The First Arabic Poetry and Oratory Ceremony

One of Higher Metn Artisan's most significant activities was the First Arabic Poetry and Oratory Ceremony in 2022, held under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency Minister of Culture Judge Mohammad Wissam Al-Murtada. The event was organized in cooperation with the Arab Cultural Ambassadors Academy, represented by UN High Commissioner Dr. Bassam Jamal El-Din, as well as the representative of the Druze Supreme Religious Council's cultural committee Dr. Firas Zaydan, Syndicate President of Lebanese Professional Artists Prof. George Shalhoub, and Syndicate President of Professional Musicians Prof. Farid Bou Saeed. The ceremony was held on the stage of the Saint Joseph de Lyon Sisters School in Deir El-Harf. Why poetry and oratory? The answer lies in our Arabic language — the most profound of all world languages, honored by the revelation of God's scriptures — yet we have witnessed a troubling decline in its mastery and pride, particularly among younger generations. Young talents were given two topics to write on: honoring parents and the homeland. Monetary incentive prizes were offered by Higher Metn Artisan, and valuable books were donated by the Ministry of Culture. The ceremony included separate segments for colloquial and classical poetry, in which young participants performed original compositions before a distinguished audience of language scholars and poets. The art of oratory also had its place, with young participants delivering speeches they had written themselves. Higher Metn Artisan also shone a light on an often-marginalized yet equally talented segment of society — people with special needs and physical disabilities. Syndicate President and artist Prof. Jihad Al-Atrash participated graciously, reciting poems written by poet Sawsan Al-Ramah in her presence, giving voice to what her tongue could not express. Distinguished guests honored the ceremony, including: world-renowned visual artist and poet Rudy Rahme, Maestro and poet Joseph Mourad, renowned writer and novelist Chokri Anis Fakhouri, artist and poet and Director of the Baakline National Library Prof. Ghazi Saab, poet Sanaa Al-Bana, and celebrated poet Nizar Francis — who was a welcome surprise. Song and music had their share of the ceremony with vocalist artist Afif Shia, accompanied by Prof. Nabil Koukach on organ. We have committed to holding this event every two years, with the next Arabic Poetry and Oratory Ceremony scheduled for 2024.