Culture and Art
Figures who contributed to the making of human civilization
The incredibly rich human civilization we live in today is the result of the cumulative contribution of all the peoples of the earth, regardless of the size of that contribution
The rich human civilization we live in today is the result of the cumulative contributions of all the peoples of the earth, regardless of the size of those contributions, throughout different periods. Among the earliest examples in recorded history on this subject is the great and rapid development of Arab civilization, which occurred in a relatively short period, extending from the rise of Islam to the Abbasid Caliphate (two centuries). This civilization spread the culture the world now knows, primarily through Arab rule in Sicily and Andalusia.
During the Abbasid Caliphate, artists—poets, singers, musicians, and instrumentalists—constituted a privileged and pampered class under the rulers. Translators were also highly valued, receiving their manuscripts their weight in gold. History tells us that most Abbasid caliphs were deeply passionate about music. The book "Kitab al-Aghani" (Book of Songs) by Abu al-Faraj al-Isfahani stands as a testament to the high level of musical artistry achieved during that era under the patronage of the caliphs. His book even describes musical performances featuring ensembles of up to 300 musicians and singers, and lists dozens of singers.
History records that when Ziryab arrived at the Spanish port of Algeciras in 822 AD, he was received at the port by the ruler of Andalusia, Caliph Abd al-Rahman II.
Ziryab remained in Cordoba until his death in 857 CE. History tells us that Ziryab transformed Andalusia into a center of global civilization in the ninth century CE. He established the first music institute in the world there, dedicated to teaching instrumental performance and singing. Many students from the families of European monarchs of the time studied in Andalusia. Andalusia became a center for the manufacture of musical instruments in the ancient world, from which Europe greatly benefited in building its musical civilization. Furthermore, Andalusian scholars contributed to the founding of many scientific faculties at the Sorbonne in France, the first university in Europe, and their lectures were conducted in Arabic.
If we turn to Europe, what do we see? The kings, princes, and nobles of medieval Europe took pride in their patronage of musicians, singers, composers, and writers. When a ruler loved the arts, the arts flourished and developed during his reign; conversely, if a ruler was uninterested in the arts, music and the arts declined during his rule.
History records that one European prince, the Hungarian Esterházy, summoned the great Austrian composer Haydn, who remained in his service for 30 years. During this time, Haydn laid the foundations and principles of the classical school of music, which was later followed by Mozart and Beethoven. However, it is essential to mention a very negative reality: the way European princes treated artists of that era; they treated them like servants in every sense of the word. The first to rebel against this treatment was the great, rebellious artist Beethoven.
History mentions another name that made a great contribution, this time in Russia in the nineteenth century. The great composer Tchaikovsky was forced (to secure his livelihood) to work as a professor at the music institute (now known as the Tchaikovsky Conservatory). In 1877 AD, Tchaikovsky received a letter from the wealthy widow Nadezhda von Meck, in which she commissioned him to compose a piece of music for which she paid generously. Commissions continued until she allocated him an annual grant of 6,000 rubles (at a time when the annual income of a government employee was between 300 and 400 rubles) in exchange for him leaving his job as a professor at the institute and devoting himself to composing, and so it was.
Her generous financial support was behind the abundance of his great artistic works.
After returning from my studies in Russia in 1980, I founded the first musical and vocal ensemble in Lebanon (the Beirut Arabic Music Ensemble and the Beirut Children's Ensemble) under the auspices of the Arab Cultural Club. This was followed by the adoption of the ensemble by the prominent Lebanese statesman Rafik Hariri, at which point it became known as the Lebanese Arabic Music Ensemble. This support continued until 1988. Afterward, the Kuwaiti Princess Sheikha Suad Al-Sabah took over the ensemble's financial support until its dissolution due to my permanent settlement in Egypt.
In Syria, we know the political leader Fakhri al-Baroudi, who sponsored the great Syrian singer Sabah Fakhri at the beginning of his artistic career. The singer took his first name from his patron, becoming Sabah Fakhri.
It is essential to mention the great Egyptian cultural leader Talaat Harb and his patronage of the arts and other activities (including the founding of Bank Misr), the establishment of Studio Misr, and his persuasion of Mohamed Abdel Wahab and Umm Kulthum to enter the world of cinema and musical films, as well as his support for Farid al-Atrash and Asmahan. We should also mention the great support provided to Mohamed Abdel Wahab by the Prince of Poets, Ahmed Shawqi.
A man of this time
Now we come to a phenomenon embodied in a man: the architect, instigator, and driving force behind the modern Arab national cultural renaissance: Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh, who can aptly be described as juggling multiple responsibilities. The first thing that stands out about his activities is the name given to the organization he heads: the General Entertainment Authority. This name is noteworthy for its clever selection, which has resonated with young people. Behind the word "entertainment" lies the largest cultural, musical, cinematic, sporting, and civilizational renaissance project the Arab world has ever known. Among his sporting activities are the Egyptian football club Pyramids FC, which has become one of the most important football teams in Egypt, the Spanish club Almería, and various boxing and wrestling clubs.
