عمر أبوالهيجاء

Omar Abu al-Hija reviews Kawthar Lutfi Al-Muqbil’s book Dictionary of Russian Formalist Terms, published by Zad Publishers and Distributors in Jordan. The 77-page reference brings together key concepts such as literariness, defamiliarization, motivation and the dominant element, giving their Russian and English equivalents alongside definitions, origins and intellectual contexts. The book is presented as a useful resource for Arab researchers, graduate students and readers of modern literary criticism, addressing the fragmentation and inconsistency of Arabic translations of Russian Formalist terminology. Russian Formalism is described as a movement that shifted literary criticism toward the objective study of a text’s internal structure and artistic mechanisms, with figures including Roman Jakobson, Viktor Shklovsky and Yuri Tynyanov.

Issue 92 of the Saudi cultural magazine Al-Jawbah, published through the Abdulrahman Al-Sudairi Cultural Center, features a special dossier on discourse in Saudi and Arab visual art. The dossier examines contemporary Arab artistic experiences, the relationship between Saudi art and place, cultural identity, marginal art, poetry and photography, war and abstraction, and meaning-making in painting, alongside an interview with Saudi critic and artist Sami Jreidi. The issue also dedicates several pieces to the late artist Muna Al-Qasbi, and includes interviews with Moroccan novelist Abdulaziz Al-Rashdi and Saudi novelist and academic Faddiya Al-Rais. Other sections contain creative writing, studies of Al-Jawf's culture and tourism, desertification, small enterprises in the age of artificial intelligence, and the localization of AI manufacturing.

The 84th issue of the monthly poetry magazine Al-Qawafi, published by the House of Poetry in the Sharjah Department of Culture, focuses on the phenomenon of echo in Arabic poetry and its existential, emotional and symbolic dimensions. The issue includes a study of narrative structure in Umayyad poetry, interviews with poets, literary criticism, discussions of rhyme and verse structure, features on Sudanese and classical poets, readings of selected poems, book reviews and a range of poetry selections. Its concluding editorial by Muhammad Abdullah al-Buraiki presents echo as a vessel for memory, place, emotion and the voices of absent people.

The new issue of Kitab magazine highlights the life and contributions of French philosopher and sociologist Edgar Morin, emphasizing his advocacy for justice and recognition of the Palestinian state during his final months. The issue also features an editorial on Sharjah’s publishing sustainability initiative and includes interviews, literary studies, and book reviews focused on Arab and international authors. Various articles explore literary trends, cultural reflections, and new publications within the broader context of Sharjah’s growing cultural landscape.

Egyptian poet Ahmed Al‑Shahawi is set to participate in the 36th Medellín International Poetry Festival in Colombia, presenting Spanish translations of his work. His longstanding engagement with Latin American literary circles is highlighted through his multiple festival appearances and numerous Spanish-language editions published across the region. The article underscores his cultural impact in Spanish‑speaking countries, where critics and translators emphasize the spiritual and modernist qualities of his poetry. His extensive international presence has strengthened cultural dialogue between Arabic and Latin American literary communities, establishing him as a prominent voice in contemporary Arab poetry.

The 117th issue of Sharjah Cultural Magazine presents a wide range of articles, studies, interviews, and creative texts exploring literature, arts, thought, cinema, theater, and cultural heritage across the Arab world. Its editorial emphasizes the human dimension of poetry, while contributors examine influential literary figures, Arab and international authors, translation, narrative identity, and developments in modern Arabic fiction. The issue also features cultural analyses, critical essays, artistic reviews, and a selection of short stories and translated works by contemporary Arab writers.

A new critical study by Jordanian scholar Khalil Al‑Sheikh examines Mahmoud Darwish’s poetic narrative across his works, tracing artistic and aesthetic transformations from early poems to later complex structures. It highlights the evolution of themes including identity, heritage, mythology, characters, homeland, and exile while avoiding political readings. The book analyzes Darwish’s use of classical Arab figures, Andalusian history, personal portraits, and the interplay of self and other, showing his poetry as a dynamic, growing project marked by diversity, renewal, and deep symbolic layering.

The novel by Qassem Toufic follows the life of Younes, whose infancy in the care of a beggar shapes his psychological development and isolation. The narrative explores his emotional detachment, social alienation, and search for identity, portraying a character living between joy and sorrow while remaining misunderstood by those around him. The story highlights how early trauma and societal perceptions contribute to his tragic fate, revealing a broader reflection on human nature and the silent struggles individuals carry.

An evening hosted by the House of Poetry in Sharjah brought together poets from Jordan, Syria and Sudan to present works centered on love, longing and human emotion. Introduced by Amani Al-Zuaybi, the event featured readings by Mohammed Al-Azzam, Tawfiq Ahmed and Ammar Hassan, each showcasing distinct styles ranging from lyrical romanticism to themes of exile and hardship. The gathering concluded with recognition of the participating poets in the presence of a large literary audience.

A new novel by Jordanian writer Ahmed Tamlieh titled One Night Only explores the psychological and human impact of an unexpected night in prison, blending real personal experience with fiction. Critics describe the work as a blend of authentic lived detail, narrative tension, and an examination of themes such as dignity, freedom, trust and moral responsibility. Tamlieh discusses his shift toward writing rooted in direct experience, his literary influences, and his broader body of work, while excerpts of forthcoming and past projects highlight his continuing interest in narrative experimentation and personal reflection.

