Director-General of the general administration of the literature sector of Saudi Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission Khalid Al Samti affirmed the importance of concerted and unified Arab efforts and the continuation of sustainable cultural work so that Arab poetry takes its rightful place among the world's literature and arts.
In exclusive statements to Qatar News Agency on the occasion of Saudi Arabia's designation of 2023 as the 'Year of Arabic Poetry,' Al Samti stressed the need to achieve the optimal investment of Arabic poetry, to be effective in cultural tourism, by promoting it to the international community, linking members of the local community to Arabic poetry, and highlighting, publishing and promoting it in creative and innovative forms.
Designating this year to Arabic poetry aims to revive the ancient history of Arabic poetry, strengthening its presence in human civilization, laying the foundations for its future wealth, and establishing its deserved place among the world's literature and arts, he said, explaining that the mechanisms for achieving these goals are represented in celebrating Arabic poetry in KSA through a package of events, activities and initiatives organized throughout the year, in addition to the involvement of members of the local community and stakeholders.
These initiatives work to highlight the richness, culture and civilization rooted in the history of the Arabian Peninsula, he added, expressing his aspiration that this would contribute to reviving the history, present and future of Arabic poetry, and consolidating its wide richness so that it would take its rightful place among the world's literature and arts.
He indicated that Saudi Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission has been given the opportunity to translate some of Arabic literature's masterpieces into other languages, through its Tarjim initiative, which provides grants for translating collections of poetry.
Al Samti noted that the Saudi Ministry of Culture pays great attention to Arabic poetry, through numerous initiatives that support literary publishing, especially poetry, adding that Saudi Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission is making every effort to stimulate and increase the poetic publishing movement, by rendering collections of poetry to other languages, civilizations, and different environments.
He pointed out that Arabic poetry has been born in the Arabian Peninsula, as it is the site of its origins and growth, as well as the starting point of its manifestations.
Saudi Arabia has designated 2023 as 'Year of Arabic Poetry,' as part of the kingdom's efforts in celebrating national heritage and culture, based on a decree that was agreed upon by the Saudi Cabinet.
Source: Qatar News Agency