8th Kairouan Festival of Arabic Poetry kicks off Friday

His Excellency Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture, said that poetry houses in the Arab world have become Arab cultural beacons, continuing to shine in enhancing the presence of Arabic poetry in the cultural arena, thanks to the continued support of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, out of His Highness’s belief in “the importance of supporting culture and intellectuals.”

Al Owais pointed out that the Kairouan House of Poetry confirms its distinction year after year through its tireless cultural work, especially the Arab Poetry Festival, which is the culmination of the House’s activities throughout the year. Al Owais pointed out that Kairouan House of Poetry has become a cultural window and attracts a large audience of poetry and literature lovers and enhances cultural communication between Tunisian and Arab creators.

Al Owais added that the Kairouan Poetry House plays a vital role in presenting, discovering and supporting new emerging creative talents. 

The opening ceremony of the festival will begin at the House of Wisdom in the historic city of Carthage, and will include the inauguration of the House of Poetry exhibition in Kairouan, which will consist of a number of publications from the Department of Culture in Sharjah. The opening will also encompass a documentary that narrates the House’s journey, seminars and activities throughout the year.

The opening day will host a poetry evening; on the second day of the festival, a seminar entitled “the Preference of Poetry over Language” will be held; the second day of the festival will include a poetry evening’ and the House dedicated the closing day to celebrating the poets, critics, and intellectuals participating in the festival.