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Sharjah 24
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Chad Arab Poetry Forum: A canvas of culture
The Republic of Chad hosted the fourth edition of the Arab Poetry Forum on Wednesday, in the capital, N'Djamena. The two-day event was organised by the Cultural Affairs Department at the Sharjah Department of Culture, in cooperation with the Literary Club of Chad, and featured the participation of forty poets from across the country. Promoting Arab culture The Arab Poetry Forums in Africa are in implementation of the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, calling for the support of the Arabic language and the strengthening of the presence of Arabic poetry in Africa. These forums serve as a platform for raising awareness, a bridge for communication, and a platform for showcasing poetic talent across the continent, within a comprehensive vision that promotes Arab culture and enhances its role in human development. The opening ceremony of the forum was attended by His Excellency Rashid bin Saeed Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Chad; His Excellency Minister Saleh Djouma Joudeh, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chadian Government; His Excellency the Minister in Charge of Bilingualism in Chad; and the Vice President of King Faisal University. Representatives of Arab embassies, university and institute professors, students, and fans of Arabic poetry. The forum was introduced by Dr Ahmed Abu Al Fath Othman, the Cultural Coordinator in Chad, who emphasised that the fourth edition was keen to include all regions of Chad, providing a national platform for poetry lovers and a bridge connecting the south and the north, between professionals and talents. 40 Chadian poets Abu Al Fath noted that this year's forum is seeing the participation of forty poets from across the country, in a diverse poetic scene that expresses the richness of the Chadian cultural experience and the diversity of its tributaries. The forum's general coordinator extended his deepest gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his tremendous support for creative artists and poets in Africa and the Arab world, and for his patronage of this forum and his commitment to preserving the Arabic language. In closing, the organisers thanked all those who contributed to the success of this event, including cultural and academic partners and supporting institutions, most notably the Sharjah Department of Culture, the Chadian Literary Club, King Faisal University, and all the poets and poetry lovers in attendance. The foundation of development At the beginning of his speech, His Excellency Rashid Al Shamsi conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to the forum's participants, stating that he is honoured to convey the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his high appreciation for hosting of such major cultural events, which reflect a shared interest in countries around the world, especially in African countries. Al Shamsi stressed the value of these renewed cultural ties, spearheaded by the Emirate of Sharjah in organising these major events, out of its belief that culture is the foundation of development and a factor in strengthening the bonds of friendship. Al Shamsi added that the United Arab Emirates believes that culture is the centre of human life, and therefore has established many major cultural festivals. Al Shamsi also affirmed absolute readiness to support these cultural initiatives that inspire hope and open broader horizons. He saluted the Chadian poets who have engaged with this cultural event from all cities and regions of Chad, confirming his confidence that it will be a stimulating event for creativity and a service to the Arabic language in this friendly country. His Excellency Saleh Judeh said he is pleased to participate in this distinguished literary forum, which celebrates the creative word and brings together lovers of poetry and language in a panorama of cultural beauty and national diversity. Judeh pointed out that the Republic of Chad is working to support the presence of the Arabic language in institutions and the public sphere, alongside other national languages. He saluted the participating poets and organisers, calling for the continuation of such initiatives that elevate the conscience and strengthen the status of the Arabic language in people's hearts. Readings The poets participating in the forum presented vibrant poems that reflected, in their artistic structure and themes, the depth of the human experience, reflecting both human reality and aspirations. In their texts, the language of the everyday blended with the language of dreams, elevating poetry from its local context to a broad human horizon.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House could close due to city budget cuts
Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House could soon be closed to the public and lose its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site if budget cuts proposed by Mayor Karen Bass are passed by the City Council. The architectural landmark, perched atop Barnsdall Art Park in East Hollywood, is managed by the city's Department of Cultural Affairs, with two full-time staffers running tours on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays as well as handling the maintenance of the building, which is an early example of California Modernist architecture. The mayor's proposed budget, which attempts to close a nearly $1-billion shortfall in part by laying off more than 1,600 city employees, eliminates one of those two staff positions and also cuts two vacant positions at Hollyhock House. Read more: Bass proposes laying off about 1,650 city workers, a quarter of them civilians at LAPD The Cultural Affairs Department had been interviewing candidates for the vacant positions and had made an offer for the job of arts manager. But after the mayor released her proposed budget, the department had to rescind the offer and pause other job interviews. "A single full-time staffer would not be able to manage both the tour program and preservation, necessitating the suspension of public tours until additional full-time staff could be restored," said Juan Garcia, a spokesperson for the department. Amid the massive budget shortfall caused in large part by rising personnel costs, soaring legal payouts and a slowdown in the local