SFCC continues activities in Sharjah Cultural Forum 2

Sherine Tahamy performed beautiful oriental music accompanied by poetry readings from poet Abdullah Al-Hadiyya. This creative event marked the start of the "Forum Councils" with a session titled "Cultural Highlights of the Abbasid Era: Harun Al-Rashid Between Reality and Orientalist Views." The session was led by media personality Aisha Al-Ruwaima and presented by Awad Al-Darmaki, who emphasized the importance of revisiting our rich history to understand the present and enrich our culture and values. The Abbasid era stands out as a vibrant period that introduced new literary and artistic styles still relevant today. For example, the musician "Ziryab" added a fifth string to the oud, changing music significantly and setting new standards for dining and dress.

Al-Darmaki pointed out that discussions about the Abbasid era would not be complete without mentioning Caliph Harun Al-Rashid, who played a key role in ushering in a scientific revolution by allowing the production of paper. Before this, paper was mainly produced in China and was of poor quality, but once it was made in better quality, writing flourished. This led to the rise of many writing shops where new literary forms were born.

Another session titled "The Most Prominent Cultural Features of the Abbasid Era" featured insights from author Aisha Al-Ajil and several experts including Dr. Mohammed Al-Maztouri, Dr. Hessa Al Kutbi, Professor Issa Youssef, and Dr. Atef Mansour.

Dr. Al-Maztouri discussed the House of Wisdom, explaining that it was established during the Abbasid era to translate important works and share knowledge about different cultures. This institution was more than just a library; it served as a cultural hub for learning and intellectual exchange. He drew a parallel between the historical House of Wisdom and the modern one in Sharjah, established by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, emphasizing its role as a center for culture and knowledge.

Dr. Hessa Al Ketbi highlighted how the literature from the Abbasid era continues to influence modern writing. She presented a talk titled "In the Shadow of the Abbasids," where she discussed notable figures like poet Nizar Qabbani and writer Taha Hussein who were inspired by the Abbasid traditions. She noted that Abbasid literature is not just a thing of the past; it still resonates with audiences today, with many works from over a thousand years ago still being read and appreciated.

Issa Yousef and Dr. Atef Mansour also contributed by exploring their research on the early Abbasid era in the Emirate of Sharjah. Their book includes detailed studies and evidence, showcasing artifacts, coins, and ceramics from that time, providing a glimpse into the past.

On the second day of the forum, two cultural sessions took place at the Al Hira Literary Council. The first session, titled "The Flourishing of the Humanities in the Abbasid Era," was moderated by Dr. Muhammad bin Jarsh and featured poet Dr. Shihab Ghanem and novelist Ghaith Al Hosani.

Dr. Shihab Ghanem spoke about the significance of translating poetry during a time of great intellectual growth. He explained that poetry reflects the spirit of a nation, and understanding a culture requires engaging with its poetry. He emphasized that poetry is best translated into verse rather than prose, and that poets themselves should take on this task to preserve the essence of the original work.