Taipei’s National Central Library is hosting a 13-day exhibition centered around the Mu’allaqat, a centuries-old poetry collection, in celebration of World Arabic Language Day yesterday.
In line with the theme “Arabic — the Language of Poetry and Arts” chosen by UNESCO for World Arabic Language Day, the exhibition, which starts today and ends on Dec. 31, shows how Arabic has inspired creativity in poetry and art for centuries, the library said in a statement yesterday.
In addition to showcasing traditional attire, cultural artifacts and literature in the Arabic-speaking world, the exhibition highlights the Mu’allaqat, a collection of works by renowned classical Arab poets from the sixth or seventh centuries.
Photo courtesy of the National Central Library
The Mu’allaqat, also known as the Hanging Poems, consists of seven pre-Islamic odes that explore a range of themes, delving into the cruelty of tribal conflicts, expressions of affection for lovers, reflections on pride, contemplation of life and death, and observations on human nature.
Representatives from Jordan and Oman, among other nations, attended the opening event at the library yesterday.
Saudi Arabian Trade Office Representative Adel Althaidi said at the event that World Arabic Language Day was of particular significance to his country.
“The Arabic language represents our heritage, identity and culture, and therefore we are proud of it,” he said.
Su I-wen (蘇怡文), an academic in the fields of Arabic history and literature, and one of the exhibition’s curators, said that Arabic, renowned as one of the oldest Semitic languages and distinguished by its cultural and literary richness, was profoundly important.
It was not an overstatement to say that Arabic is the epitome of beauty, particularly given its magnificent poetic tradition dating back to the fifth century, Su said.
Library director-general Tseng Shu-hsien (曾淑賢) shifted the focus of the event to the Israel-Hamas war, emphasizing that cultural exchanges foster better understanding among nations.
Althaidi said that yesterday was the second time that Taiwan has commemorated the day, adding that the first celebration took place at National Chengchi University, one of the few universities in Taiwan that has Arabic language and culture courses.
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