Sharjah (Al-Ittihad)
The Emirate of Sharjah, with its major cultural project, is the first Arab guest of honor at the Thessaloniki International Book Fair in Greece, which is held from May 16 to 19 of this year. And knowledge production, the horizon of dialogue and joint cooperation, with more than 25 diverse events, during which the symbols of Emirati literature and the most prominent cultural, academic and knowledge institutions gathered.
Cognitive and creative production
This celebration of Sharjah comes in recognition of the extent of its contribution to supporting the knowledge and creative production industry in the Arab region, and its impact in expanding global publishing markets by linking the Levant with Morocco. The emirate’s choice of this title also represents an appreciation of its centrality among the capitals of knowledge in the world, and a continuation of a series of honors that the emirate has witnessed over the years. For the past ten years, she has been a guest of honor at some of the largest international exhibitions, from Latin America to Europe, through Africa, to the Arab region and East Asia.
During its participation in the exhibition, Sharjah presents a comprehensive and integrated program of events, in which various cultural, educational and tourism institutions in the emirate participate, organizing a series of workshops, book signing parties, discussion and dialogue sessions, in addition to artistic performances and activities that display the aesthetics, values and arts of the authentic Emirati heritage.
Meaningful dialogue
Regarding this celebration, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Book Authority, said: “This occasion confirms the importance of shared cultural heritage and contributes to stimulating meaningful global dialogue. We are proud that Sharjah is a bridge linking cultures, as the emirate has always been celebrated as a beacon of identity.” Emirati and Arab, and we will remain committed to promoting strong communication between different cultures.”
Sheikha Bodour added, “The importance of such events is embodied in strengthening communication channels between workers in the publishing industry and content creators. They also provide more ways to support creative industries and enhance mutual growth at the global level. Celebrating Sharjah as the guest of honor at the Thessaloniki International Book Fair 2024 is an important opportunity for us.” Emirati cultural institutions and workers in this field, to build and create opportunities for cooperation and joint work with their counterparts in Greece and abroad.”
Global experience
For his part, Ahmed bin Rakad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, said that Sharjah’s program as the exhibition’s guest reflects the magnitude of the efforts led by the emirate with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to advance all components of culture in their social, heritage and material dimensions. And development, as the emirate provides a pioneering model in organizing book fairs in the world, and its experience constitutes a driver for the content industry and knowledge production for the region and the world, in terms of providing the appropriate environment for publishers, allocating prizes to writers, and developing international platforms and forums to enhance the efforts and effectiveness of distributors, artists, and literary agents, And other parties to the cultural movement.
Al Ameri added, “In the Sharjah Book Authority, under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Authority’s Board of Directors, we open the door for various cultural institutions to develop working relationships and joint cooperation that enhance the presence of Arab cultural production in the world, and create new opportunities for workers in the book industry, which will help them.” To advance their work and increase the share of the Emirati and Arab publishing sector in the global book market.
Philosophical paintings
In celebration of the science of philosophy, which was present and influential in the Arab and Greek cultures, the Sharjah Book Authority is holding, in the Sharjah Pavilion at the exhibition, the project “Philosophies… A Visual Simulation,” which is an artistic project inspired by the sayings of the most famous Greek and Arab philosophers, who excelled in thinking and writing in the Arabic and Greek languages, where An elite group of Emirati and Greek painters are partnering to bring meanings and expressions from the realm of the philosophical word to the brilliance and magic of an expressive image and its ability to create a lasting impact on souls. Emirati artists Nasser Nasrallah, Rashid Al Mulla, and Alia Al Hammadi are participating in the project, along with Greek artists: Daniela Stamtiadi, Vassilios. Grivas, and Antonios Nikolopoulos.
Heritage shows
The Sharjah program at the exhibition is divided into a series of discussion sessions, events and live performances, as it organizes a symposium entitled “Emerging Literature and the Challenges of the Future”, and a second session reviews the cultural relations between the Arabs and the Greeks, and in another dialogue session it discusses the challenges facing the short story in the age of the novel, and brings together An elite group of the most prominent Emirati and Arab poets in a poetry evening conveys the spirit of the Arabic poem to the exhibition audience, and focuses on the impact of philosophy on ancient and contemporary Arabic literature.
Sharjah’s participation will witness a number of heritage, musical and creative performances, including a corner dedicated to henna drawing and tasting Emirati cuisine, in addition to a corner for book signing parties, Arabic calligraphy, and exhibitions of artists and artistic collectibles to embody some of the features of Arab cultural identity.
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