Al-Qawafi 73: Ruins, scents, and poetic reflections

August 27, 2025 / 8:54 PM

Sharjah 24: Al-Qawafi magazine, issued by the House of Poetry at the Department of Culture in Sharjah, has released its 73rd issue for September 2025. Now in its seventh year, the monthly magazine specializes in classical Arabic poetry and its critique. The issue’s editorial, titled “Arabic Poetry and New Concepts,” explores the prominent role of ruins (atlal) in early Arabic poetry as symbols of place, memory, and poetic inspiration.

Highlights of the main articles

The issue features a rich selection of content, beginning with a critical article on “Ruins: The Dialectic of Permanence and Departure.” Another featured piece explores “Suggestion in Arabic Poetry” and its role in shaping poetic structure. Additionally, the magazine includes a survey on poetic improvisation that compiles opinions from poets and critics.

Several dialogues and literary essays are also featured, including a spotlight on the Lebanese city of Baalbek, and reflections on literary friendships. One article delves into the use of scent in poetry, while another offers a biographical piece on a famous Abbasid poet.

Additional features and closing reflections

Other contributions include critical readings of select poems, such as “A Third Lung” and “Land of Paper,” as well as a review of the poetry collection “Rest, O Fleeing One.” The “Echoes of Meanings” section presents highlights of eloquence, poetic humor, and memorable quotes.

The issue concludes with the managing editor’s reflection, titled “The Poem Opens the Door to Meanings,” which underscores that poetic beauty goes beyond rhyme and meter—true poetic expression must also dress thoughts in elegance to captivate the soul and imagination.