Sheikh Sultan inaugurates new Poetry House's headquarters

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, officially opened the new headquarters of the Poetry House in the Heart of Sharjah area on Wednesday.

During the opening ceremony, Sheikh Sultan revealed the memorial plaque and delivered a speech, acknowledging the presence of poets, writers, and media professionals.

He emphasised the significance of poetry in people's lives and expressed his interest in keeping track of the House of Poetry's events and activities in Sharjah and other Arab cities.

Sheikh Sultan discussed the origin of poetry in the Arab heritage, explaining that its origin dates back to previous eras that arose with the beginnings of the gathering of tribes in Makkah, and to the era of the Nabataeans who used it to communicate and spread news.

He stated that the word poetry means knowledge, not poetry or anything else, and the word's origin is knowledge.

During his address, Sheikh Sultan provided a comprehensive review of the historical factors that have shaped the current state of poetry. He delved into the origins of the Arabs, focusing on the gathering of tribes around the Zamzam Well and their role in irrigation.

He also traced the period of rule of the descendants of Nabat, the son of Ismail, who remained in Mecca after the departure of his father, Ibrahim. The narrative included the history of the Nabataeans' migration to southern Palestine and the subsequent identification of their lineage.

Additionally, Sheikh Sultan covered the establishment of several kingdoms and the wars that ensued, outlining a chronological sequence of historical events. Notably, the Nabataeans, following their migration to the north, established their state outside the Arabian Peninsula. As their state expanded, they adopted poetry as a means of communication, referring to it as Nabataean media, to convey messages. He also addressed and rectified several historical discrepancies related to these events.

The Sheikh Sultan emphasised the significance of poetry in society and its multifaceted contributions, expressing that poetry should not be limited to certain themes, but rather should encompass all aspects of life and serve as a medium for conveying messages, whether positive or otherwise.

In his address, the Sheikh Sultan emphasised that the inauguration of the new headquarters of the House marks the commencement of a new phase. This phase aims to further enhance poetry and other literary aspects through recitation. He commended the efforts of the organisers of the Al Qawafi Cultural Magazine Competition for their commitment to annually selecting the finest poems published in the magazine.

He highlighted the importance of an impartial committee to oversee the selection process, ensuring that the evaluation of the texts remains unbiased and free from undue influence.

The Sheikh Sultan extended his best wishes for their success, emphasising the need for honest evaluation and meticulous consideration in the selection of poems.

The opening ceremony commenced with recitations by three Emirati poets, Abdullah Al Hadiyya, Sheikha Al Mutairi, and Ali Al Shaali, delving into their poetic and literary experiences and the emotional resonance of poetic composition.

The new location of Poetry House encompasses various facilities and multiple halls, serving as an esteemed gathering point for poets and orators. It stands as a significant cultural landmark, enriching Sharjah's offerings for writers, authors, and intellectuals by providing a conducive environment for creativity. This establishment is a cornerstone of the Sharjah cultural project, receiving substantial support and comprehensive attention from the Ruler of Sharjah.

Aligned with the Sheikh Sultan's discerning vision to promote Arabic poetry and support poets worldwide, similar poetry houses are established in various Arab cities akin to the Poetry House, fostering a robust cultural movement throughout the year.

Poetry House is dedicated to nurturing emerging creative talents and fostering sustainable cultural development by supporting Arabic poetry enthusiasts' cultural and poetic endeavors. With its rich historical significance and esteemed status in Arab society, poetry, as a prominent genre of Arabic literature, is often referred to as the "Diwan of the Arabs," symbolising its role as the custodian of their narratives across various social, literary, political, and historical spheres.

Poetry House is devoted to enhancing the literary and poetic landscape by facilitating meaningful interactions among poets. This is achieved through poetry evenings, cultural festivals, intellectual seminars, cultural awards, and specialised workshops aimed at nurturing the talents of emerging poets.

The House of Poetry also supports poets by publishing their works and providing access to specialised libraries. Its exceptional programs and services have earned it numerous awards and accolades at both local and regional levels, making it a pivotal institution in fostering 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, and Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Head of the Protocol and Hospitality Department, as well as several officials, poets, intellectuals, and media professionals from various Arab nations.

WAM