Celebrating a Decade of Arabic Poetry at Luxor Festival

Post by : Mara Rahim

Under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Egypt marked a significant milestone with the 10th anniversary of the House of Poetry in Luxor, established in 2015. This celebration coincided with the commencement of the 10th Luxor Festival of Arabic Poetry, organized collaboratively by the Sharjah Department of Culture and the Egyptian Ministry of Culture. Over four days, the festival welcomed more than 140 creative figures, including poets, artists, and critics from Egypt and the Arab world.

The inaugural ceremony took place at the Luxor Conference Centre Theatre, drawing notable figures such as Abdullah bin Muhammad Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture; Muhammad Ibrahim Al Qasir, Director of Cultural Affairs; Abdel-Muttalib Amara, Governor of Luxor; and Dr. Khaled Abu Al-Leil, Chairman of the Egyptian General Book Organisation. Numerous academics, deans, students, and members of the public were present to celebrate this vibrant event.

Highlighting the House's achievements, Hussein Al-Qabbahi, Director of the Luxor House of Poetry, remarked on its role in nurturing young talent and introducing many budding creative talents who stand out in numerous cultural events across Egyptian, Arab, and global platforms. The House has actively collaborated with various institutions, fostering cooperation through a shared passion for culture and creativity.

During the festival's opening night, four poets under 25 took the stage, underlining the House's commitment to youth engagement. Al-Qabbahi elaborated on the initiative's goal to spread human values, love, and a sense of belonging from the Atlantic Ocean to the Arabian Gulf.

Abdullah Al-Owais commended the House of Poetry’s accomplishments, stating, “This cultural initiative has evolved into a beacon of light on the Arab literary landscape. Even in its 10th edition, it maintains its excellence and diverse cultural contributions.” He emphasized that the House plays a vital role in providing opportunities for young poets while invigorating the Arab poetic movement with a unique blend of tradition and innovation.

Representing Egypt’s Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Henou, Dr. Khaled Abu Al-Leil underscored the significant impact of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's patronage on Arab culture, noting the House of Poetry’s initiative as a testament to the enduring cultural partnership between Sharjah and Egypt.

Governor Abdel-Muttalib Amara expressed pride in Luxor serving as the host for the Poetry House, which fosters annual gatherings of poets and creative minds from across the Arab region.

Over its first ten years, the House of Poetry has spearheaded more than 600 cultural events featuring nearly 3,000 poets. It has organized over 250 critical seminars with 480 critics involved, provided 25 training courses, held 20 exhibitions of Arabic calligraphy and visual arts, and published over 50 significant works.

At the event, Al-Owais and Al-Qasir were recognized for their invaluable contributions, while Egyptian critic and scholar Dr. Mohamed Abu El-Fadl Badran was named Cultural Personality of the Year for the 10th edition, celebrating his exceptional influence on Arab poetry and culture.

The festival and the House of Poetry remain dedicated to advancing Arab literature, fostering young talents, and strengthening cultural connections throughout the region, celebrating a decade rich in excellence and inspirational artistic endeavors.