Culture Minister Mustafa Al-Rawashdeh inaugurated the 21st Ramtha Festival of Arabic Poetry on Saturday, while also opening several cultural and heritage projects in the district. The initiatives reflect efforts to support cultural activity and strengthen Ramtha’s presence on Jordan’s cultural map.
اضافة اعلان
Speaking at the opening of the festival and the third edition of the Ramtha Arabic Short Story Forum, organised by the Ramtha Cultural Forum, Al-Rawashdeh said Jordan, a home for free people and a beacon of literature and culture, was founded on two key pillars: Arab identity and culture. He noted that the founder of the Jordanian state, King Abdullah I, was a poet who participated alongside leading poets of his time.
The Council of Literature and Thought, established by King Abdullah I, included a distinguished group of writers and intellectuals who came from fellow Arab countries and contributed to enriching Jordan’s cultural and political life.
In the presence of Senator Akef Al-Zoubi, Ramtha Municipal Committee Chairman Jamal Abu Obeid and several people interested in cultural affairs, Al-Rawashdeh added that from the founding King to King Abdullah II, Jordan has continued to regard culture as a cornerstone of renaissance, progress and advancement, as well as a means of protecting and strengthening national identity and documenting Jordan’s narrative the story of its land and people in their Arab and wider human context.
He highlighted the importance of festivals in generating positive and meaningful intellectual and cultural activity and fostering communication between generations.
Festival director Mohammed Murshid Al-Zoubi also delivered a speech reflecting on the festival’s history since its establishment and its continuation despite limited resources. He thanked the Ministry of Culture for supporting the event and noted that the festival travels to different governorates across the Kingdom, setting it apart from other festivals.
A number of poets from Jordan, Saudi Arabia andIraq recited poems in classical Arabic, covering themes of patriotism and love.
During the visit, Al-Rawashdeh also opened several cultural and heritage projects, including the Ramtha mural, created by Dr Mohammed Khair Dibaja, Shadi Ghawaneh and Nasr Al-Zoubi. The mural features artistic and cultural elements reflecting the district’s distinctive character and local identity.
He also inaugurated the heritage museum, Bayt Al-Ramtha, housed in the old post office building and closely connected to the city’s collective memory and history.
The Ministry of Culture supported the renovation of Bayt Al-Ramtha and furnished it with heritage artefacts to preserve local folklore and document aspects of traditional life in the district. The project also gives visitors and younger generations an opportunity to learn about Ramtha’s history, customs and traditions.
The projects also included a cultural garden at Al-Shiyah Park, providing a dedicated space for children to take part in cultural activities, encouraging reading and supporting the development of knowledge.
Source: Al-Ghad.
