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Yemenat
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yemenat
When the poet transforms into language, and language into an imagined universe in 'The Albums of Adam II' by Alwan Al-Jilani
The collection 'The Albums of Adam II' by the Yemeni poet and writer Alwan Mahdi Al-Jilani begins with a title that carries profound implications. The name 'Adam' symbolizes beginnings, while 'the Second' signifies the regeneration of humanity through the ages. Here, Al-Jilani offers not only poetic texts but delves into the layers of existence to explore the role of poetry in shaping identity, investigating language as a bridge connecting the past and the future. This collection represents the twenty-eighth book in Al-Jilani's literary journey, consisting of 104 pages divided into three sections: Poets, Poetry, and Texts. It was published by the General Cultural Affairs House under the Iraqi Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities in April of this year, 2025. Section One: Poets… Guardians of Language and Makers of Meaning Al-Jilani embarks on his journey in the 'Poets' section, presenting a fundamental question: Do poets create language, or does language create them? Through a philosophical poetic vision, he asserts that poetry is not merely embellished words; it is 'the twin of human existence.' Since the dawn of history, poetry has accompanied humanity, expressing its wonder and embodying its feelings. Here, poets are not just conveyors of words; they are 'language itself,' infusing dull words with life and transforming them into enchanting melodies. Poets Do Not Seek Language They are language itself. They are the ones who make the moonlight linger through the night, and who shatter it like glass. They crafted from it a tiny boat, allowing its silver to dance with their delicious dreams. Poets… They are the first to sketch the contours of wonder in words, the first to breathe life into letters. They infused fragrance into the rose and invented the word 'love.' Without poets, the languages of the world would revolve in concentric orbits, forever unconnected. Al-Jilani borrows a cosmic image to express his idea: 'Poets observe the stars, but they are not preoccupied with the calendar; rather, they focus on the beauty that lies beyond it.' The poet does not merely describe the world; he creates an alternate realm where words transform into luminous planets, and the poem becomes a space for contemplation and the search for lost meaning. In this way, Al-Jilani reshapes the concept of poets as guardians of language and creators of meaning, revealing that their role transcends traditional boundaries and reflects the depth of human experience. Section Two: Poetry… Between Metaphysics and the Age of Artificial Intelligence In the 'Poetry' section, Al-Jilani begins with the notion of 'metapoetry' (poetry that writes about poetry), sketching a new relationship between humanity and language in the age of technology. He poses a troubling question: Can poetry remain alive in a time dominated by machines? He answers through his text that poetry is a 'living being,' breathing with each era, renewing itself like 'Adam II,' reborn in every age. Just as poetry once served as the language of myth and prophecy, it now converses with artificial intelligence, remaining 'the flame that lights the darkness of meaninglessness.' Al-Jilani explores the relationship between humanity and existence, discussing simple transformations that acquire profound significance. He clearly uses language as a tool to imbue everything with meaning, highlighting how words can reshape reality. Here, it seems that existence itself intertwines with poetry, making every simple event laden with existential meanings that transcend the surface. The poet's sensitivity to existence and human experience is also highlighted. It shows that decay is not merely an idea but a feeling accompanying every moment of life. The poetic imagery acts as a veil surrounding profound meanings, expressing the tension between elegance and absurdity, between fragility and strength. This contrast stimulates the reader to reflect on the nature of their existence and the contradictions it encompasses. He believes that poetry is 'not a luxury, but an existential necessity.' In a world where transformations accelerate, the poem remains 'a space for resistance'—resisting forgetfulness, resisting objectification, and resisting the disconnection of humanity from its essence. Section Three: 'Texts' of Interwoven Human Experiences In the third section, deep emotions unfold, expressing interwoven human experiences. The first text begins like a long corridor covered in pollen dust, evoking the scent of 'marjoram,' where words ignite tenderly like a candle, revealing memories that refuse to be forgotten. In the second text, anxious thoughts clash as if they were bats in the imagination, reflecting feelings of isolation and disarray. Different lives intertwine in the third text, where chaos