Sharjah24: During the Sharjah Cultural Forum ‘Ya Zaman Al Wasl’ from October 15-20, a dialogue session titled “Civilizational Extension between the East and the West” was held as part of a series of organized dialogue sessions by the Cultural Office of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah. Following the opening ceremony, the session took place at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre. It was attended by a significant number of female officials from various sectors in the country and women from society.
The discussion was attended by Dr. Saif Al Badawi, Senior Advisor at SMD Sharjah, and Dr. Noura Al Karbi, Head of Community Relations for Scientific Research at the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Scientific Research and Graduate Studies at the University of Sharjah. The media briefing was skillfully moderated by Aisha Al Ruwaima.
In the commencement of his address, Dr. Saif bin Aboud Al Badawi underscored the historical context of the Qasimi Clan in the region, emphasizing their cultural and human interactions. He highlighted the profound interest of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in history, particularly his devoted attention to the history of Andalusia. His Highness has embraced a cultural and soft diplomacy approach in this regard.
During his review in Sharjah, Al Badawi mentioned that His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah successfully acquired Portuguese documents related to the Arabian Gulf from a British library. The acquisition was facilitated through financial support, with the condition of obtaining a copy of the documents. These documents have been translated into modern English within the department.
Sharjah also has the key to Granada and the key to the Alhambra Palace, which were given to His Highness in recognition of his role in preserving many parts of the monuments.
During the discussion, he elaborated on the publications of His Highness and provided insight into the significance of each work.
The speaker also commended His Highness for his exemplary efforts in fostering cultural and human communication. The speaker outlined several of His Highness’s achievements in this realm, including the establishment of the Fundacion Cultural Azzagra, situated at the site of the last mountain where the ruler of Granada stood, symbolizing the final frontier. Additionally, His Highness's contributions to revitalizing Andalusian heritage through his written works, publications, and books, as well as his frequent cultural visits to Spain and Portugal, were highlighted. Furthermore, His Highness's involvement in researching and collecting documents related to the Inquisition was noted as a significant endeavor.
Dr. Noura Nasser Al Karbi commenced her presentation by recounting her academic journey and recollecting the vivid memories she holds of her time in Andalusia, where she pursued her education in Spain. She specifically highlighted her experience of being selected to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Granada.
Al Karbi explored the cognitive dimensions of communication and cultural extension between the East and the West, emphasizing the pivotal role of the Arabs in shaping human civilization in the region. She highlighted various aspects such as cultural exchange, science and philosophy, language and literature, religion and thought, arts and architecture, folklore, and political and economic influences. Al Karbi mentioned the significant role of the Emirates, particularly Sharjah, in extending civilization, focusing on the enhancement of education and scientific research, support for arts and culture, and the organization of multicultural events. She emphasized the importance of cooperation between educational and research institutions to develop effective strategies for enhancing cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange.
She provided a comprehensive explanation of this role within various institutions in the UAE, highlighting the concerted efforts being made to attain the established objectives.
Sharjah serves as a multifaceted cultural center, hosting a wide array of cultural and artistic gatherings that contribute to its global prominence.
The Sharjah Art Foundation and the Sharjah International Book Festival play a vital role in supporting the arts, literature, and science. These initiatives are instrumental in revitalizing Arab culture and fostering intercultural dialogue.
In Sharjah, universities like Al Qasimia University are important for doing research and sharing different cultures. They help make Sharjah a really good place for learning and studying in the area.
The UAE is known for promoting the values of tolerance and coexistence, serving as a role model for fostering constructive dialogue between the East and the West.
The second session took place in the evening and was a dialogue seminar titled "The Holy Quran, the Secret of Arab and Islamic Culture." The event was held in the Majlis Al Hirah and featured Dr. Mohammed Safi Mostaghanemi, the Secretary General of the Arabic Language Academy, and Dr. Abdullah Al Hosani, the Secretary General of the Holy Quran Academy in Sharjah. The session was hosted by media figure Dr. Abdul Salam Al-Hammadi and was attended by a number of individuals interested in the literary and cultural field who actively participated in the discussion.
The program at the Sharjah Cultural Forum featured dialogue sessions intended to delve into topics encompassing culture, ideology, and societal dynamics, in line with the forum's theme. The sessions hosted a diverse array of intellectuals and experts from various fields.
Dr. Mosteghanemi stressed the significance of eloquence, disclosure, statement, and clarification in his speech, highlighting the enduring Arabic rhetorical excellence. He underscored the intricacy of the language and content found in the Qur’anic verses, surpassing human capabilities. He referenced a Qur’anic example that prominently featured the word "rain," which encompassed seven synonyms, such as drizzle, rain, dew, and others. He emphasized the importance of contemplating the meanings and recognizing the distinctiveness of the surah compared to others.
He also discussed the linguistic interpretation project, a new initiative launched by Sharjah and involving forty scholars. This form of interpretation is considered to add value, as it has never been done before, neither by the early interpreters nor by the esteemed contemporary ones.
Dr. Mohammed stated that memorizing Arabic poetry is a way to motivate children to excel in the Arabic language, and it has contributed to the development of notable individuals in the contemporary Arab world.
Dr. Al Hosani highlighted the profound influence of the Holy Quran on the Arabic language, pointing to the Phoenician and Assyrian languages, ancient Egyptian language, and Latin during the early days of the message. From that historical period to the present day, there is no comparison between the strength and clarity of the Arabic language and others. It is considered the primary language due to its strong connection to the Book of God.
He also praised the efforts of the institutions of Sharjah and the directives of His Highness in promoting culture and the status of the Arabic language at the local, Arab and international levels through the establishment of specialized centers outside the country, such as the Center for Arabic Studies at Extra University, the Holy Quran and Arabic Language Complexes in Sharjah and others.
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