The article reviews Dr. Abdul Rahim Marashdeh’s latest critical book examining cultural systems in contemporary Arabic poetry through applied analyses of works by major poets including Adonis, Nizar Qabbani, Taher Riyad, Omar Abu Al-Heija, and Nasser Al-Din Al-Asad. It highlights the book’s methodological grounding in cultural criticism, its engagement with philosophical, historical, and ideological references, and its focus on uncovering implicit meanings and textual structures that link modern poetic expression across different traditions. The studies collectively emphasize the intersection of poetry with cultural and intellectual transformations in the Arab world.

Samah Mahgoub leads a cultural tour in three Saudi cities to discuss poetry, literary awards, and definitions of poetic form, presenting critical views on the state of contemporary Arabic poetry and the influence of prize systems. His talks highlight concerns about the commercialization and politicization of awards while emphasizing artistic integrity and the evolving nature of poetry. The initiative is part of the Saudi Literary Partner program, which promotes interaction between audiences and leading Arab writers, and underscores Mahgoub’s prominence in the Arab literary scene.

The text analyzes Rashid Issa’s new epic poem ‘The Five Mountains,’ highlighting its philosophical depth, formal experimentation, and thematic focus on existential questioning and human estrangement. The poet’s dialogue with historical sages shapes a narrative exploring doubt, irony, and the search for meaning, while the work’s rhythmic structure and linguistic inventiveness are emphasized as key strengths. The review positions the collection as a mature culmination of Issa’s long poetic journey and a significant addition to contemporary Arabic poetry.

Speakers at a cultural event in Amman highlighted Horan’s historical, social, and cultural significance in shaping Jordanian identity. Academics and writers discussed the region’s role in literature, collective memory, and political history, emphasizing the need to document its heritage and preserve its cultural legacy. Participants praised the organizing cultural forum for supporting activities that enrich Jordan’s cultural landscape.

The text reviews Sarah Hamed Hawass’s book on the writing process, presenting translated testimonies from seventeen influential global authors. The work is highlighted as a distinctive cultural reference that explores writers’ rituals, inspirations, and creative journeys, with editor Ahmed Al-Shahawi emphasizing the depth and originality of the project. The book is positioned as a guide for readers and writers alike, offering insights into the inner world of literary creation.

The article highlights the 92nd issue of ‘Kitab’ magazine, which features the first interview by an Arab publication with Spanish poet Yolanda Castaño, recently awarded in Italy. The issue focuses on Sharjah’s global cultural outreach, supported by the Sharjah Book Authority’s leadership. It includes literary discussions, international author interviews, studies on Arab cultural influence in the West, and commentary on the marginalization of Arab sources in Western scholarship.

The text reviews a new book by architect and novelist Mohammad Rafee focusing on the documented architectural identity of Old Amman, particularly Jabal al-Luweibdeh between 1933 and 1959. Drawing on original building permits, manuscripts and historical records, the book offers a detailed visual and archival reference for researchers studying Amman's urban development. Introductions by municipal officials emphasize the work’s value in preserving the city’s architectural heritage and tracing its evolution from the late Ottoman era through the establishment of the Jordanian state.

A panel at the Doha International Book Fair brought together winners of the Arab Book Award to discuss rigorous research practices and publishing philosophies, emphasizing the award’s role in encouraging high‑quality scholarly work. Speakers highlighted teamwork, methodological precision, and the importance of strong editorial standards, while noting the fair’s growing significance as a regional cultural platform. The award continues to receive submissions for its fourth cycle, covering linguistic, critical, social, philosophical, historical and religious studies, as well as lexicons and textual scholarship.

A new documentary series by Kuwait’s Al-Bawadi TV spotlights Arab poets living abroad, exploring their personal journeys, creative development, and the cultural impact of exile. The program preserves Arab literary heritage and extends the cultural legacy of the Al-Babtain family by showcasing diverse poetic experiences across global settings.

The House of Poetry in Mafraq launches the third edition of its Children’s Poetry Forum in Amman, extending over three days across schools and cultural centers to promote imagination and aesthetic appreciation among young audiences. Director Faisal Al‑Sarhan highlights the initiative’s mission and its connection to the broader Arab project of establishing poetry houses supported by Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al‑Qasimi. The program includes multiple poetry sessions featuring notable Jordanian poets and aims to bring literary experiences directly to children in their own educational and cultural environments.

Poetry Houses across the Arab world are presented as cultural institutions revitalizing Arabic poetry, strengthening its role in society and expanding its institutional presence. The initiative, launched from Sharjah and expanded across several Arab cities, offers poets structured support, public platforms and opportunities for engagement with audiences. The experience in Jordan, Morocco and other participating countries highlights increased events, partnerships and renewed interest in Arabic language and poetry. The initiative is credited with fostering dialogue, enhancing cultural participation and promoting contemporary poetic expression while encouraging future coordination among Arab Poetry Houses, including proposals for annual global poetry capitals.

Poland honors Sharjah as guest of honor at the Warsaw International Book Fair, with the magazine Kitab highlighting the emirate’s cultural presence through studies, reports, and interviews featuring Emirati and international writers. The issue underscores Sharjah’s global cultural role, guided by its leadership, and presents diverse literary content spanning multiple regions and traditions.

A cultural event at the Ecatepec Book Fair in Mexico launched the bilingual poetry anthology Under the Olive Trees featuring works by 35 Palestinian and Arab poets written amid the conflict in Gaza and the West Bank. Speakers emphasized poetry as a form of resistance, with strong contributions from Carmen Nozal and Palestinian poet‑translator Fatima Nazzal. Readings by Latin American poets highlighted cross‑continental solidarity. Participants called for transforming cultural solidarity into tangible support for Palestinian human rights, while attendees expressed shared commitment to justice and preserving Palestinian memory.