and order highlight the fragility of moments. In the fourth text, the crisis of nervous explosions reflects the experience of tension and emptiness, while the fifth text radiates warmth and charm. Yet, beneath this warmth lies a thick skin of secrets, revealing complex internal struggles. These texts accumulate to form a rich human experience, brimming with contradictory emotions, where each word reflects a struggle between pain and hope. From this diverse richness, we conclude that Al-Jilani does not merely depict existence; he seeks to understand its complexities, making every text a testament to profound human experience. Language and Style in Al-Jilani's Poetry Al-Jilani presents poetry 'charged with displacements,' rejecting the conventional and striving to create a parallel poetic world. It is a language that 'evokes absence and embodies the obscure,' where ancient vocabulary intertwines with modern terms, as if time wrestles with the weapon of words. In his texts, we find expressions such as: Languages are barren, faded planets; we fill them with blood. Here, language transcends its communicative function, becoming an act of new creation, as if the poet reshapes the universe through vocabulary. His style blends philosophical abstraction with vivid imagery, creating a textual fabric rich with connotations. He does not write a traditional poem; rather, he writes reflections distributed as words, where each line transforms into an expandable idea. He employs paradox as a fundamental tool, merging contradictions: the old and the new, 'Adam and artificial intelligence'; the material and the metaphysical, 'planets and the unknown language'; the real and the mythical, 'poets and prophets.' He highlights what is known as metapoetry—'poetry that writes about poetry'—where Al-Jilani discusses the very process of poetic creation. He does not present a poem about love or nature; instead, he offers a poem about how a poem is born, as he states: 'We do not seek language; we are the language seeking itself.' This style places the reader before a double mirror, looking at the text while simultaneously reflecting on how it is shaped. Al-Jilani does not merely engage in linguistic displacements; he creates existential displacements, posing questions such as: What if poets are the ones who create meaning rather than merely convey it? What if words are older than humanity itself? Here, the style is dense with rhetorical inquiries, inviting the reader to participate in the creation of meaning rather than just consume it. He delves into the depths of existence with a language of light and shadow. Alwan Mahdi Al-Jilani is a poet unlike any other, carrying a torch of questions that touch the depths of the soul. He dives into the corridors of language as a miner delves for gems within the earth. He is 'an encyclopedia walking on two feet,' writing not to please anyone. His words spring from genuine pain, real joy, and endless human confusion. In his collection 'The Albums of Adam II,' he does not speak of poetry; he 'breathes poetry,' as if he writes with the blood of the heart rather than ink from a pen. Al-Jilani sits on a 'chair between the ages,' his feet planted in the soil of the past, his eyes gazing into the clouds of the future. He is a son of Yemen's rich heritage, contributing with his poetry to the formation of human identity, affirming that poetry always remains a means of expressing hope and renewal.
Shafaq News
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Shafaq News
Art for peace: Iraqi creatives shine during Arab Summit in Baghdad
Shafaq News/ A fine arts exhibition featuring works by over 100 Iraqi painters, sculptors, and visual artists opened in Baghdad alongside the Arab League Summit, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities on Monday. The event, attended by senior officials, artists, and intellectuals, featured caricatures by renowned Kurdish artist Jabbar Saber Qadir and a personal exhibition by visual artist Moatasem al-Kubaisi, along with a wide array of works representing modern and traditional artistic schools. 'This exhibition stands out for its breadth and diversity,' Qasim al-Sudani, Deputy Minister of Culture, told Shafaq News. Qasim Mohsen, Director General of the Department of Fine Arts, explained that the artists' styles 'reflect various artistic movements and modern schools.' Praising the caricature gallery by Jabbar Saber Qadir, Mohsen noted that his work "embodies originality and creativity, with all his pieces centered on themes of war and peace." Among the participating artists was Fatima al-Obaidi from Kirkuk, who voiced that her painting blended colors to reflect Iraq's rich, diverse heritage. 'The piece features light rising into the sky, symbolizing the Iraqi people's longing for peace,' she explained. From Baghdad, artist Raya Shanshal contributed a painting dedicated to the Arab Summit. 'It reflects the suffering Iraq has endured - terrorism, violence, displacement - but also the resilience of our people,' she said.
