Sultan Al Qasimi Inaugurates the New Headquarters of the House of Poetry in Sharjah

Sultan Al Qasimi Inaugurates the New Headquarters of the House of Poetry in Sharjah

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the new headquarters of the House of Poetry on Wednesday morning in the Heart of Sharjah area.

Upon his arrival, His Highness unveiled the commemorative plaque, marking the official opening of the building. He delivered a speech on the occasion, welcoming the audience, including poets, writers, and media professionals. His Highness emphasized his keen interest in following all the events and activities of the House of Poetry in Sharjah and other Arab cities, highlighting the significance of poetry in people's lives.

In his speech, His Highness delved into the roots of poetry in Arab heritage, explaining that its origins trace back to the early gatherings of tribes in Mecca and the era of the Nabataeans, who used poetry for communication and spreading news. He remarked, "What is poetry? Sometimes we say, 'I wonder about so-and-so, what happened to them,' which essentially means 'I wish to know.' Hence, the word 'poetry' fundamentally means knowledge, not merely composition or other forms. The origin of the word is 'knowledge.'”

His Highness explored the historical developments that shaped poetry into its current form, shedding light on the origins of the Arabs, the congregation of tribes around the Zamzam Well, and the period when the descendants of Nabt, son of Prophet Ismail (peace be upon him), governed the region after Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) departed. His Highness narrated the history of the Nabataeans, their migration to southern Palestine, and their eventual expansion, during which they used poetry as a medium for delivering messages. He explained that the term "Nabataean media" referred to the dissemination of their news, correcting several historical inaccuracies in the recording of these events.

In his remarks, His Highness stressed the importance of poetry in societal life and its contributions across various fields, describing it as a medium that reflects society. He stated, "Poetry, which we often limit to themes of love, praise, or similar purposes, should encompass the entirety of life. It should serve as a ministry of information, covering all aspects of life rather than being confined to trivialities or personal gains. From this moment forward, let us restore poetry to its rightful status, recognizing it as a means for conveying messages of enthusiasm or otherwise. Poetry is media. So, poets, take pride in yourselves."

Concluding his speech, His Highness affirmed that the opening of the new House of Poetry marks the beginning of a new phase in advancing poetry and other literary domains to higher levels of quality. He commended the efforts of those organizing the "Qawafi" cultural magazine’s annual competition to select the best published poems. His Highness emphasized that selections would be made by an impartial committee to ensure accuracy and fairness, ensuring that the language and essence of poetry remain preserved. He wished them continued success in their endeavors.

The opening ceremony also featured readings by three Emirati poets, who shared their experiences with poetry and literature, reflecting the emotions of those who craft verses.