Abidjan: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Republic of C´te d'Ivoire hosted the fifth edition of the Arab Poetry Gathering. Organised by the Cultural Affairs Department of the Department of Culture in Sharjah, this event is a part of the Arab Poetry Gatherings in Africa.
According to Emirates News Agency, the gathering was held in cooperation with cultural and literary organisations in Abidjan and featured 10 poets, both male and female. The event attracted academics, intellectuals, and enthusiasts of the Arabic language, poetry, and literature. The gathering is part of Sharjah's cultural efforts to promote the Arabic language in Africa, support poetic activities, and encourage young literary talents. It also aims to foster cultural exchange between Africa and the Arab world, using Arabic poetry as a bridge between cultures and peoples.
Notable attendees included Professor Diane Abdallah, Director of Legal Affairs at C´te d'Ivoire's Ministry of Tourism; Dr Abdul Karim Fadiga, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Arabic Language at Al Furqan University; and Dr Kone Lassina, representing the President of the Islamic University of Africa in C´te d'Ivoire. Heads and directors of various educational and cultural institutions were also present.
The gathering underlined the significance of cultural initiatives in strengthening ties between the UAE and C´te d'Ivoire, offering platforms for communication among poets, intellectuals, and researchers. These initiatives highlight Arabic poetry as a medium for cultural rapprochement and a celebration of the Arabic language and values such as peace, tolerance, and coexistence.
Dr Bamba Isiaka, the coordinator of the gathering in C´te d'Ivoire, stressed the event's role in promoting poetic and cultural activities. He acknowledged the generous patronage of the Ruler of Sharjah and its impact on the literary landscape across Africa. He also praised the Department of Culture in Sharjah for its efforts in organising Arab poetry gatherings and enhancing the visibility of the Arabic language.
The programme featured a critical lecture titled 'The Role of Poetry in Promoting the Arabic Language in Africa,' which examined poetry's influence in reinforcing the presence of Arabic and its role in cultural communication and the transmission of knowledge and values. Additionally, a small exhibition showcased manuscripts and literary and heritage books by Ivorian writers, along with the distribution of booklets documenting previous festivals.