Dubai: The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library in Dubai recently hosted a forum titled “The Art of Letters,” bringing together a distinguished group of writers and researchers to delve into the historical and cultural significance of letter writing. The event aimed to shed light on the art of correspondence as a unique literary form that bridges personal expression with historical documentation.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the forum commenced with a session moderated by Mariam Al-Saadi, featuring a notable presentation by Dr. Saleh Huwaidi, a Professor of Modern Literary Criticism from Iraq. Dr. Huwaidi emphasized the importance of letters from leaders to society, highlighting their role in conveying ideas, values, and guidance. He particularly focused on the letters of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, using them as a model to demonstrate the intimate relationship between rulers and their people. Dr. Huwaidi referenced Sheikh Al-Qasimi’s “Direct Line” program, which included directives and messages to the public using an approachable and relatable language.
Another session centered on “The Art of Letters in the Works of Abu al-Ala al-Ma’arri,” with Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, offering an in-depth analysis of al-Ma’arri’s prose. Dr. Tamim traced the development of letter writing from pre-Islamic times to the era of al-Ma’arri, illustrating how the latter transformed letters into a distinct literary genre. He discussed the breadth of al-Ma’arri’s literary contributions, which span both poetry and prose, and examined several of his notable works, including “Risalat al-Ghufran” (Epistle of Forgiveness) and “Risalat al-Mala’ikah” (Epistle of the Angels).
The second session of the forum, titled “Letters of Writers: A Special Space Between Art and Creativity,” examined the evolution of correspondence and its ability to uncover hidden facets of writers’ and artists’ lives. Hussein Darwish opened the discussion by acknowledging the decline of traditional letter writing in the face of modern communication technologies. He described letters as an emotional medium that writers historically used to connect with loved ones and peers, citing May Ziadeh and Khalil Gibran as examples.
Ali Obaid Al-Hamli contributed by describing writers’ letters as “the secret chamber of writers,” suggesting they reveal personal aspects of the creators that might not be evident in their published works. These letters, he argued, serve as an intersection of autobiography, literature, history, and personal reflection.
Dr. Omar Abdul Aziz added that epistolary literature is a hybrid art form, merging language, music, imagery, rhythm, thought, and philosophy. He highlighted that the Arabic script itself adds a visual dimension leading to calligraphy and ornamentation, while the inherent musicality of the language renders the epistolary text a unique space where various artistic elements converge.