Sharjah: Books

scholar and literary critic Alamir Kamal Farag will sign copies of his latest book, "The Arabic poem : Stages of Development and Renewal," at the Sharjah International Book Fair on November 11, 2024. Published by the Sharjah Government's Department of Culture, the book will be available at the fair, which runs from November 6 to November 17, 2024.

"Arabic Poetry: Stages of Development and Renewal" offers a comprehensive critical study charting the evolution of Arabic poetry from its origins. Farag delves into the various stages of the poem's development, from its inception and motivations to its definition and structure.

He then identifies the formal and thematic characteristics of poetry, exploring its renewal from the Abbasid era to the Andalusian period, encompassing the Ihya' school, the Diwan movement, the Apollo group, Romanticism. The author analyzes the transformations of Arabic poetry in each era, as well as the corresponding formal and artistic changes.The book also examines the significant transformation brought about by the emergence of modern poetry. Farag explores the formal changes in t'af'ila poetry, traces the efforts of its pioneers, analyzes stylistic characteristics, and discusses the philosophy of modernity. He then turns to free verse, tracing its history and its evolution from a rejected form to an established literary genre. The author also delves into visual poetry, examining its dimensions between modernity and authenticity.Farag re-evaluates modern poetry from both formal and artistic perspectives, assessing its achievements and challenges. He discusses classical modernity, the conflict between authenticity and contemporaneity, and the future of experimentation in Arabic poetry.

Ultimately, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of Arabic poetry and offers insights into its future trajectory.Employing a descriptive analytical methodology, Farag combines theoretical foundations with technical analysis to present fresh perspectives on the significant transformations experienced by the first Arabic art form.

Despite the vast scope of the research and the large space-time area in which he works, the author was keen to monitor all aspects of innovation in Arabic poetry, to form a complete mosaic, due to the importance of that in clarifying what happened and anticipating what will happen.

The 380-page book, divided into eight chapters, features a cover designed by Emirati artist Mariam Al Suwaidi.

Alamir  Kamal Farag thanked the Department of Culture in Sharjah, the capital of culture and creativity, and the creator of the Sharjah cultural experience, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Supreme Council of the Union, and his unique vision that restored respect for culture and made it a starting point for administration and governance. He especially thanked the great thinker Dr. Omar Abdel Aziz, Director of the Studies Department, and his directives, which had the greatest impact on the completion and excellence of the work.

It is noteworthy that Alamir Kamal Farag is an Egyptian poet, critic and media figure, one of the contributors to enriching the Arab cultural movement. He has published a number of poetic and critical works, including "The Mermaid", "Venus and Sinbad", "Songs to the Lady of Beauty", "Knights of Stone", "Alienation A K F", and "The Egyptian Exile". He is the publisher of several newspapers, including: Al-Sahafa, C.U., and Bonjour newspaper in French.