The Syrian capital has kicked off the first International Festival of Arabic Poetry in Damascus. The ceremonial opening took place at the Damascus Opera House and brought together 55 poets, writers, and lecturers from 16 Arab countries. Organizers describe the forum not merely as a literary event, but as a comprehensive cultural project intended to redraw and document the region’s literary map. Here, words become a bridge for human and aesthetic exchange between participants and the public.
In remarks, Syrian Minister of Culture Muhammad Yasin Saleh announced a set of new initiatives. Among them is the completion of work on the “Sham Burda” poetry prize in honor of the Prophet, as well as the establishment of the “Damascus Sword” award in the field of Arabic poetry. In addition, a committee has been created for Nabataean poetic heritage, aimed at honoring Bedouin and urban traditions, and a platform called “Divan of Syrian Poets” has been launched—a living archive of national poetry. In cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, the organizers also decided to restore cultural symbols to purebred Syrian horses.
The festival program, which will run for six days—from August 2 to 7—goes far beyond traditional poetry readings. At the Opera and the Dramatic Theatre, evenings of classical and Nabataean poetry will be held with authors from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Kuwait, Jordan, Libya, and Syria. Discussions are planned on supporting creative youth, along with talks about the experience of poets such as Suad as-Sabah, live podcasts, art and book exhibitions, and presentations of new publications. The musical portion will be closed by a concert by singer Bashar Zarkan.
The festival also links literature with historical sites: for guests, excursions have been arranged—they will visit Old Damascus, Bosra, Saydnaya, and Maaloula. The opening ceremony included a video presentation titled “Damascus and Poetry,” the song “Syrian Qasida,” a children’s program, and a segment dedicated to departed intellectuals. According to the organizers, the festival goes beyond beautiful words and turns to the human and moral core of poetry, and that the discipline of words and ethical values should become the foundation of a society that lives by the law and rejects injustice. Damascus is once again asserting itself as the cradle of Arab poetry.
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What is Nabataean poetry, and why is a separate committee created to preserve it under the Syrian Ministry of Culture?
Nabataean poetry is folk poetry in colloquial Arabic (as opposed to classical literary Arabic poetry). It is widespread among Bedouin and rural communities in Syria, the Levant, and the Arabian Peninsula. It is distinguished by a particular rhythm, an oral tradition of transmission, and themes tied to life, honor, love, and tribal customs. A separate committee has been set up because this form of poetry is passed down orally and is at risk of disappearing due to urbanization, wars, and generational change. The Ministry of Culture aims to document, preserve, and popularize it as part of Syria’s intangible cultural heritage.What are Saydnaya and Maaloula known for, and why are they included in the festival’s excursion program?
Saydnaya is a town in the mountains north of Damascus, known primarily for the ancient Orthodox monastery of the Virgin Mary (Deir-Saydnaya), which is considered one of the oldest functioning monasteries in the world and an important Christian pilgrimage site. Maaloula is a unique settlement where Western Aramaic is still spoken—an Aramaic language closely related to the one that, it is believed, Jesus Christ spoke. It is home to ancient monasteries of Saint Thecla and Saint Sergius (Mar Sarkis), carved into the rocks. Both places attract pilgrims and tourists thanks to their religious history, ancient architecture, and picturesque mountain landscapes.
Full version: With the participation of 16 countries... Opening of the first edition of the Damascus International Festival of Arabic Poetry