Latest news with #HouseofPoetry
Sharjah 24
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Celebrating Passion and Fatherhood at the Sharjah House of Poetry
Poets Dr Nashed Awad, Warad Khader, and Abdullah Abdul Sabour participated in the evening, attended by poet Mohammed Abdullah Al Buraiki, Director of the House of Poetry, and a large audience of critics and poetswho interacted with and applauded the texts. Poetry represents life The evening was introduced by artist Louay Shana, who extended his deepest gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Shana then welcomed the attendees, saying that no one has agreed on a definition of poetry, but seeing the crowd filling the halls of the venue, one realises that poetry is life, and that a poet's verses, when they reach the ears, are melodious and sweet, and do not stop until the doors of the conscience are opened, stirring the still and shaking the place. A bouquet of poems Poet Dr Nashed Awad, whose poems carried profound poetic connotations and images, started poems recitation. The topics of his texts varied between the emotion of love and delving into the poet's self and his relationship with writing. In his poem, "Walk Where You Are," the poet presents a delicate, emotional dialogue, blending spiritual questions and answers. Poet Warad then presented texts of a romantic and humane nature, exploring the depths of emotions and feelings. In her poem, "What's Between Us," she makes poetry a companion to love. Warad then read another poem, "The Bird of Poetry," in which she addressed the topic of her relationship with writing and poetry. Readings were concluded by poet Abdullah Abdul Sabour, whose texts adopted a humanistic approach. In his poem, "To the Soul of My Father," he painted a picture of the loss of fathers, the sadness of their separation, and the remembrance of their memory. Their memory was reflected in the meanings of loyalty, gratitude, and reverence for fatherhood. In his poem "Forest of Luck," Abdul Sabour addresses the theme of "alienation" and its painful psychological effects, eloquently describing its pain and hardships. Honouring In conclusion, poet Mohammed Al Buraiki honoured the evening's participants.
Sharjah 24
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
6th Moroccan Poets Festival concludes
The festival was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and King Mohammed VI of Morocco. The three-day event was organised by Sharjah Department of Culture in cooperation with the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication. Distinguished presence The festival saw the participation of more than 40 poets, poetesses, intellectuals, and artists amidst a festive atmosphere of poetry and its creators. The sixth edition honoured 83 students in a poetry writing workshop organised by the House of Poetry in Tetouan, in collaboration with the Faculty of Arabic Language at the Higher Teachers' School in Martil. Eighteen students were also honoured in the regional competition for Arabic Language Pioneers, organised by the House of Poetry in collaboration with more than 37 secondary and middle school educational institutions. The festival was also attended by a large audience from various Moroccan cities. The closing ceremony was held at the National School of Crafts and Arts in Tetouan, in the presence of Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah Department of Culture; Professor Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Cultural Affairs Department at the Department; Rachid Al Mustafa, Head of the Cooperation Department in the Culture Sector at the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication; Dr. Youssef Al Fahri, President of the Higher School of Teachers in Martil; Mukhlis Al Sagheer, Director of the House of Poetry in Tetouan; and a large number of writers, intellectuals, and university students. Mukhlis Al Sagheer pointed out that the Moroccan Poets Festival strives to innovate with each new edition, and to grow in poetry and cultural resonance in the Arab world. He highlighted that the sixth edition enjoyed a prominent official presence, alongside a public audience with a passion for poetry and art. Al Sagheer explained that the House of Poetry in Tetouan, founded in 2016, affirms its tireless efforts to organize a distinguished seventh edition next year, to celebrate its tenth anniversary. Poetry and the Performing Arts The second day of the festival featured a critical symposium titled "Poetry and the Performing Arts," held at the Higher School for Teachers. Speakers included Abdul Aziz Al Halawi, Khaled Amin, and Youssef Al Rihani, with Houria Al Khamlichi moderating the session. The speakers emphasised that when poetry is recited on stage, or combined with movement or music, it transforms into a performance art. This is where what is known as "the poetics of performance" emerges, where poetry emerges from the page and is embodied through the body, voice, gaze, and silence. They noted that at this moment, literature intersects with the live arts, providing the recipient with a multi-sensory artistic experience. Speakers emphasised the intersection of poetry and performance, where word meets movement, voice meets silence. This is when a magic called the poetics of the performing arts is born; where the poem becomes a vibrant body, and the scene becomes a visual poem that is read by the eye and felt by the heart. The second day's activities continued in the garden of the National School of Crafts and Arts, with a poetry reading session featuring Hafiza Bouamama, Nabil Mansour, Adel Lotfi, Abdel Azim Al-Haidawi, Najib Khaddari, Iman Al Khattabi, and Abdel Din Hamroush, with Maryam Kroudi introducing the session. At the end of the meeting, Abdullah Al Owais and Muhammad Al Qasir presented certificates of appreciation to the students enrolled in the poetry workshops at the House of Poetry in Tetouan, in recognition of their creative and scholarly efforts in the workshops. Special Poets The Moroccan Poets Festival has an exceptional section, bringing the audience together with visually impaired poets at the Taha Hussein Institute in Tetouan, in a poetic and humane moment where poetry met poetry with a number of visually impaired creatives who drew inspiration from life's features and, from its details, wove their vast worlds. The poetry session featured Said Al Khamsi, Saida Amlal, and Mohamed Al-Amrani, while the readings were accompanied by a distinguished musical performance by the Taha Hussein Band. School of Crafts and Arts The Moroccan Poets Festival held its sixth edition at the National School of Crafts and Arts. The school hosted a series of poetry readings featuring Mohamed Boudouik, Ikram Abdi, Abdullah Benaji, Ahmed Raissouni, Omar Al Taous, Thuria Iqbal, Hafiza Bouamama, and Aziz Al Tazi, with the poetry readings presented by Mourad Al-Qadri. Sharjah.. the city of culture Participants in the Moroccan Poets Festival agreed that Sharjah has become a pioneering model in supporting Arab culture and actively contributing to shaping a new generation of Arab intellectuals. They emphasized that Sharjah's cultural, intellectual, and cultural achievements over the past decades were not a coincidence, but rather the result of the broad cultural vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. His Highness believes that culture is the cornerstone of human and societal development. Participants believe that Sharjah's experience represents a model to be emulated, as it has not only supported cultural production but has also strived to create an integrated knowledge environment that attracts new generations and instils in them a love of reading, thinking, and criticism. They explained that many young Arabs who have benefited from Sharjah's cultural experiences have now become prominent voices in the fields of literature, thought, and the arts.