economy, department heads have been testifying before the City Council's budget committee about how the mayor's proposed cuts would affect city services. The Cultural Affairs Department would face 14 layoffs and the elimination of 10 vacant positions, out of 91 total positions. The cuts also could lead to the closure of the Lincoln Heights Youth Arts Center, said Daniel Tarica, the department's general manager. Oil heiress Aline Barnsdall commissioned the Hollyhock House in 1918. She never lived in it, donating it to the city in 1927. In 2019, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the only man-made World Heritage Site on the West Coast. The house was closed for more than two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, reopening in August 2022 after undergoing major renovations. The monumental fireplace, which brings together the four classical elements of earth, air, fire and water, was restored, as were the art-glass balcony doors in the master bedroom. Read more: Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House will soon reopen to the public Two Wright-designed sofa tables, which the architect had said he considered 'part of the house design itself,' were reinstalled. The improvements also included a major restoration of the guest house. The UNESCO designation required the house to have four full-time staffers, said Garcia, the spokesperson. The department has requested that the City Council restore the three positions in its final budget, which it must pass by June 1. "The proposed staffing cuts will severely impact the management of Hollyhock House and subvert the baseline staffing commitments made by the City of Los Angeles as part of the site's 2019 World Heritage List inscription," Garcia said. The proposed cuts shocked preservationists. "UNESCO World Heritage status is a great honor that needs to be nurtured, not lost by taking public access away," said Kim Cooper, one of two people behind Esotouric's Secret Los Angeles, a tour company and preservationist blog. "Hollyhock House is the only one of Wright's Los Angeles houses that people can tour, recently restored at great cost." Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez, who represents the area, said it's imperative to keep the house's UNESCO status in light of the upcoming Olympic Games and World Cup. "We're exploring all options through the budget process to save our dedicated Hollyhock House staff and preserve its protected status," he said in a statement. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House could close due to city budget cuts
Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House could soon be closed to the public and lose its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site if budget cuts proposed by Mayor Karen Bass are passed by the City Council. The architectural landmark, perched atop Barnsdall Art Park in East Hollywood, is managed by the city's Department of Cultural Affairs, with two full-time staffers running tours on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays as well as handling the maintenance of the building, which is an early example of California Modernist architecture. The mayor's proposed budget, which attempts to close a nearly $1-billion shortfall in part by laying off more than 1,600 city employees, eliminates one of those two staff positions and also cuts two vacant positions at Hollyhock House. The Cultural Affairs Department had been interviewing candidates for the vacant positions and had made an offer for the job of arts manager. But after the mayor released her proposed budget, the department had to rescind the offer and pause other job interviews. 'A single full-time staffer would not be able to manage both the tour program and preservation, necessitating the suspension of public tours until additional full-time staff could be restored,' said Juan Garcia, a spokesperson for the department. Amid the massive budget shortfall caused in large part by rising personnel costs, soaring legal payouts and a slowdown in the local economy, department heads have been testifying before the City Council's budget committee about how the mayor's proposed cuts would affect city services. The Cultural Affairs Department would face 14 layoffs and the elimination of 10 vacant positions, out of 91 total positions. The cuts also could lead to the closure of the Lincoln Heights Youth Arts Center, said Daniel Tarica, the department's general manager. Oil heiress Aline Barnsdall commissioned the Hollyhock House in 1918. She never lived in it, donating it to the city in 1927. In 2019, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the only man-made World Heritage Site on the West Coast. The house was closed for more than two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, reopening in August 2022 after undergoing major renovations. The monumental fireplace, which brings together the four classical elements of earth, air, fire and water, was restored, as were the art-glass balcony doors in the master bedroom. Two Wright-designed sofa tables, which the architect had said he considered 'part of the house design itself,' were reinstalled. The improvements also included a major restoration of the guest house. The UNESCO designation required the house to have four full-time staffers, said Garcia, the spokesperson. The department has requested that the City Council restore the three positions in its final budget, which it must pass by June 1. 'The proposed staffing cuts will severely impact the management of Hollyhock House and subvert the baseline staffing commitments made by the City of Los Angeles as part of the site's 2019 World Heritage List inscription,' Garcia said. The proposed cuts shocked preservationists. 'UNESCO World Heritage status is a great honor that needs to be nurtured, not lost by taking public access away,' said Kim Cooper, one of two people behind Esotouric's Secret Los Angeles, a tour company and preservationist blog. 'Hollyhock House is the only one of Wright's Los Angeles houses that people can tour, recently restored at great cost.' Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez, who represents the area, said it's imperative to keep the house's UNESCO status in light of the upcoming Olympic Games and World Cup. 'We're exploring all options through the budget process to save our dedicated Hollyhock House staff and preserve its protected status,' he said in a statement.
