According to reports, the Holy Alawi Shrine has concluded the events of the “Iwan Al-Qaseed” forum for the development and nurturing of young poetic talents, which lasted for four days at the Imam Al-Hasan City for Skill Development.

In this context, the head of the “Nazm” Center for Planning and Development stated: “The forum was held under the patronage of the General Secretariat of the Holy Alawi Shrine, and the fourth session of the Sheikh Saleh Al-Kawwaz annual event was concluded, which lasted for four days of continuous activities at the Imam Al-Hasan City for Skill Development.”

He added, “The closing ceremony included the distribution of blessed gifts to the participants, noting qualitative outcomes represented by the writing of youth poems and poetic texts, to emphasize the importance of eloquent poetry and the role of youth in reviving it, appreciating the efforts of the lecturers and organizers.”

For his part, a professor at the religious seminary emphasized: “Holding such events has become a cultural necessity dictated by reality, given the presence of competent young talents who needed a platform to showcase their capabilities and energies.”

He pointed out that the forum brought together young poets from different provinces, noting that these events are a preliminary stage for holding a second version of the forum, which will be held this year in Baghdad under the name of Sheikh Saleh Al-Kawwaz. He indicated that what distinguishes this experience is the commitment to solid, classical Hussaini poetry, with its textual strength and structural beauty, considering it a pioneering and rare experience in terms of quality and quantity.

It is noted that holding the “Iwan Al-Qaseed” forum, sponsored by the Holy Alawi Shrine, embodies its vision of supporting purposeful cultural and youth projects by hosting an elite group of professors from the religious seminary, alongside young writers and poets from various Iraqi provinces.

Holy Alawi Shrine

The Holy Alawi Shrine is a major Shi’a Muslim religious site located in the city of Najaf, Iraq. It is the burial place of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, the first Imam in Shi’a Islam and a central figure in Islamic history, who died in 661 CE. The shrine, with its iconic golden dome and intricate architecture, has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries and serves as a vital center of Shi’a scholarship and spirituality.

Iwan Al-Qaseed

“Iwan Al-Qaseed” is a prominent historical hall located within the Al-Hadba Minaret complex in Mosul, Iraq. It was traditionally used as a gathering place for scholars, poets, and students to recite and discuss classical Arabic poetry, particularly the formal ode known as the “qasida.” The structure suffered significant damage during the conflict with ISIS but is part of ongoing cultural heritage restoration efforts in the city.

Imam Al-Hasan City for Skill Development

Imam Al-Hasan City for Skill Development is a modern vocational training complex located in Karbala, Iraq, established to honor Imam Hasan ibn Ali. It was founded with the goal of providing advanced technical education and professional skills to Iraqi youth, particularly to support post-conflict reconstruction and economic development. The city represents a contemporary initiative blending cultural reverence with practical training for the future workforce.

Nazm Center for Planning and Development

The Nazm Center for Planning and Development is a modern cultural and educational institution in Saudi Arabia, established to support the nation’s strategic development goals under Vision 2030. It functions as a hub for research, policy analysis, and hosting conferences and exhibitions to foster innovation and sustainable growth. While a relatively new establishment, its history is tied to the recent national drive for economic diversification and social transformation.

Sheikh Saleh Al-Kawwaz

Sheikh Saleh Al-Kawwaz is a revered religious and cultural site in Iraq, specifically a mosque and shrine located in the city of Karbala. It is dedicated to Sheikh Saleh Al-Kawwaz, a prominent 19th-century religious scholar and poet known for his elegies commemorating the Battle of Karbala. The site serves as an important place of pilgrimage and reflection for many Shia Muslims, honoring his legacy of scholarship and poetry.

Baghdad

Baghdad is the capital of Iraq, founded in the 8th century by the Abbasid Caliph al-Mansur. It flourished as a legendary center of the Islamic Golden Age, renowned for the House of Wisdom and its contributions to science, culture, and commerce. The city has faced significant destruction and conflict in recent history, including the Mongol siege of 1258 and the 2003 US-led invasion, but remains a vital historical and cultural hub.

religious seminary

A religious seminary is an educational institution dedicated to training individuals for religious leadership, such as priests, ministers, rabbis, or imams. Historically, many seminaries emerged from monastic schools in the Middle Ages, evolving to provide formal theological education and pastoral training. They serve as centers for both academic study of sacred texts and the spiritual formation of future clergy.

Hussaini poetry

“Hussaini poetry” is a genre of Islamic devotional poetry, primarily in Urdu and Persian, that commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. It is a central artistic expression in Shia Muslim culture, particularly during the month of Muharram, used to evoke grief, spiritual reflection, and moral lessons. This poetic tradition dates back centuries and includes forms like *noha* (lamentations) and *marsiya* (elegies), serving to preserve and transmit the historical and spiritual legacy of Karbala.