Sharjah, the guest of honour at the 37th LIBER International Book Fair-Madrid (LIBER 2019), has wrapped up a grand three-day participation at the fair, highlighting the historic Arab–Spanish relationship through a series of cultural and literary events. The emirate’s cultural showcase was enabled by 13 cultural and academic entities from Sharjah and a host of Emirati writers and intellectuals who turned the spotlight on Sharjah’s leading achievements in developing a knowledge-based society by promoting books, education and cultural exchange.
This participation furthers the call of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to use knowledge, culture and arts as a foundation for communication with others, and a common ground for people to come together. The participation of Emirati intellectuals at the book fair was a manifestation of the Sharjah Ruler’s assertion during a book launch ceremony in Madrid, which unveiled a selection of his works in Spanish: “Our presence here in Spain is aimed at forging a common future based on love and affection, and meeting new people without any pre-determined agenda”.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi shed light on Sharjah’s cultural project to Spanish intellects and Arab residents in Spain when he signed the VIP guest book during his visit to Casa Árabe in Madrid, which read: “We are delighted to visit Casa Árabe, which is a pivotal meeting point between Spain and the Arab world. Today, we are here to take an important step towards strengthening the bond between our two cultures – one that is based on mutual respect and understanding. We hope this bond is established at a level that befits both parties.”
During the event, Sharjah’s cultural message was on full display. Visitors to LIBER 2019 enjoyed a first-hand experience of Emirati arts and culture. These events were also showcased at the National Library of Spain, which saw Emirati authors discussing cultural commonalities between the UAE and Spain. In Casa Árabe, a poetry evening led by Emirati poets offered Spanish audiences an authentic taste of the beauty and lyrical quality of Arabic verses.
The relationship between Andalusian and Emirati poetry, the history of Spanish travelers in Arab countries, the School of Andalusian architecture and its impact on Sharjah’s architecture, were key topics discussed during panel discussions Sharjah organised. Other events entailing Arabic calligraphy demonstrations, music shows, philosophy and literature talks were also part of the emirate’s cultural itinerary.
A packed itinerary of literary events and art-related activities were organised to allow the Spanish and European audiences a glimpse of the UAE’s rich cultural heritage. Al Qasimi Publications, Kalimat Group and ‘1001 Titles’ initiatives showcased a selection of their publications. Sharjah Institute for Heritage entertained audiences at several places of cultural interest in Madrid with a variety of traditional Emirati folk dance and musical performances by the Sharjah National Band. Sharjah Department of Culture brought renowned Emirati calligrapher, Khalid Al Jallaf, who offered live demonstrations of Arabic calligraphy art. The Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council (Irthi), an affiliate of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA), showcased Emirati women who are working with the council to modernise traditional crafts of Talli and Safeefah they have practiced for generations.
Sharjah’s pavilion was the largest among the 50 that represented countries from around the world. Led by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the Emirates Writers Union (EWU), Sharjah World Book Capital Office (SWBCO), Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPCFZ), Sharjah Department of Culture, Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre for Gulf Studies, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Knowledge without Borders (KwB) and its ‘1001 Titles’ Initiative, Al Qasimi Publications, Kalimat Group and Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council – have taken the emirate’s efforts to enhance cultural exchange with other nations and cities forward at LIBER 2019.
Under SBA’s supervision, Sharjah also unveiled Spanish translations of a collection of 70 books written by renowned Arab and Emirati poets, novelists and writers.
