AZF partners with Qatari Poetry Society to celebrate world poetry day

Mr. Hamad Bu Hindi, Public Relations and Media Manager at AZF, stressed that the event is open to all poetry-lovers and members of the public, adding: "AZF's commitment to host and sponsor various cultural events is part of our broader strategy to serve different sectors of the community, whatever their interests or hobbies are, and especially when these activities involve preserving our authentic Arabian heritage."

"This event is much anticipated by many passionate followers of dialogue poetry and improvisational recitals, which are considered some of the most difficult forms of poetry but are also very specific to Qatari culture," he continued.

"Eight poets are performing on Thursday, the youngest of which is 15 years old," he further added.

Mr. Meshaal Al Marri, President of the Dialogue Poets Council in Qatar, expressed his delight at AZF's initiative to sponsor this important cultural event, which, he said, "Is very popular among Qataris. The Council has organized several festivals in the past through the Ministry of Culture, and this is the first poetry evening we host in honor of World Poetry Day, which is celebrated on March 21 every year."

"The poets will perform in Arabic, and the recital will feature three segments: measured poetry, prose and dialogue poetry," Mr. Al Marri explained.

Dialogue poetry involves two or more poets speaking in rhyming, measured verses in an improvised recital, which usually involves the two poets challenging each other. Traditionally it was a way for poets from opposing tribes to criticize one another. Recently this form of poetry has seen a revival among young poets who prefer improvisation and prose.