Studies in Contemporary Saudi Poetry

Studies in Contemporary Saudi Poetry
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Studies in Contemporary Saudi Poetry

Studies in Contemporary Saudi Poetry

The Jeddah Literature and Cultural Club recently published a new book, “In Poetry Fields: Studies in Contemporary Saudi Poetry” by Dr. Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman al-Haidari, professor of Literature and criticism at the Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU). The book is the 266th publication of the club.

The book includes four research published in three local and foreign journals: Arabic Science Journal (published by the Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University), Journal of the Faculty of Dar Al Uloom - Fayoum University, and the Sohag University Journal of Literature. The three studies explore phenomena in the contemporary Saudi poetry.

The first study, “Picture of Disability in Saudi Poetry: Study of Content and Form”, focuses on the link between creativity and disabilities in the Arabic literature.

The second research is entitled “Poetry in Face of Terrorism: Study of Samples of Saudi Poetry”.

The third research, “Inventions in Saudi Poetry: Astonishment, Familiarity, and Caution” focuses on three topics: the presence of female inventors in Saudi poetry, image of female inventors in Saudi poetry, and artistic characteristics and aesthetic styles in the poetry of female inventors.

The fourth research, “Echo of Modern Technology in Saudi Poetry”, was used by the author to discuss complaints about advancement, the start of using mobiles in the Kingdom, the internet’s debut in Saudi Arabia, the new media concept, and domination of cellphones. The research explored two main topics: technology in studies of Saudi researchers, and modern technologies in Saudi poems.

In his book, the author sought to use scientific research to shed light on the burdens of the local society, observe changes in people’s lives, and analyze samples of Saudi poetry that focused on major aspects that other creatives have overlooked.

The front cover features a painting by Artist Nasser bin Abdullah al-Moussa that expresses the content of the 206-page book, which is expected to be featured at the Jeddah Club’s pavilion at the Riyadh International Bookfair.

The author, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman al-Haidari is specialized in Saudi literature, and already has over 20 books in literature and criticism including: “Biography in Saudi Literature”, “Hussein Sarhan as a Storyteller”, “Hussein Sarhan’s Prose Works, Biography in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”, and “Conferences of Saudi Novelists.”



Greek Potter Keeps Ancient Ways Alive, Wins UNESCO Recognition

A drone view of ready handmade pieces in Kouvdis’ family pottery workshop in Agios Stefanos village, near Mandamados on the Greek island of Lesbos, Greece, September 23, 2024. (Reuters)
A drone view of ready handmade pieces in Kouvdis’ family pottery workshop in Agios Stefanos village, near Mandamados on the Greek island of Lesbos, Greece, September 23, 2024. (Reuters)
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Greek Potter Keeps Ancient Ways Alive, Wins UNESCO Recognition

A drone view of ready handmade pieces in Kouvdis’ family pottery workshop in Agios Stefanos village, near Mandamados on the Greek island of Lesbos, Greece, September 23, 2024. (Reuters)
A drone view of ready handmade pieces in Kouvdis’ family pottery workshop in Agios Stefanos village, near Mandamados on the Greek island of Lesbos, Greece, September 23, 2024. (Reuters)

In his seaside workshop on the Greek island of Lesbos, Nikos Kouvdis uses ancient techniques to create pottery pieces that have recently been honored with inclusion in UNESCO's National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Kouvdis, 70, and his family have kept an old technique alive near the once humming pottery hub of Mandamados, just as the slow and careful methods of the past have been largely eclipsed by factory machines.

Their pottery is among the last in the Mediterranean to be produced from clay in local soil, using a traditional kiln with olive pits as fuel, with the pieces painted with natural lime.

"It's an honor for me," Kouvdis said with regard to the UNESCO recognition of his work.

He said a mechanized press can work at 10 times the speed of an individual potter. "There’s no continuity. There’s no space for (our) method to continue."

Still, he continues to produce individual pots on an outcrop of land overlooking the Aegean Sea.

"Above all, it’s a passion - trying to create something that fulfils you," he said.