Four Poets in Search of Roots and Bridges in the House of Philosophy Fujairah

The House of Philosophy in Fujairah hosted a remarkable evening of poetry and thought titled “In Poetry and Philosophy”, organized by the Arab Poetry Department in collaboration with the House of Philosophy. This event marked the first cooperation of its kind between the two institutions, aiming to enrich the intellectual and literary life of the Emirate of Fujairah.

The symposium gathered an impressive lineup of poets and thinkers: Dr. Ahmed Burqawi, Dean of the House of Philosophy; Hussein Darwish, poet and writer; Salima Al-Mazroui, poet and director of the Arabic Poetry Institute; and Adel Khozam, translator and poet. The event was skillfully moderated by poet Mohammed Al-Matim.

The participants presented a series of papers exploring the deep connection between poetry and philosophy, each offering a unique perspective on how poetic language and philosophical thought intertwine.

Dr. Ahmed Burqawi opened the discussion with reflections on death and poetry, touching upon the metaphysical dimension of creation. Hussein Darwish followed with a talk on love between poetry and philosophy, exploring how poetic language oscillates between emotion and knowledge. Salima Al-Mazroui offered a captivating analysis of Abu Al-Ala Al-Ma’arri, the poet-philosopher whose works embody the tension between ethics, existence, and artistic expression. She highlighted how his philosophical outlook shaped his poetic voice, especially after his return from Baghdad.

Poetry and Enlightenment

The highlight of the evening was Adel Khozam’s exceptional paper titled “The Paths of Enlightenment in Emirati Poetry.” In it, Khazam traced the evolution of Emirati poetic consciousness — from early calls for liberation and education to the intellectual awakening that shaped the cultural identity of the nation.

He emphasized the importance of women’s education, the battle against ignorance, and the pursuit of knowledge as recurring themes in Emirati poetry. Khazam revisited the pioneering works of early poets such as Salem bin Ali Al-Awais, Khalfan Musbah, Sultan Al-Awais, and Saqr Al-Qasimi, illustrating how their voices paved the way for future generations. He also highlighted poets like Ahmed bin Saleem, Ahmed Khalifa Abu Shahab, and Ahmed Amin Al-Madani, who earned his PhD in Philosophy from the University of Cambridge, embodying the union of poetic and philosophical inquiry.

Khazam further drew parallels between the intellectual openness of Emirati institutions — particularly through initiatives like book fairs and global cultural exchanges — and the development of modern Emirati poetry. This poetic evolution, he noted, reflects a renewed sense of enlightenment expressed through tolerance, coexistence, and interfaith dialogue.

A Celebration of Creative Diversity

Following the critical discussions, the evening transitioned into a poetry recital, where the four poets shared their diverse creative works — ranging from prose poems to classical forms. The audience enjoyed a rich display of poetic voices, each reflecting a unique artistic sensibility.

In closing, Mohammed Al-Matim expressed gratitude to all participants and to the House of Philosophy for providing such an inspiring platform that bridges art and thought. He extended special thanks to Ahmed Al-Assam, the distinguished Emirati poet, whose presence and support continue to uplift the cultural movement under the umbrella of the pioneering Fujairah Cultural Project.

Source /Photo: By Mohamed Al-Waseela – Gulf Newspaper / Adel Khozam FB