Sharjah: H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, attended the second edition of the Sharjah Cultural Forum, which commenced on Tuesday morning at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre. The forum underscores Sharjah's commitment to supporting the cultural movement and strengthening its role as a center of thought and creativity through initiatives that enhance literature and knowledge in societal development.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event featured dialogue sessions and artistic and cultural performances that examined the role of the written word in fostering national identity. The forum emphasized writing as a medium for cultural communication across generations. H.H. Sheikha Jawaher was present at the opening session titled "Harun al-Rashid: Bridging Reality and Imaginative Views," which delved into the Abbasid era, a notable period in Arab and Islamic history. Researcher Awad bin Hasoum Al Darmaki provided insights into this era, highlighting its cultural and intellectual contributions.
Al Darmaki commenced his talk by guiding the audience through the cultural and social influences that shaped the period. He emphasized the advancements in science, literature, and ideas during the Abbasid era and their lasting impact on contemporary cities. He also discussed historical figure Harun al-Rashid and the varied perceptions of him in Western writings.
Al Darmaki underscored the significance of using reliable historical sources to understand Islamic civilization's true achievements. This aligns with Sharjah's mission to promote a deeper understanding of history and enrich cultural awareness.
The second edition of the forum will continue to highlight the Abbasid era's cultural contributions to literature, ideas, and art. Over three days, it will feature a range of talented writers and artists. The opening day included a musical performance titled 'Oud Playing' by Sherine Tohamy and poetry readings by Abdullah Al-Hadiyya. Cultural discussions celebrating this artistic heritage were also part of the program.
The forum's activities included a session titled "The Most Prominent Cultural Features of the Abbasid Era," presented by Dr. Mohammed Al-Maztouri. He explored centers of intellectual influence like the House of Wisdom, which represented knowledge flourishing, translation, and scientific research.
In another session, "The Impact of Abbasid Literature on Contemporary Literature," Dr. Hessa Al Ketbi examined the influence of Abbasid poets and writers on modern literature, focusing on artistic and language aspects.
The first day concluded with "Reading Books from the Early Abbasid Era," led by Professor Issa Yousef and Dr. Atef Mansour. They discussed the shifts in thought during the early Abbasid period and their impact on Arab culture.
The Sharjah Cultural Forum features dialogues and sessions on literary and artistic creativity during the Abbasid era, which saw remarkable developments in poetry, music, thought, and philosophy. The event aims to inspire new generations to explore and benefit from the cultural wisdom of the past.