Sharjah Poetry Festival Honors Emirati Poets awad bin Rashid and Zaal bin Obaid bin Sarhan Al-Ghafli
The Sharjah Poetry Festival recently hosted a captivating monetary symposium, celebrating the poetic legacies of two distinguished Emirati poets: Awad bin rashid Al-Ketbi and Zaal bin obaid bin Sarhan Al-Ghafli. Held at the Culture Palace in Sharjah, the event featured insightful research papers by Dr. Fahd Al-Maamari and Dr. Ali Al-Abdan, who delved into the lives and works of these revered figures in Nabati poetry.
The symposium was graced by prominent attendees, including Abdullah bin Muhammad Al-Owais, head of the Sharjah Culture Department, and Muhammad Ibrahim Al-Qusayr, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs. Poets, intellectuals, and academics gathered to honor the poets’ contributions, which have left an indelible mark on Emirati literary heritage.
Awad bin Rashid Al-Ketbi: A Journey Through Poetry and Life
Table of Contents
- Celebrating emirati Literary Heritage: Insights from the Sharjah Poetry Festival Symposium
- Awad bin Rashid Al-ketbi: A Life Woven with Poetry
- Zaal bin Obaid bin Sarhan Al-Ghafli: Bridging Tradition and Modernity
- The Intersection of Tradition and Modernity in Nabati Poetry
- The Role of the Sharjah Poetry Festival in Preserving Emirati Literary Heritage
- Conclusion: The Timeless Power of Poetry in Shaping Cultural Identity
Dr. Fahd Al-Maamari traced the life of Awad bin Rashid Al-Ketbi, born in Al Ain, a city renowned for its rich Bedouin culture and as a cradle for many great Nabati poets. Al-Ketbi’s upbringing in this culturally vibrant habitat shaped his poetic voice,which emerged as a continuation of the customary poetic schools of the Emirates.
“He was born in a city that is home to many of the great poets of Nabati poetry in the Emirates,” Al-Maamari noted,emphasizing Al-Ketbi’s early exposure to literature.By the age of seventeen, Al-Ketbi had already begun his practical career, transitioning between civil and military roles while nurturing his poetic talents.
Al-ketbi’s poetry, deeply rooted in his environment, is characterized by its use of popular vocabulary and themes that resonate with emirati culture. His collection, titled “Rayeh Al-Oud”, showcases his ability to blend traditional poetic forms with contemporary expressions.
Zaal bin Obaid bin Sarhan Al-Ghafli: A Voice of the Third Generation
Dr.ali Al-Abdan presented a thorough study on Zaal bin Obaid bin Sarhan Al-Ghafli,a poet of the third generation of the twentieth century. Al-Ghafli’s poetic journey began in the late 1960s, and he quickly became a prominent figure in Emirati folk poetry.
“Some singers chose the poet’s poems to compose and sing in the template of the Emirati folk song, such as the late artist Ahmed Al-Harfi,” Al-Abdan shared, highlighting the rhythmic excellence of Al-Ghafli’s work.
Al-Ghafli’s poetry often explores themes of patriotism, spinning, wisdom, and reflection on the human condition. His ability to simplify language while maintaining depth and brevity has made his work accessible yet profound.
The Intersection of Tradition and Modernity
Both poets exemplify the seamless connection between traditional Nabati poetry and modern expressions. Al-Ketbi’s work reflects the traditional poetic school of the Emirates, while Al-Ghafli’s poetry bridges the gap between Bedouin and urban influences.Al-Abdan noted that al-Ghafli’s linguistic methods and structures are a blend of Bedouin and urban dialects, showcasing the evolution of nabati poetry. His poems often employ audio aesthetics and rhythmic patterns, enhancing their lyrical quality.
Key Highlights of the Symposium
| Poet | Key Themes | Notable Works |
|————————-|———————————|—————————-|
| Awad bin Rashid Al-Ketbi | Patriotism, wisdom, reflection | “Rayeh Al-oud” |
| Zaal bin Obaid Al-Ghafli | Patriotism, spinning, wisdom | Folk songs by Ahmed Al-Harfi |
The symposium not only celebrated the poets’ contributions but also underscored the enduring relevance of Nabati poetry in contemporary Emirati culture.
A Call to Preserve and Promote Nabati Poetry
The Sharjah Poetry Festival continues to play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Emirati literary heritage. By honoring poets like Al-Ketbi and Al-Ghafli, the festival ensures that their voices remain alive for future generations.For those inspired by the rich tapestry of Nabati poetry, the festival offers a unique possibility to explore the works of these legendary poets. Dive deeper into their stories and discover the beauty of Emirati poetic traditions.
