The office of the Department of Culture in Dibba Al-Hisn hosted the heritage researcher and poet Sultan bin Ghafan, in a dialogue session entitled “Rhymes and Ma’an”, presented by the journalist Ali Al-Mazrouei, in the presence of Wafa Khalfan Al-Ghoul, responsible for the department’s office in Dibba Al-Hisn, Ahmed Abdullah bin Yarouf, head of the city’s municipal council, and Talib Ali Al Dhahouri is a member of the Consultative Council of the Emirate of Sharjah, and Suleiman Muhammad bin Jumaoh, Chairman of the City Council.
Sultan bin Ghafan talked regarding his cultural life and how he acquired it, his educational career and the challenges he faced, and his literary stock. He touched on stories and novels that focus on educating the new generation regarding the nature of their ancestors’ lives and linking them to the folklore, in addition to reciting a poem expressing his love for His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and his interest in culture and unlimited support for poets and creators.
Bin Ghafan spoke regarding his experience, saying: “The sea is wide and rich, which is what made its people take courage, patience and overcoming the vicissitudes of life and others, as I accompanied my father and neighbors to the sea, which are the many stories they tell regarding the horrors of the sea and their troubles in it, in addition to songs and meanings.” During that period, I was trying to memorize what they were saying, and I was able to write down some of it.”
Ibn Ghafan has a book entitled “Shalat and Insatiables from the Folklore,” which includes short poems written and preserved from the mouths of elderly people from the early sixties, and he encouraged him to publish it, Obaid bin Sandal. His son Muhammad also delivered a collection of poetry.
Ibn Ghafan advised the youth of today and the future generation to benefit from the past and learn regarding the folklore and what the ancestors lived through.
Wafaa Al-Ghoul stated that the session comes within the framework of keenness to create effective and influential communication opportunities between generations, and to seek to gather contemporary pioneers and draw inspiration from their rich folk cultural repertoire and turn it into creations that mimic contemporary art.
At the end of the session, the official of the department’s office in Dibba Al-Hisn honored Sultan bin Ghafan and Ali Al Mazrouei.