Indian Express
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Maharashtra govt reclaims sword of Maratha warrior Raghuji Bhosale at auction in London
The state government has reclaimed the iconic sword of legendary Maratha warrior Raghuji Bhosale, founder of the Nagpur-based Bhosale dynasty and a prominent Maratha general during the reign of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, at an auction in London, Minister of Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar said on Tuesday. This marks the first time Maharashtra has reclaimed a historical artifact of such immense cultural value at an international auction. The news of the historic sword being put up for auction in London reached Maharashtra just Monday, immediately spurring the state government into action. Shelar swiftly coordinated with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure the state got back the sword. Accordingly Shelar entrusted Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary in the Cultural Affairs Department, to liaise with embassy officials and oversee the acquisition process. Both Fadnavis and Shelar worked late into the night, coordinating efforts, sources said. The state successfully won the bid with a total expenditure, including handling, transport and insurance, amounting to Rs 47.15 lakh. Speaking to media persons on Tuesday, Shelar said this is indeed a moment of pride for Maharashtra under the leadership of Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. Raghuji Bhosale I (1695–February 14, 1755) was a distinguished Maratha general under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Impressed by his bravery and military acumen, he was honoured with the title 'Senasaheb Subha' by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Raghuji led pivotal military campaigns in Bengal in 1745 and 1755, greatly expanding the Maratha Empire's territory into Bengal and Odisha. His influence also extended to regions such as Chanda, Chhattisgarh and Sambalpur. Raghuji's successful campaigns in South India, which resulted in the defeat of the Nawabs of Kurnool and Cuddapah, further solidified Maratha dominance in the region. Widely regarded as one of the most valiant Maratha warriors of the 18th century, Raghuji Bhosale's legacy endures in Indian history. The Nagpur Bhosales ruled over a mineral-rich region abundant in iron and copper, which were skilfully used to craft both everyday items and formidable weapons. The quality and artistry of the weaponry crafted by the Bhosales are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship. The sword auctioned in London exemplifies the 'firangi' style of Maratha weaponry — characterised by a straight, single-edged European blade paired with a locally crafted Mulheri hilt, beautifully adorned with intricate gold inlay. The blade bears the European manufacturer's mark and is inscribed with a gold-inlaid Devanagari script near the hilt, reading 'Shrimant Raghoji Bhosale Senasaheb Subha Firang'. This inscription suggests the sword was either created for Raghuji Bhosale or was used by him personally. The hilt is further embellished with koftgiri gold inlay, and the grip is wrapped in green cloth, adding to its unique beauty. This sword holds immense historical significance for several reasons. Most medieval Indian weapons either lacked decorative detailing or did not bear the maker's or owner's name, making this sword a rare and remarkable exception. Also, the European-made blade reflects the active global arms trade in 18th-century India, emphasising the intersection of Indian and European craftsmanship. Following the 1817 Battle of Sitabuldi, where the East India Company defeated the Nagpur Bhosales, the British looted the Bhosale treasury, seizing priceless treasures, ornaments and weapons. Experts believe that this sword may have been a part of that war loot or a gift presented to the British in the aftermath of the battle.
Sharjah 24
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Cultural Palace hosts 2nd day of 28th SAAC
The workshop included two sessions. An academic and critical session took place first, featuring a group of scholars and researchers who presented their papers. Dr Nabila Qutb Rushdi presented a paper entitled "The Rhetoric of Contemporary Arabic Poetry Writing," in which she examined the rhetorical and intellectual frameworks of modernist poetry, emphasising its philosophical symbolism and profound reflective qualities. Dr Marwa Diab Al-Hayji presented her paper titled 'Rhetorical Techniques in Contemporary Poetics', which explored symbolic and linguistic transformations in modern poetry. She emphasised the importance of intertextuality and internal rhythm when creating new poetic meanings. In her paper titled 'New Techniques in the Modernist Poem,' Dr Fatima Abdul Hamid Mohamed Ali explored various facets of rhetorical innovation, such as the shift from traditional metre, the incorporation of symbolism and irony, and the embrace of everyday language that is abundant in sensory and interpretive richness. Researcher Taha Hussein Mahmoud (Al-Aswani) presented a comparative analysis in his paper, 'The Rhetoric of Modern Poetry: Free Verse and Prose Poetry,' in which he elucidated the rhetorical distinctions between the two forms concerning rhythm, imagery, and symbolic density. The activities progressed with a poetry reading session, showcasing a collective of Arab poets who delivered an array of poems encompassing various themes and styles, merging authenticity with innovation and articulating profoundly human experiences. This workshop demonstrates the Sharjah Award for Arab Creativity's dedication to positioning itself as a prominent creative platform that plays an active role in the Arab cultural movement and the contemporary literary landscape. Mr. Mohammed Al Qusair, Director of the Cultural Affairs Department at the Department of Culture in Sharjah and Secretary-General of the award, highlighted that the award has, through its various editions, greatly enhanced the Arab literary library with a wealth of publications. These encompass creations in poetry, novels, short stories, theatre, children's literature, and literary criticism. He highlighted that these works embody the essence of a youthful literary generation and reflect the creative influences of new writers. A significant number of the winning and commended entries have been published by the jury as part of the award's series and have become an essential resource for Arab library scholars, critics, and poets.
