DOHA: Poetry fans and literary aficionados gathered at Msheireb Enrichment Centre on Wednesday for an evening of traditional recitals hosted by Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation.
The evening was modelled on the traditional majlis, a gathering place where the Hakawati, a traditional poet or storyteller would speak.
In the past, the Hakawati would often travel from town to village, recounting histories handed down from generation to generation.
The two-hour literary majlis featured Qatari poets Ali Mirza and Hissa Abdulla in an event moderated by Qatar TV’s Tyseer Abdullah.
After the event, Mirza underlined the importance of the literary majlis to keep poetry alive and see interest rising among future generations.
On Bloomsbury’s role in preserving Qatari and Gulf literature, Mirza said, “The project provides Qatari and Gulf writers with the opportunity to not only discuss their literary work, but also share it with the wider community. Discussions will also contribute to spreading awareness about the richness of Gulf literature.”
The majlis followed a similar event in March that focused on fiction writers Mai Al Nakib and Abdulaziz Al Mahmoud.
Arend Küster, Acting Director, of Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation, said, “As a publishing company, we are constantly exploring new ways to develop the pursuit of literary excellence in Qatar. The literary majlis works not only to highlight existing talent but also to inspire and nurture the next generation of writers, poets and artists.”
The Peninsula
