Celebrating Palestinian Poetry at the 'Arkanah' International Poetry Prize Ceremony
In a remarkable celebration of literary excellence, four Palestinian poets have been awarded the prestigious 'Arkanah' International Poetry Prize during its eighteenth edition. This event coincides with UNESCO's announcement of Rabat as the World Capital of Books for 2026, underscoring the significance of cultural recognition on a global scale. The ceremony took place in Morocco's capital, Rabat, and was organized by the House of Poetry in Morocco, with the support of the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, alongside the Jerusalem Fund. The honored poets—Youssef Abdulaziz, Tahrir Riyad, and Zuhair Abu Shaib—expressed their gratitude for Morocco's unwavering cultural support for Palestine. Unfortunately, Ghassan Zaqtan was unable to attend due to health issues that prevented him from traveling.
During the ceremony, the laureates articulated their heartfelt appreciation for the bond that the 'Arkanah' prize has forged between Morocco and Palestine. Murad Qadri, the President of the House of Poetry in Morocco, emphasized that awarding this prize to four representatives of Palestinian poetic expression reflects a broader commitment to recognizing the profound impact of Palestinian poetry on the collective consciousness of Arab and global humanity. He remarked that this initiative goes beyond mere acknowledgment, presenting a new perspective that celebrates the creative diversity and artistic sensibilities within Palestinian poetry itself, which has consistently resonated since the mid-twentieth century.
A Moment of Cultural Solidarity
Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, the Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, highlighted the profound significance of this year's 'Arkanah' prize, particularly its embrace of Palestinian poetry. This gesture transcends conventional literary honors, becoming a celebration of beauty in the face of suffering and life amidst oblivion. The event was attended by numerous ambassadors from Arab countries and representatives from international organizations, including the UNESCO representative for the Maghreb region. Bensaid noted that this celebration aligns with the steadfast positions of King Mohammed VI of Morocco, who regards the Palestinian cause as a national issue, extending sincere greetings from Morocco—its king, government, and people—to the heart of Palestine.
Furthermore, Mohamed Salem Al-Sharqawi, Director of the Jerusalem Fund, expressed that the shadows of 'Arkanah' today expand to honor the indomitable spirit of the Palestinian people, exemplified through the distinguished presence at the event. The recognition of Palestinian poetry with the 'Arkanah' International Poetry Prize stands as a testament to Morocco's unwavering commitment to solidarity and cultural allegiance. The judging panel for this year's prize comprised a diverse group of Moroccan poets, writers, artists, and academics, led by poet Wafa Al-Imrani, alongside notable members including academic Abdul Rahman Tenkoul and visual artist Ahmed Jarid.
The House of Poetry in Morocco issued a statement from the judging committee, asserting that the accolade bestowed upon Palestinian poetry celebrates its rich tapestry of varied voices and experiences, as well as its relentless dedication to expanding the horizons of poetic expression. Recognizing four distinct poetic experiences not only highlights the friendship that has long characterized Morocco's cultural relationship with Palestinian poetry but also acknowledges the universal significance and profound differences inherent within this poetic dimension.
As reported by yaffaps.com.
