Symbol of Modernity Ali Sarhan Al-Qurashi Passes Away

Dr. Ali Sarhan Al-Qurashi
Dr. Ali Sarhan Al-Qurashi
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Symbol of Modernity Ali Sarhan Al-Qurashi Passes Away

Dr. Ali Sarhan Al-Qurashi
Dr. Ali Sarhan Al-Qurashi

The Saudi cultural, literary and academic scene lost Dr. Ali Sarhan Al-Qurashi, one of the most prominent figures of the literary and critical movement in the Kingdom, and a symbol of literary modernization, who was known for his critical studies and academic work at the local and Arab levels.

Dr. Al-Qurashi was a modernist intellectual, who faced the pressures of the extremist movements that were influential in universities in the mid-1980s. He was seen as a defender of modernity and an icon of its literary symbols.

Alike his generation of Saudi intellectuals, who were exposed to the pressures of a religious movement that fought modernity, Al-Qurashi confronted challenges that had prevented him from obtaining a doctorate from Umm Al-Qura University, until 1990, when he successfully presented his dissertation, entitled, “The Poetic Image in the Poetry of Bishr bin Abi Khazim Al-Asadi.”

Al-Qurashi spoke about this period, which also saw the deprivation of another academic, Saeed Al-Sarihi, from obtaining an academic degree. He said that he was forced to “disavow modernity” in a letter he wrote to the university administration, as the only way to convince the professors to move forward with discussing his thesis.

Al-Qurashi enriched the literary and cultural arena with many critical studies, in addition to narrative and poetic works. He worked as professor of literature and criticism at Taif University, and established many literary forums.

His most prominent works include: “Exaggeration in Arabic Rhetoric,” “You and Language,” “Energies of Creativity,” “The Human Vision in the Movement of Language,” published in the Riyadh Book Series in 1997, and “The Poetic Personality of Taif.”

Other important contributions include: “The Journey of the Self in the Space of the Ancient Poetic Text,” “The Woman’s Text,” and “The Story of Language and the Text of Writing,” published by the Riyadh Book Series in 2003.



Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Global Cultural Collaboration

Saudi Arabia reiterated its dedication to promoting cultural diversity. SPA
Saudi Arabia reiterated its dedication to promoting cultural diversity. SPA
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Global Cultural Collaboration

Saudi Arabia reiterated its dedication to promoting cultural diversity. SPA
Saudi Arabia reiterated its dedication to promoting cultural diversity. SPA

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cultural collaboration and sustainable development was highlighted at the 5th G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting, where Deputy Minister of Culture for International Cultural Relations Eng. Fahad Abdulrahman Alkanaan delivered the Kingdom’s speech.

The ministerial meeting, held in Salvador, Brazil, under the theme “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” provided Saudi Arabia an opportunity to reaffirm its dedication to advancing the global cultural agenda.

In his speech on behalf of Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Deputy Minister Eng. Fahad Abdulrahman Alkanaan expressed gratitude to the Brazilian Presidency, specifically acknowledging Minister of Culture Margareth Menezes, for their dedication to supporting the cultural track within the G20 framework.

“Saudi Arabia is honored to have initiated the first-ever G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting in 2020 during the Saudi Presidency, themed ‘The Rise of the Cultural Economy: A New Paradigm.’ This initiative underscores our belief in culture as a global public good, connecting our past, enriching our present, and shaping our future,” he said.

The G20 Culture Track was introduced in 2020 under Saudi Arabia’s Presidency, marking a transformative milestone in recognizing culture’s role in influencing economic growth, making it an essential part of the G20 agenda. Since then, Saudi Arabia has established a strong legacy within the G20 framework, and successive presidencies—Italy, Indonesia, India, and now Brazil—have expanded upon this foundation, broadening the cultural agenda’s scope and impact.

Aligning with this year’s G20 theme to foster social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience, Saudi Arabia reiterated its dedication to promoting cultural diversity, leveraging digital advancements, fostering a creative economy, and preserving cultural heritage.

Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of preserving and protecting heritage sites worldwide. To support this mission, the Kingdom has launched several initiatives, including the establishment of a world-class center dedicated to the restoration and protection of underwater cultural heritage in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage locally and internationally.
Through these continued efforts, Saudi Arabia remains dedicated to the priorities of the G20 Culture Track, viewing culture as a vital contributor to sustainable growth. Prince Bader remarked, “We are confident that the collaborative efforts among G20 members will continue to elevate culture as a vital force for sustainable development, inspiring future generations to build a better world.”