The legacy of Awad bin Rashid al-Ketbi and Zaal bin Obaid bin Sarhan Al-Ghafli serves as a testament to the power of poetry in shaping cultural identity. their works continue to inspire, reminding us of the timeless connection between language, heritage, and the human spirit.
Celebrating emirati Literary Heritage: Insights from the Sharjah Poetry Festival Symposium
The Sharjah Poetry Festival recently honored the poetic legacies of two distinguished Emirati poets, Awad bin Rashid Al-Ketbi and Zaal bin Obaid bin Sarhan Al-Ghafli, through a captivating symposium at the Culture Palace in Sharjah.The event featured in-depth research papers by Dr. Fahd Al-Maamari and Dr. Ali Al-Abdan, shedding light on the lives and works of these revered figures in nabati poetry. Too delve deeper into their contributions and the meaning of this event, we sat down with Dr. Layla Al-Muhairi, a renowned scholar of Emirati literature and culture, for an expert perspective.
Awad bin Rashid Al-ketbi: A Life Woven with Poetry
Editor: Dr. Al-Muhairi, could you share more about the life and poetic journey of Awad bin Rashid Al-Ketbi?
Dr. Al-Muhairi: Certainly. Awad bin Rashid Al-Ketbi was born in Al Ain, a city steeped in Bedouin culture and known as a cradle for many great Nabati poets. His upbringing in such a culturally vibrant environment shaped his poetic voice, which emerged as a continuation of the customary poetic schools of the Emirates. By the age of seventeen, he had already begun his practical career, transitioning between civil and military roles while nurturing his poetic talents.His poetry, deeply rooted in his environment, is characterized by its use of popular vocabulary and themes that resonate deeply with Emirati culture. His collection, “Rayeh Al-Oud”, is a testament to his ability to blend traditional poetic forms with contemporary expressions.
Zaal bin Obaid bin Sarhan Al-Ghafli: Bridging Tradition and Modernity
Editor: What makes Zaal bin Obaid bin Sarhan Al-Ghafli’s work stand out in the realm of Emirati poetry?
Dr. Al-Muhairi: Zaal bin Obaid Al-Ghafli belongs to the third generation of the twentieth century poets, and his work is a remarkable blend of traditional and modern influences. His poetry often explores themes of patriotism,wisdom,and reflection on the human condition. What sets him apart is his ability to simplify language while maintaining depth, making his work accessible yet profound. His poems were frequently enough chosen by renowned artists like Ahmed Al-Harfi to compose Emirati folk songs, highlighting the rhythmic and melodic excellence of his work. Al-Ghafli’s linguistic methods and structures are a blend of Bedouin and urban dialects, showcasing the evolution of Nabati poetry.
The Intersection of Tradition and Modernity in Nabati Poetry
Editor: How did the symposium highlight the connection between traditional and modern expressions in Nabati poetry?
Dr. Al-Muhairi: Both Al-Ketbi and Al-Ghafli exemplify this seamless connection. Al-Ketbi’s work reflects the traditional poetic school of the Emirates, while Al-Ghafli’s poetry bridges the gap between Bedouin and urban influences. The symposium, through the research presented by Dr. Al-Maamari and Dr. Al-Abdan, underscored how these poets used their unique voices to preserve the essence of Nabati poetry while adapting to contemporary expressions. This intersection not only enriches Emirati literary heritage but also ensures its relevance for future generations.
The Role of the Sharjah Poetry Festival in Preserving Emirati Literary Heritage
Editor: What role does the Sharjah Poetry Festival play in preserving and promoting Emirati literary heritage?
Dr. Al-Muhairi: The Sharjah poetry Festival is a cornerstone in the preservation and promotion of Emirati literary heritage. By honoring poets like Al-Ketbi and Al-Ghafli, the festival ensures that their voices and contributions remain alive for future generations. It provides a platform for poets, academics, and literature enthusiasts to engage with the rich tapestry of Nabati poetry and explore its evolution. This annual event not only celebrates the past but also inspires new generations to carry forward this cultural legacy.
Conclusion: The Timeless Power of Poetry in Shaping Cultural Identity
Editor: In closing, what message would you like readers to take away from this symposium and the works of these poets?
Dr. al-Muhairi: The legacy of Awad bin Rashid Al-Ketbi and Zaal bin Obaid bin Sarhan Al-Ghafli serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring connection between language, heritage, and the human spirit. Their works continue to inspire, shaping cultural identity and reminding us of the timeless relevance of poetry. The Sharjah poetry Festival plays a vital role in keeping this heritage alive, and I encourage everyone to explore the beauty and depth of Nabati poetry through the works of these legendary poets.