Sharjah 24
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Tétouan celebrates launch of 6th Moroccan Poets Festival
The festival, organised by the Department of Culture in Sharjah in collaboration with Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, will run for three days and features the participation of more than 40 Moroccan poets, intellectuals, and artists. The opening ceremony took place at Teatro Español in the heart of Tétouan, with the attendance of His Excellency Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture in Sharjah; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at the department; Abdelrazzaq Mansouri, Governor of Tétouan; and Zhour Umahouche, Regional Director of Culture, representing Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaïd. Also present were a large audience of writers, academics, university students, and poetry enthusiasts. The event was hosted by Mokhles Essaghir, poet and Director of the House of Poetry in Tétouan, who welcomed the guests and highlighted that the Houses of Poetry have become a cornerstone in the Arab cultural scene thanks to the vision of the Ruler of Sharjah. He emphasised that the festival brings together some of the most prominent poetic voices in Morocco, and over the years has seen participation from hundreds of poets. In his remarks, Al Owais underscored poetry's essential role in expressing identity and cultural values, stating: "A new edition of the Tétouan Moroccan Poets Festival is upon us, and we are filled with joy and renewed energy. This special cultural event reaffirms the pioneering role of poetry in expressing rich cultural identity and values. The House of Poetry in Tétouan has devoted its efforts to gathering Moroccan poets, both established and emerging, giving them a platform to share their creativity and enrich this beloved country with the fragrance of poetry and art." Speaking on the activities of the House of Poetry in Tétouan, Al Owais added: "Tétouan continues to serve as a beacon of creativity and a meeting point for writers and poets. This annual literary gathering is the culmination of a season filled with poetic readings, critical discussions, and the publication of new poetry collections—an initiative that enhances the status of poetry and literature and encourages further creative expression. This ongoing partnership between Sharjah's Department of Culture and Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication is a reflection of the strong brotherly ties between the UAE and Morocco, under the wise leadership of both nations." Al Owais also conveyed the greetings and best wishes of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to the festival's participants, saying: "I am honuored to extend to you the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and his wishes for your success and fulfillment." Representing Minister Bensaïd, Zhour Umahouche delivered a speech in which she praised the Sharjah initiative of establishing Houses of Poetry, saying: "I greatly value the initiative of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in founding Houses of Poetry across the Arab world. This has led to a qualitative shift in the Arab cultural scene. I also extend heartfelt thanks to our brothers in the Department of Culture in Sharjah for their ongoing pan-Arab efforts." She continued: "On behalf of the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, I warmly welcome you to a new edition of the Moroccan Poets Festival, hosted by the House of Poetry in Tétouan—an institution that exemplifies the close collaboration between our Ministry and the Department of Culture in Sharjah." Quoting Minister Bensaïd, she added: "The House of Poetry was established in this city, which has long been a cradle of poetic and cultural modernity in Morocco and the Arab world since the early 20th century. It is a city open to Arab and diaspora poetic experiences and in dialogue with European achievements across the Mediterranean. Tétouan stands today as a capital of Arabic poetry and a beacon of literary modernity. We recognize the leading role the House of Poetry plays in preserving the cultural and poetic spirit of this ancient city—recognised as a World Heritage Site—and we salute its residents for embracing the festival since its inception." Umahouche noted that this year's edition features a diverse lineup of poetry and artistic events, with poets representing various regions and poetic traditions of Morocco, including Arabic, Amazigh, Hassani, and other living languages. "This rich diversity is rooted in Tétouan's history and cultural identity, shaped by its Amazigh, Arab, and Andalusian heritage, its deep African ties, and its Mediterranean outlook." Tributes In line with its tradition of honouring Moroccan creators, the current edition of the festival paid tribute to poet Salah El Wadie and literary critic Houria El Khamlichi. Born in 1952, El Wadie is considered one of the leading voices in contemporary Arabic poetry. His works include The Wounds of a Bare Chest and There Is Still Something Worth Noticing in the Heart . El Khamlichi is a prominent Moroccan writer, critic, and academic known for her contributions to Arabic literary thought. Both honourees expressed deep gratitude to Sharjah and the House of Poetry in Tétouan, viewing the recognition as a testament to the value of the written word and a sustained support