Ivory Coast Arab Poetry Forum: Poems Illuminate the Spaces of Abidjan

 With the participation of 15 poets

Abidjan –

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and as part of the poetic forum initiative in Africa, the Republic of Ivory Coast witnessed the launch of the third edition of the Arab Poetry Forum. The event was organized by the Cultural Affairs Department of the Sharjah Department of Culture in collaboration with the Al Ro’ya Foundation for Culture and Training in the capital, Abidjan, and featured the participation of 15 poets.

The forum took place in the conference hall in the Plateau district at the heart of the capital, with the presence of His Excellency Ali Yusuf Al Nuaimi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Ivory Coast, Rana Rizk, representative of the Lebanese Embassy in Ivory Coast, Dr. Fadiga Mousa, President of Al-Furqan University, Dr. Mohammed Al-Amin, Vice President of the Islamic University of Africa in Ivory Coast, heads of Arab diplomatic missions, university professors, and other notable figures interested in literature, science, and culture.

At the outset, the forum's General Coordinator, Dr. Bamba Issiaka, welcomed the attendees, stating: “We welcome you to this festive celebration that has come to us from Sharjah, the capital of Arab poetry. In this context, we extend our thanks, appreciation, and gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his support and patronage in serving the Arabic language in Ivory Coast. It is the language of knowledge, culture, and Islamic civilization, in which most manuscripts in Africa have been written.” 

His Excellency Ali Al Nuaimi delivered a speech in which he said: “Three editions of listening to poetry, impactful words, imagination, and metaphor in these African countries that are rich in creative energies in the field of literature and various domains.”

Al Nuaimi added: “Through this cultural gathering that strengthens the strong relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Ivory Coast, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, wanted to restore the presence and brilliance of Arab poetry. He directed the launch of the poetry forums in Africa to keep the radiance of the Arabic language and its poetry shining in these countries.”

He continued: “From my attendance at the previous two editions, I have witnessed the creativity of young poets who have drawn from the alphabet’s springs and the secrets and magic of rhetoric, taking us on a journey through the space and beauty of Arabic poetry. Today, they are the owners of this platform on which I stand, and we are all ears.”

"Readings"

The participating creatives presented a series of vibrant readings, which varied in their poetic themes between national, romantic, social, and humanitarian. These were crafted with a literary vision reflecting their command of language, while also revealing deep-seated memories. Some pieces questioned the self and its torments.

The list of participants included: Bamba Yusuf, Sylla Mohammed, Savani Mamadou, Sisi Benghali Sharif, Gabriel Kamissouko, Abdul Kabir, Koulibaly Yacine, Kamara Abubakar, Doumbia Ali, Touré Ousmane, Mohamed Diallo, Sheikh Omar Yankini, Soumahouro Ayoub, Sadbi Mahmoud, and Torori Ali.