According to the Central News Unit of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine, the activities of the “Poetic Talents” forum—organized with the aim of nurturing and supporting young poetic talents—concluded after four days of continuous, structured programming at the Imam al-Hasan al-Mujtaba (peace be upon him) Residential Complex, which houses the Skills Development Center.
Wisam Iskandar, Head of the al-Nathm Center within the Strategic Planning and Development Unit, stated in an interview with the Shrine’s News Center:
“This forum concluded concurrently with the fourth annual Shaikh Saleh al-Kawaz program, held at the Imam al-Hasan (peace be upon him) Residential Complex, the Skills Development Center.”
He added:
“During the closing ceremony, blessed gifts were distributed among the participants, and a number of notable achievements were presented, including newly composed poetic texts appealing to young audiences—an outcome that underscores the importance of eloquent classical poetry and the vital role of youth in reviving it.”
He also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the instructors, organizers, and in particular the Awaiters Committee affiliated with the Hussaini Youth Camp in Baghdad.
Seminary scholar Sayed Muhammad al-Amadi emphasized the significance of holding such events, stating:
“The organization of activities of this nature has become a cultural necessity, especially at a time when young talents and creative capacities exist but require an appropriate platform for expression and development.”
He noted that the forum brought together young poets from various Iraqi provinces and serves as a preliminary stage for the second edition of the forum scheduled to be held later this year in Baghdad, under the name of Shaikh Saleh al-Kawaz. He added:
“What distinguishes this experience is its commitment to authentic classical Hussaini poetry, marked by textual solidity and aesthetic composition, making it a pioneering and distinctive initiative in terms of both content and breadth of participation.”
It is noteworthy that the organization of the “Poetic Talents” forum, under the patronage of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine, reflects the Shrine’s approach to supporting purposeful, youth-centered cultural projects. This vision has been realized through hosting a distinguished group of seminary scholars alongside literary figures and young poets from various provinces across Iraq.
