21 March 2015
Poetry Caravan Travels Around Bahrain Celebrating World Poetry Day
In celebrating World Poetry Day, March 21, Bahrain’s Authority for Culture & Antiquities has been conceiving and realizing numerous manifestations of literary, music, dance theatre festivals and sports events that are held with continued regularity. The caravan started from four historical places, recalling the ancient glorious Arabic poetry.
The caravan reaffirms our common humanity by revealing to us that individuals, everywhere in the world, share the same questions and feelings. Poetry is the mainstay of oral tradition and, over centuries, has communicated the innermost values of diverse cultures. The Poetry Caravan toured the island and allowed people to enjoy classic Arabic poetry recitals and music at various locations from 11am – 3pm; starting at Freej Al-Shiook, then on to Suq Al Qaisariya, Seef Mall Cinema and finally, Qal’at al Bahrain. On Poetry World Day, the Poetry Caravan went around many venues including shopping centers, historical houses, and traditional markets in order to recite poetry and enjoy music by famous Bahraini poets. The 2nd Edition of Poetry Caravan kept the same spirit as last year, with some artistic and empirical aspects, celebrating classical poetry heritage, as the Authority dedicates this year to heritage under the theme ‘Our Heritage, Our Wealth’. The Caravan celebrated in the same spirit as Suq Okath to make poetry an accessible easy-to-go sensational daily experience enjoyed by all.
The mission of the Poetry Caravan is to bring poets and poetry to people in our community who cannot reach poetry on their own. The idea was inspired by the common practice in pre-Islamic Arabia, whereby poets would go around and congregate in its public squares, markets – most famous of which is Suq Okath - and tribal councils to recite their latest verses in front of the public. It provided a platform for poets to showcase their talents while fostering a sense of community in poets and audiences. The Bahraini Poetry Caravan is a novel concept which takes poetry to the people instead of bringing people to it in one static pre-determined location. The first desert oasis recalled a selection of poems by Al-Hallaj, Al-Mutanabi, Zoheir Ibn Abi Salma, Abu Nawas and others. As to Al Qaysaria Market, with its warmth and usual hospitability, coffee and tea and stories of the passersby mixed with a poetic incarnation of Antara and Arabic music of Oud and Mirwas. The Seef Mall Cinema Complex location presented a theatrical show accompanied by violin recitals of poems by Qayes Ibn Moulaweh. The caravan reached its final destination at Bahrain Fort, characterized by gorgeous beauty and a mesmeric landscape magically turned into a garden of poetry and millions of piano rhythms flourishing along the sea. Ancient Bahrain Fort’s exotic design is magically reminiscent of the tales of a Thousand and One Nights.
The Poetry Caravan initiative started last year with 13 male and female poets form Bahrain and other Arab countries and toured many historical and modern venues in Bahrain, such as Adliya 338 complex, Hajji Café in Manama Suq, Bahrain Fort, Al-Seef Mall and other places. Poets enjoyed sharing their passion and enthusiasm of poetry with all. They were all united in their love of poetry and their desire to inspire others with their words.
