H.H. Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi inaugurates Sharjah Cultural Forum 2, celebrating the Abbasid era’s rich contributions to literature and culture.
SHARJAH: Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, attended the opening of the second edition of the Sharjah Cultural Forum, launched at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre. The three-day event celebrates the enduring cultural and literary achievements of the Abbasid era.
The forum reaffirms Sharjah’s vision of being a cultural lighthouse in the Arab world by fostering dialogue, preserving heritage, and inspiring creativity through literature, history, and the arts.
Sheikha Jawaher was present at the inaugural session, titled “Harun al-Rashid: Bridging Reality and Imaginative Views,” where researcher Awad bin Hasoum Al Darmaki delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the Abbasid period — often considered one of the golden ages of Arab and Islamic civilisation. He spoke about Harun al-Rashid’s influence and how Eastern and Western narratives have shaped perceptions of his reign.
The session emphasised the importance of relying on accurate historical sources to understand the intellectual legacy of Islamic civilisation. This aligns with Sharjah’s cultural mission to deepen historical awareness and promote informed dialogue.
The programme featured a range of performances and discussions, including a musical piece titled Oud Playing by Sherine Tohamy and poetry readings by Abdullah Al-Hadiyya. Scholars explored key themes such as “The House of Wisdom and Cultural Salons” by Dr. Mohammed Al-Maztouri and the evolution of literary thought presented by Dr. Hessa Al Ketbi.
Another key session, “Reading Books from the Early Abbasid Era,” hosted by Professor Issa Yousef and Dr. Atef Mansour, discussed how Abbasid intellectualism helped shape future generations of Arab thought and literature.
With dialogue sessions, live performances, and literary showcases, the forum aims to inspire new generations to appreciate the enduring legacy of the Abbasid era — a time of exceptional creativity in poetry, philosophy, science, and music.
