Qatar National Library has celebrated the 51st anniversary of the publication of the first poetry volume by Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Maqaleh, Yemen’s award-winning poet and writer, with a variety of cultural activities.
The event, which took place on 6 November, brought together His Excellency Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library, along with His Excellency Rajeh Hussein Badi, Ambassador of Yemen to Qatar, as part of the Qatar-MENASA 2022 activities.
The ceremony featured a video biography of Dr. Al-Maqaleh, a speech by the Tunisian novelist Nizar Shaqroon, and cultural activities, including a poetry recitation by the Yemeni journalist Ahmad Al-Shalafi, and an oud recital by Yemeni composer Faisal Sharaf Al-Deen.
Commenting on the event, Dr. Al Kawari said: “Today’s recognition of an Arab intellectual of Dr. Al-Maqaleh’s stature is a celebration of Arab identity and literature. The Arab nation’s poets, thinkers and intellectuals are the symbols and makers of our literary glory.”
“Celebrating their work is an integral part of the Library’s mission and vision and strongly aligns with the conviction I built throughout my diplomatic career in Arab and Western circles that culture is the bond that brings people together, especially in the case of Qatar and Yemen, which share a great deal in terms of language, religion, values and history, and even blood ties, he added.”
In his speech during the ceremony, Mr. Badi said: "We grew up reading the poetry of Dr. Al-Maqaleh who enriched our souls, minds, and conscience with his thought, creativity, contributions and great presence, and with all that is noble and beautiful”.
He added: "In his prolific career, his poetic spirit embraced the intellect of the creative writer, the academic, the researcher, and the thinker. His unique and inspiring poems and books have contributed to enriching the Yemeni and Arabic library and in his work, we see a glimpse of his soul, thoughts, originality, sensitivity, deep perspectives, and vast spacious worlds”.
The celebration comes after the Library recently hosted the MENASA Cultural Fair, which shed light on the heritage of nations across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia through a wide range of attractions and hands-on activities for visitors.
The fair was part of the Library’s efforts to promote the Qatar-MENASA 2022, Years of Culture initiative, an international cultural exchange that aims to deepen people’s understanding and promote dialogue and cooperation among nations.
With the support of the UNESCO Gulf States and Yemen Office, the Library is also planning to organize an exhibition next year to showcase Yemeni documentary heritage.
The exhibition will be built on the Library’s rich photography and manuscripts collection from Yemen and aims to raise awareness of the importance of protecting and preserving it.
