Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival: "The static and the dynamic"

Initial session: Delving into origins

The inaugural session, chaired by Tunisian critic Dr Samah Hamdi, included presentations from Dr Mohammed Abu Shawarib of Egypt, Dr Sultan Al-Zaghloul from Jordan, and Dr Weld Mettaly Lemrabett representing Mauritania. Dr Mohammed Abu Shawarib delivered a paper entitled "The Origins of Arabic Poetry," exploring the inception of Arabic poetry, its structural development, and its dependence on moral and social values as the cornerstone of its creative expression. Dr Sultan Al-Zaghloul examined "Poetic Intertextuality Through Tradition and Modernity," analysing the impact of classical poetry on contemporary works and emphasising how modern poets creatively engage with Arabic literary heritage.  Dr Weld Mettaly Lemrabett explored "Symbolism and the Transformation of Meanings," concentrating on the role of symbolism, ambiguity, and paradox in contemporary poetry while highlighting their artistic and cultural importance.

Second session: Contemporary influences and digital

impact Dr Abdullah Al-Khudair from Saudi Arabia and Dr Iman Issam Khalaf from Egypt led the second session. Dr. Abdullah Al-Khudair explored "Text Thresholds: Through Tradition to Innovation," analysing the significance of textual components like titles and introductions in the context of both classical and contemporary Arabic criticism. He emphasised how these "thresholds" provide insights into the changing dynamics between text and reader. Dr Iman Issam Khalaf discussed "The Poem and the Transformation of Publishing and Reception Media," examining the transition from oral to digital poetry. She explained how technological advancements have transformed the poem’s structure and accessibility, allowing for wider, more interactive engagement between poets and audiences.

Poetry: The vibrant and evolving art

The symposium highlighted the historical adaptability of Arabic poetry and its capacity to embrace change while maintaining its cultural roots. It highlighted the enduring power of poetry as a medium for exploring human experiences, reflecting societal changes, and engaging with contemporary technological contexts. The discussions highlighted the rich journey of Arabic poetry, tracing its evolution from oral traditions to the digital age and underscoring its lasting significance and creative growth.