Nouakchott Arabic Poetry Festival Concludes Tenth Edition Under the Patronage of Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi
Nouakchott, The Gulf Observer: The Nouakchott Arabic Poetry Festival successfully concluded its tenth edition, held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Organized by the Sharjah Culture Department, the three-day festival featured prominent participation from Mauritanian poets, intellectuals, and critics, as well as African literary figures from Mali, Guinea, Ghana, and Senegal.
Closing Ceremony Highlights
The closing ceremony was hosted at the House of Poetry in Nouakchott, with the attendance of Abdullah bin Muhammad Al-Owais, Head of the Sharjah Culture Department, alongside other distinguished cultural figures. This milestone edition included diverse activities such as poetry readings and book signings for poetry collections published by the Sharjah Culture Department in 2025.
Final Day Activities
The festival’s final day featured a critical seminar titled “Contemporary Mauritanian Poetry Between Authenticity and Renewal.” Esteemed scholars, including Dr. Muhammad Al-Hassan Muhammad Al-Mustafa and Dr. Muhammad Al-Amin Al-Sheikh Ahmed, led discussions on the role of poetry in Mauritanian cultural identity and its adaptation to contemporary themes.
Focus on Research and Literary Evolution
The seminar provided an in-depth exploration of the rhythmic structure of traditional Mauritanian poetry, the evolution of rhythm, and the significance of internal rhythm in poetic expression. Researchers examined the cultural and social influences shaping Mauritanian poetry, particularly the impact of heritage, the desert landscape, and societal transformations.
A Poetic Finale
The closing poetry evening was marked by captivating recitations from four distinguished poets: Sidi Muhammad Bab, Abu Bakr Al-Mami, Muhammad Danso Dansola from Guinea, and Muhammad Najy Ahmedo. Their verses delved into profound themes, transporting the audience into a world of artistic expression and poetic imagination.
With its rich program and engagement with diverse poetic traditions, the tenth edition of the Nouakchott Arabic Poetry Festival reaffirmed its role as a vital platform for celebrating Arabic poetry and cultural dialogue across Africa and the Arab world.
