the identification of their lineage.
The Ruler highlighted the establishment of various kingdoms and the wars that followed, outlining a chronological account of historical events. He noted that the Nabataeans, after migrating north, created their state beyond the Arabian Peninsula and adopted poetry as a form of communication, referring to it as Nabataean media to relay messages. He also addressed and clarified several historical inaccuracies regarding these events.
Sheikh Sultan emphasized poetry's vital role in society, advocating for it to cover a broad spectrum of themes, serving as a medium for conveying various messages, whether positive or otherwise. He noted that the inauguration of the new Poetry House headquarters marks the beginning of a new era aimed at promoting poetry and literary pursuits through recitation. He praised the efforts of the organizers of the Al Qawafi Cultural Magazine Competition for their dedication to selecting the best poems published in the magazine annually.
He stressed the importance of having an impartial committee oversee the selection process to ensure fair evaluation without external influence. The Ruler wished them success, underlining the necessity for honest assessment and careful consideration in poem selection.
The ceremony began with recitations by three Emirati poets—Abdullah Al Hadiyya, Sheikha Al Mutairi, and Ali Al Shaali—who shared their poetic and literary experiences and the emotional depth of poetic creation.
The new Poetry House facility includes various amenities and multiple halls, serving as a distinguished gathering space for poets and speakers. It stands as a significant cultural landmark, enhancing Sharjah's offerings for writers and intellectuals by fostering a creative environment. This establishment is a cornerstone of Sharjah’s cultural initiatives, receiving substantial support and attention from its Ruler.
Aligned with Sheikh Sultan's vision to promote Arabic poetry and support poets globally, similar poetry houses are being established in various Arab cities, nurturing a vibrant cultural movement throughout the year.
The Poetry House is committed to nurturing emerging talents and fostering sustainable cultural development by supporting the endeavors of Arabic poetry enthusiasts. With its rich historical significance and esteemed status in Arab culture, poetry is often regarded as the "Diwan of the Arabs," symbolizing its role as the custodian of their narratives across diverse social, literary, political, and historical contexts.
The Poetry House aims to enhance the literary and poetic landscape by facilitating meaningful interactions among poets through poetry evenings, cultural festivals, intellectual seminars, awards, and specialized workshops designed to nurture the talents of aspiring poets.
Additionally, the House supports poets by publishing their works and providing access to specialized libraries. Its outstanding programs and services have garnered numerous awards and accolades at local and regional levels, making it a pivotal institution in promoting cultural and literary expression.
The event was attended by the Ruler of Sharjah, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture; Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage; Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Head of the Protocol and Hospitality Department; along with several officials, poets, intellectuals, and media professionals from various Arab nations.