Luxor, An Egyptian Cultural Destination at the Close of the Poetry Festival

With the Participation of Over 100 Poets, Critics, and Artists

Luxor: An Egyptian Cultural Destination at the Close of the Poetry Festival

Al-Owais: Cooperation Contributes to Enhancing Cultural Activation

Hassani: The Houses of Poetry Form a Cultural Phenomenon that Creates Arab Unity

Participants: Sharjah Holds a Special Place in the Hearts of Poets

Luxor

Amid a celebratory atmosphere at the open-air theater in the courtyard of the Luxor Temple in Egypt, the Luxor Arab Poetry Festival concluded its ninth edition, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The festival was organized by the Department of Culture in Sharjah and the Egyptian Ministry of Culture over four days, with the participation of more than 100 poets, critics, academics, writers, and artists.

The closing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture in Sharjah, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at the Department, General Ahmed Abu Zaid, former Assistant Minister of the Interior of Egypt, Dr. Mohammed Hassani, Director of the Egyptian National Library and the Luxor Center for Heritage and Civilization, Hussein Al-Qabahi, Director of the House of Poetry, and a large number of attendees who gathered to celebrate poetry and its creators.

"A Cultural Standing"

Al-Qabahi began his speech by welcoming the attendees and emphasizing that, in addition to being an important historical and archaeological city, Luxor has gained a prominent cultural standing, thanks to the patronage of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for the House of Poetry. He added, "His Highness has granted us these noble opportunities and opened wide horizons for us to explore the Egyptian cultural and creative scene, allowing creators and poets, in particular, to express their voices."

Al-Qabahi noted that Egypt celebrates a cultural festival every year in the form of the Luxor Poetry Festival, pointing out that many creators who grew up in the House of Poetry have become stars leading the cultural scene. He stressed that the House continues to expand its activities with various Egyptian institutions and is committed to nurturing Egypt's cultural landscape.

He highlighted that the House's tenth year will be different and renewed after a significant accumulation of experience and knowledge. The House aims to delve deeper into universities and schools to prepare future generations. He explained that the House is also keen to visit governorates it has not yet reached, striving for full engagement with Egypt's cultural scene.

"Cultural Strengthening"

In his closing speech, Al-Owais praised the collaboration between the House of Poetry and the institutions of Luxor, such as the Fine Arts College at Luxor University, the Egyptian National Library, and other active cultural organizations in the country. He stressed that this collaboration contributes to the cultural activation of the House of Poetry and strengthens the cultural movement in southern Egypt and across the country.

Al-Owais also expressed his admiration for the poetry audience that followed the festival's activities over the four days, saying, "We extend a heartfelt salute to the loyal poetry audience in Luxor, who are inherently devoted to words and appreciative of poetry. Our regards are also due to the poets of Egypt who addressed the audience with verses woven from their dreams and aspirations."

"Cultural Unity"

Hassani affirmed that the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in establishing the Houses of Poetry across the Arab world, including the House of Poetry in Luxor, has created a transformative cultural phenomenon, producing a unified Arab cultural identity through the pioneering concept of these Houses.

Hassani also mentioned that the collaboration between the Egyptian National Library and the House of Poetry continues to enrich the cultural process and nurture talents in Luxor and Upper Egypt. He described the House of Poetry as the "right arm" of the library, supporting their continuous cultural work. He emphasized that this partnership is highly valued and is of great significance. He further noted that the library will witness greater cooperation in the near future, resulting in numerous events organized by the House.