Mesmerizing Imru Al-Qais festival comes to a close in Diriyah
The Saudi Ministry of Culture has successfully concluded the
Imru Al-Qais Festival, a significant component of the Year of Arabic Poetry
2023 initiatives. Supported by the Quality of Life Program, aligned with the
vision of Saudi Vision 2030, the festival's mission was to offer a rich
cultural experience and acquaint the local community with the celebrated poet
Imru Al-Qais.
Imru Al-Qais, the legendary pre-Islamic poet, was born in
the Najd region in 501 A.D. and passed away in Turkiye in 544 A.D.
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Spanning a period of 11 consecutive days, the festival took
attendees on an engaging cultural odyssey, shining a light on the life and
literary contributions of Imru Al-Qais through a diverse array of activities.
One of the festival's standout attractions was the
"Poet's Exhibition," which presented an impressive collection of
artwork, creative expressions, and visual documentation related to the
Mu'allaqat, a group of seven lengthy Arabic poems known as "The Suspended
Odes." This exhibition provided insights into the seven poets, their
poetry, and the historical context of that era through captivating visual
materials.
A dedicated area for children offered a variety of engaging
activities, including storytelling, coloring, interactive mural painting, and
calligraphy. Visitors also enjoyed puppet theater performances, a photography
corner, and poetry recitation workshops designed to boost children's confidence
and linguistic fluency.
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The festival featured a market area that showcased the
craftsmanship of talented artisans. It included stalls devoted to papermaking,
weaving, pottery, and jewelry-making, recreating the ambiance of traditional
markets during Imru Al-Qais's time. This blend of poetry and commerce offered a
culturally enriching and historically inspired experience.
Interactive activities were organized to entertain and
inspire attendees, such as "Poetry between Hearing and Seeing" and
"Describing a Camel and a Horse," where visitors engaged in lively
competitions to vividly describe these animals, emulating the practices of
ancient poets.
The festival also hosted Arabic calligraphers who
demonstrated their skills in the "Verses and Names Through Lines"
event. Another event, "Who Am I," invited visitors to engage in
lively discussions around an actor portraying one of the seven poets of the
Mu'allaqat.
Live musical performances by Saudi bands highlighted
traditional singing styles from the central region, fostering intergenerational
connections through the power of music. The "Poet's Theater"
organized poetry evenings featuring renowned poets reciting ancient Arabic
poetry, with a special focus on the works of Imru Al-Qais. Additionally, a
poetry competition was held.
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The festival featured seminars covering topics such as Imru
Al-Qais's biography, his poetry, and the cultural and creative aspects of
investing in ancient Arabic poetry and poets from the Arabian Peninsula.
Throughout the festival, workshops provided opportunities
for learning and artistic exploration. One workshop, led by an expert in the field,
focused on the recitation of Imru Al-Qais's poetry. Another workshop allowed
participants to analyze his poems and writing style. "The Poet in the Eyes
of Painters" showcased the works of local artists inspired by Imru
Al-Qais.
The Imru Al-Qais Festival is part of the broader efforts of
the Ministry of Culture to celebrate the icons of Arabic poetry. By
highlighting the importance of poetry and poets in the cultural history of the
Kingdom, the ministry aims to preserve and present ancient cultural heritage in
contemporary and creative forms, leveraging modern technology and exceptional
talent to contribute to the strengthening of national identity.
Source: https://www.arabnews.com/
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