Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and head of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, inaugurated the second edition of the Sharjah Cultural Forum yesterday at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre. The event, themed “A Tale of Connection between Paper and Pen,” brought together various writers, authors, and enthusiasts dedicated to reviving the history of Arab culture.
The forum is organized as a testament to Sharjah’s vision of fostering cultural endeavors and solidifying its status as a beacon of thought and creativity through initiatives that promote the role of literature and knowledge in human and community development.
The event featured panel discussions and artistic performances that focused on the role of words in strengthening national identity and highlighting the significance of writing as a bridge for human and civilizational communication across generations.
Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher attended the opening session of the forum titled “Harun al-Rashid: Reality vs. Orientalist Views,” which explored the characteristics of the Abbasid era as one of the most glorious periods in Arab and Islamic history. This intellectual and cultural presentation was delivered by researcher Awad bin Hasoom Al-Darmaki, who began with a reflective journey into the key cultural and social landmarks that defined the time.
He discussed the profound impact of the scientific, literary, and intellectual renaissance experienced in Abbasid cities and the contributions of notable figures among scholars, thinkers, and writers who played essential roles in shaping an extraordinary civilization where thought merged with creativity.
Al-Darmaki also examined Harun al-Rashid’s character in the writings of Orientalists, discussing the balance between fair representation and bias. He emphasized the importance of revisiting history based on authentic sources that highlight the genuine achievements of Islamic civilization, aligning with Sharjah’s vision to revive human civilization and enhance historical awareness through culture and intellect.
The second edition of the forum, which spans three days, will focus on the culture of the Abbasid era and its rich legacy in literature, thought, and art, featuring a selection of esteemed writers and artists.
The first day kicked off with a musical performance titled “Playing the Oud” by musician Sherine Tahami, followed by poetry readings from poet Abdullah Al-Hadiya and several diverse cultural dialogue sessions.
The activities also included a discussion titled “Key Cultural Characteristics of the Abbasid Era,” presented by Dr. Mohamed Al-Maztouri, who discussed intellectual centers that defined the renaissance period at the time.
Among these was the House of Wisdom, which symbolized the peak of knowledge, translation, and scientific research, along with cultural salons that served as spaces for dialogue and exchange of ideas among scholars, writers, and poets.