Iraqi News
06-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Iraq Forms Tourism Operations Room Ahead of Arab League Summit
The Iraqi Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities announced on Tuesday the formation of an operations room dedicated to promoting tourism during the upcoming Arab League Summit in Baghdad. Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Al-Eleiwi told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that Iraq is undergoing extensive preparations for hosting the summit, describing it as a pivotal moment amid ongoing challenges in the Arab region. He noted that Iraq has been working to ensure the summit's success, with the Ministry of Culture assigned several key responsibilities. These include coordinating with other ministries through a central operations room and establishing a dedicated unit within the ministry to oversee related tasks. Al-Eleiwi emphasized that one of the summit's major expected outcomes is the opportunity to market Iraq as a tourism destination. With the attendance of Arab leaders, ministers, and technical delegations, along with widespread media coverage, the event offers a unique platform to highlight Iraq's heritage and hospitality. He added that the accompanying events, tours, and meetings will present Baghdad in a positive light, showcasing its cultural landmarks and helping to reposition the city on the Arab tourism map. Al-Eleiwi also said the summit serves as a reassuring signal for tourists from within and beyond the Arab world, reflecting Iraq's growing stability—particularly in Baghdad—and enhancing visitor confidence. He revealed that Minister of Culture Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani recently chaired a meeting with the committee for 'Baghdad, Arab Capital of Tourism 2025,' where participants stressed the continuation of cultural programs alongside summit activities to reinforce Iraq's civilizational image. He concluded by saying that hosting such a major summit carries significant symbolic value, projecting confidence, hospitality, and a secure environment, while helping to build sustainable connections between Iraq and its visitors.
Shafaq News
30-03-2025
- General
- Shafaq News
Al-Aghawat minaret: Mosul landmark restored
Shafaq News/ The Nineveh Inspectorate of Antiquities and Heritage announced on Thursday the completion of restoration work on the historic Al-Aghawat Mosque minaret in Mosul. According to Inspectorate Director Ruwaid al-Layla, the project, overseen by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities, was carried out without direct government funding and followed international restoration standards. 'The reconstruction was led by specialized teams with support from private donors,' al-Layla told Shafaq News, clarifying that the work was completed in two phases: restoration of the prayer hall, followed by rebuilding the minaret. He also highlighted the mosque's architectural and historical value, calling it 'one of Mosul's oldest and most significant religious sites.' Built in 1702 CE (1114 AH), the mosque—located in the city's old quarter—sustained heavy damage during the military operations to retake Mosul from ISIS.
Zawya
21-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Uganda eyes $5.2bln tourism boom
Uganda is eyeing a tourism windfall of $5.2 billion in revenue by 2028, with a target of 3.5 million visitors a year over the next five years. This means that Kampala wants to increase the number of tourists from the current 1.5 million per year in the next three years. One of its key strategies is the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (Poate), which was launched in 2024 and returning this year from May 21 to 24. Uganda hopes to host 70 international buyers and over 5,000 trade visitors, using the platform to position itself as a premier travel destination. Alongside the expo, the government has introduced familiarisation trips (FAMs) to give global buyers first-hand experience of Uganda's landscapes and attractions. To boost domestic and international interest, Kampala has launched the Tell Your Story campaign, encouraging Ugandans to share personal travel experiences via social media. The initiative aims to highlight hidden gems and cultural heritage, amplify local voices and attract new visitors to Uganda's diverse offerings. According to Lilly Ajarova, outgoing executive director of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), these efforts are crucial for building Uganda's global tourism reputation. ' as an essential bridge connecting Uganda's tourism offerings with the world, facilitating collaboration, investment, and long-term partnerships,' she said. Beyond marketing, UTB chairperson Pearl Kakooza says the country is also working to attract investors to its national parks, with plans to offer new concessions as many leases expire. The move is in line with the country's broader ambition to boost tourism's contribution to GDP tenfold from the current 3.6 percent. Doreen Katusiime, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, underlines the government's commitment: 'We are focused on driving real investments and creating new partnerships to ensure the sector's growth.' © Copyright 2022 Nation Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
