The Tozeur governorate in Tunisia is commemorating the 92nd anniversary of the death of celebrated poet Abi Al-Qasim Al-Shabi on October 9. The event is being organized by the Regional Cultural Affairs Delegation, with participation from various cultural institutions in the region. The program, themed "When Poetry Becomes Homeland... and the Voice of Eternity Awakens in the Poem," aims to provide an opportunity for the largest number of intellectuals, artists, creators, and poets to participate in this significant event.
The commemoration program includes a variety of activities such as exhibitions, workshops, intellectual seminars, and poetry evenings. The events kicked off on Friday morning with a series of exhibitions, including a book exhibition on Al-Shabi's poetry, an exhibition of critical studies, and another on visual arts and Arabic calligraphy. Additionally, workshops were held on traditional crafts, visual arts, and handicrafts, incorporating Al-Shabi's poems into the artistic content.
The Regional Library and public libraries are also participating in the event, hosting a main section with a participatory space where specialized educational associations are organizing workshops. These include creating a sculpture of Abi Al-Qasim Al-Shabi that combines visual art and choreography, as well as workshops on traditional crafts and painting.
In the evening, an intellectual seminar was held with two lectures. The first lecture, titled "Abi Al-Qasim Al-Shabi's Poetry Before and After 2011: Translation and Digital Transformations," was followed by a second lecture titled "The Impact of the Quran on Abi Al-Qasim Al-Shabi's Poetry: A Study in Quranic Intertextuality and Religious Vision."
The closing section of the commemoration program featured a poetry evening at Al-Shabi's grove, followed by a musical performance titled "Songs of Life" and an orchestral performance by the Carthage Symphony Orchestra, conducted by artist Hafez Magni. The event took place at Al-Shabi's hill in the Ras Al-Ain area among the lush oases.
The cultural events are part of the autumn and winter 2026/2027 cultural season, which kicked off with this commemoration. The program aims to celebrate Al-Shabi's legacy and provide a platform for artists and intellectuals to engage with his work.
The commemoration of Abi Al-Qasim Al-Shabi's death serves as a testament to the poet's enduring impact on Tunisian literature and culture. The events organized in Tozeur highlight the significance of Al-Shabi's poetry and its continued relevance in contemporary cultural discourse.
Key points
- The commemoration program includes a diverse range of cultural events, such as exhibitions, workshops, and intellectual seminars.
- The events aim to provide an opportunity for intellectuals, artists, creators, and poets to engage with Al-Shabi's work.
- The commemoration serves as a testament to Al-Shabi's enduring impact on Tunisian literature and culture.