for Moroccan and Arab cultural life. Certificates and commemorative plaques were presented by Al Owais, Al Qaseer, Umahouche, and Mansouri. Poetry Readings The opening event featured readings by three poets: Salah El Wadie, Khadija Al-Masoudi, and Othman Al-Haichou.. Debut Poetry Collection Award The House of Poetry in Tétouan announced the winners of the sixth edition of its Debut Poetry Collection Award for Young Poets – Tétouan . This prize reflects the House's dedication to discovering and supporting emerging poetic talent by publishing the winning collections. This year's winners were: Ali Badoun (First Prize) for Crawling on the Thorns of Dreams , Mohamed Al-Fattouh (Second Prize) for I Am a Secret That Came from Silence , and Mohamed Aghzait (Third Prize) for Scattered Prayers. The winners received certificates of recognition from Al Owais, Al Qaseer, and Umahouche. Arabic Language Pioneers Contest In a new initiative aimed at fostering a love for the Arabic language among children, the House of Poetry in Tétouan launched a regional competition titled Arabic Language Pioneers Contest . The goal is to nurture young people's expressive skills—both spoken and written—through poetry recitation, expressive reading, and short story writing. This effort seeks to strengthen the presence of Arabic in the consciousness of the younger generation and instill an appreciation for its beauty and creativity. More than ten young girls from various Moroccan cities won in the inaugural edition, and they were honoured with certificates amidst warm public applause. Musical Performance The event concluded with a live musical performance by Moroccan singer Nabila Maan, who presented a set of traditional and popular songs that were enthusiastically received by the audience. Teatro Español It's worth noting that Teatro Español was built in 1914. Located in Tétouan's old city, near the Royal Palace and the Archaeological Museum, the historic venue and its surroundings have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sharjah 24
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
House of Poetry hosts vibrant Tuesday Forum event
The evening, presented by media professional Wael Issa, was attended by poet Mohammed Abdullah Al Buraiki, Director of the House, along with a diverse audience of poetry lovers, critics, and fellow poets. Their enthusiastic applause and interaction greatly enriched the evening's atmosphere. Tribute to Sharjah's cultural leadership Opening the event, Wael Issa praised His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his steadfast support of poetry and culture. He described the House of Poetry as a haven for those who see poetry as vital to the soul and life—a cultural hub established by His Highness to nurture creativity and talent. Poets explore themes of identity, homeland, and humanity Poet Abdullah Abu Bakr began the readings with philosophical reflections on poetry and existence, including his poems White Laughter and The Water Basket, the latter drawing on themes of identity and longing. Al-Salika Al-Mukhtar followed with emotionally rich poems centred on homeland and womanhood, reading Homeland Melody and Woman of the Unknowns, which expressed feminine fears and hopes. Abdul Salam Haj Najib concluded the readings with powerful verses addressing human suffering and displacement. His poems Until They Became Rain and Jabla portrayed the anguish of exile and the nostalgic bond with one's homeland. Event concludes with recognition and gratitude At the end of the evening, poet Mohammed Al Buraiki honoured the participating poets and the presenter, presenting certificates of appreciation in recognition of their contributions to the vibrant evening.
Sharjah 24
18-04-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Poetry House concludes workshop on delivery and recitation
Focus on recitation techniques and voice training The four-day workshop focused on public speaking, poetic delivery, and enhancing linguistic and expressive skills. It began with foundational concepts of voice projection, pronunciation, and audience engagement. Participants learned how to convey emotional and semantic depth through proper articulation and stage interaction, supported by practical exercises and demonstrations. Active participation and practical applications Engagement was high throughout, with active discussions, exchange of ideas, and constructive feedback. Examples included verses from the Qur'an and celebrated Arabic poems, used to demonstrate how to dramatise poetry and bring out its emotional resonance through vocal and psychological performance. Participants creatively applied the techniques, reciting their poems with fresh, expressive flair. Encouraging poetic development in the Arab world This workshop is part of the House of Poetry's continued mission to support and educate poets in the region. It complements other initiatives aimed at teaching poetic metres and expression tools, reinforcing the role of performance in bringing poems to life. At the conclusion, House of Poetry Director Mohammed Abdullah Al Buraiki honoured participants, who expressed deep gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his cultural patronage and the founding of the House of Poetry. They highlighted the importance of such workshops in developing poetic talent and strengthening Sharjah's status as a beacon of literary excellence.
