A Celebration of Literary Excellence: The 23rd Sharjah Cultural Honouring Forum in Nouakchott
Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the capital of Mauritania, Nouakchott, recently played host to a notable cultural event that reaffirmed the importance of literary figures in the Arab world. This celebration, part of the 23rd edition of the Sharjah Cultural Honouring Forum, was organized through a collaboration between the Sharjah Department of Culture and Mauritania’s Ministry of Culture, Arts, Communications, and Relations with Parliament.
The event, notable for its cultural significance and its emphasis on the enduring legacies of authors and poets, honored four distinguished figures of Mauritanian literature. These honorees included the revered poet Mohamed Fall Abdel Latif, the linguist Dr. Yahya Al Hashemi, language researcher Dr. Mohamedou Ameen, and poet Mohamed Al Hafiz Ould Ahmedou. Their recognition underscores the contributions made towards enriching both the cultural and intellectual fabric of their nation.
This year’s forum holds particular resonance as it signifies the fourth occasion that the event has taken place in Mauritania. Historically, it has acknowledged the achievements of twelve Mauritanian creatives in previous iterations, emphasizing the continuing commitment of Sharjah to celebrate and promote Arab intellectualism. The award ceremony unfolded in the Conference Hall of Nouakchott, gathering an audience that included prominent intellectuals, academics, writers, and the families of the honorees, highlighting the event’s profound importance.
In a speech delivered at the ceremony, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture, articulated the enduring cultural collaboration between Sharjah and Mauritania, stating, “We are pleased to meet today at this distinguished cultural event, which continues the journey of cooperation between the Sharjah Department of Culture and the Ministry of Culture, Arts, Communication and Relations with Parliament. This partnership has led to numerous cultural activities that support Arab culture and reinforce the role of thought and creativity in our Arab societies.”
Echoing these sentiments, El Houssein Ould Meddou, Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication and Relations with Parliament in Mauritania, welcomed the audience and expressed deep gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his unwavering support of Arabic literature. His remarks celebrated the initiative and the significant cultural exchange facilitated through the forum. He said, “I am honored to be with you today at this distinguished cultural gathering, celebrating this radiant forum and noble initiative. At the outset, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi for his dedicated efforts to serve the Arabic language and its literature.”
The honorees expressed deep appreciation for the recognition bestowed upon them, viewing it as both a source of pride and validation of their creative endeavors. They articulated that participation in the Sharjah Cultural Honouring Forum transcends personal accolades; it signifies a robust cultural celebration that commits to acknowledging and uplifting intellectuals across varied fields within the Arab community.
In their remarks, the honorees praised the visionary leadership of the Ruler of Sharjah, emphasizing his belief in the power of culture as a pillar of national development and identity. They welcomed continued collaboration between Sharjah and Mauritania, highlighting that recognition at such a prestigious forum can serve to inspire younger generations of writers, poets, and thinkers throughout the Arab world.
As this cultural gathering came to a close, it left an indelible mark not only on the attendees but also on the broader celebration of Arab literary heritage. It reinforced the unifying power of culture and creativity in bridging gaps between communities and nurturing a shared identity.
In conclusion, the 23rd Sharjah Cultural Honouring Forum stands as a vital reminder of the collective work that must continue within Arab societies to foster an enriching literary environment. The contributions of the honorees are not merely reflective of personal achievements but are pivotal to the cultural tapestry that defines the region’s literary landscape.