Among his impressive national initiatives is a series of tributes to prominent Arab artists. These tributes include honoring Egyptian composers Mohamed El Mougy, Hany Shenouda, Baligh Hamdy, and Riad El Sonbati, as well as others from Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, both living and deceased. This reflects the comprehensive, far-sighted, and comprehensive national vision that Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh has established as the foundation of this developmental project. The orchestras participating in these tribute concerts, with their number exceeding two hundred musicians, are truly remarkable, reminiscent of the ensembles described by Al-Isfahani in his book. Even the world's greatest symphony orchestras today do not reach this scale. To host these concerts, he has constructed numerous grand theaters, each named after a renowned artist: the Mohamed Abdo Theater, the Abu Bakr Salem Theater, and the Abadi Al-Johar Theater, further emphasizing the importance of honoring these great artists. The most prominent singers of the Arab world also participate in these tribute concerts. Here we must talk about this man’s greatest achievement (Marwas Art Production Complex), the largest art production complex in the Arab world and one of the largest similar complexes in the world. He named it the Voice of the Earth Studio, which is the title of the great Saudi singer Talal Maddah. Whoever has not seen this complex cannot imagine how huge it is in terms of its size and the level of the thousands of electronic machines in it that are of a very high technical standard.
Secondly, and the greatest thing about this great complex is that it is open and accessible to every Arab artist and any artistic activity.
As if the man was not satisfied with all these achievements, he turned to film production, in which actors from all Arab countries participate. This production is spent on with legendary generosity, as well as the film festival to honor Arab and foreign artists, and the Joy Award festival, which surpassed all the well-known festivals in the world: the American Oscar Festival and the French Cannes Film Festival.
It remains to mention that this man says, "When I encounter a difficult problem at work, the solution comes to me while I'm asleep," even though he sleeps no more than four hours a day. This demonstrates that his thinking never ceases, even during sleep. As a historian and music researcher whose primary task is to document what he sees, hears, and experiences, I can attest that artists in this man's era enjoyed a golden age in terms of both material and moral recognition, in stark contrast to the poor and degrading treatment European artists received during the era of the European princes we previously discussed.
Finally, I can confirm that this man's remarkable activities can be summarized in one sentence: a comprehensive Arab nationalist vision for a cultural, artistic, and civilizational renaissance. And what is to come is even greater.
* Researcher, historian, and music critic
Culture and Art
The death of the writer Saeed Al-Sarihi: The passing of a pioneer of Saudi criticism and modernism
The cultural scene mourns the passing of Dr. Saeed Al-Suraihi, who died at the age of 73. Learn about the life of this pioneer of literary modernism in Saudi Arabia, his most prominent works, and his enduring critical legacy.
The cultural and literary circles in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab world were shocked by the passing of the great critical and literary figure, Dr. Saeed Al-Suraihi, who died at the age of 73, after a bitter struggle with illness, thus bringing to a close a life full of intellectual contributions and cultural battles that shaped the conscience of an entire generation of intellectuals.
Biography and career of a pioneer of modernity
The late Saeed Al-Suraihi, born in Jeddah in 1953, is considered one of the most prominent pioneers of literary modernism in the Kingdom. His academic journey began at Umm Al-Qura University in Mecca, where he progressed through his studies from the Faculty of Sharia to specializing in Arabic language and literature. Al-Suraihi was not merely a passing academic, but a unique voice. He worked in the field of education for nearly twenty years before dedicating a significant portion of his life to journalism and cultural work, contributing to the establishment and management of cultural supplements in major local newspapers, most notably Okaz newspaper.
An intellectual legacy that transcends borders
Al-Suraihi left behind a vast and diverse legacy for the Arabic library, encompassing literary criticism, narrative, and philosophy. Among his most prominent works, which sparked widespread critical debate, is "The Allure of the Name," a book linked to a famous story surrounding his doctoral dissertation, which faced considerable controversy in the 1980s due to its modernist approach. He also contributed important books such as "The Biography of Coffee and the Discourse of Prohibition," "Al-Ruways," in which he documented the memory of place in Jeddah, "Writing Outside the Brackets," "The Veil of Habit," and "The Movement of Poetic Language." His writings are distinguished by their depth and ability to deconstruct and reconstruct texts according to a profound philosophical vision.
International presence and cultural influence
Dr. Saeed Al-Suraihi's influence was not confined to local boundaries, but extended to Arab and European capitals through his active participation in seminars and lectures. Given his distinguished academic standing, he was selected as a member of the judging panels for prestigious literary awards, including the Buland Al-Haidari Prize, the Tayeb Salih International Prize for Creative Writing, the Muhammad Hassan Awad Prize, and the Muhammad Al-Thubaiti Prize. He also participated early in his career as a judge for the Saddam Hussein Prize in 1989.
Philosophy of difference and renewal
Al-Suraihi was known for his persistent call to break free from conventional norms, a principle evident in the publications of the Jazan Literary Club in 1407 AH (1987 CE), which included some of his critical readings. He believed that the "effectiveness of difference" was the essence of distinction, and that the true creative genius lay in challenging pre-established frameworks and closed circles. Throughout his life, he strived to affirm the independence and freedom of the intellectual, and to establish a critical language that was not bound by rigid principles except insofar as it opened new horizons for liberation and creativity.
With the passing of Saeed Al-Suraihi, the cultural scene loses the “godfather of modern criticism” and the teacher of generations who instilled in his students and readers a love of questioning and a passion for knowledge, leaving a great void that can only be filled by what he left behind in terms of books and articles that will remain a beacon for those searching for truth and beauty.
Culture and Art
Akroushan releases a 300-year-old operetta to mark Saudi Founding Day
Poet Abdullah Al-Yami (Akroushan) has completed writing an operetta celebrating 300 years of history, with music composed by Nawaf Munif and performed by Abdul Aziz Al-Aliwi. Learn more about the work.
Saudi poet Abdullah Al-Yami, known as "Akroushan," announced the completion of his poetic work for a monumental national piece titled "300 Years Ago," created specifically for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's National Day celebrations on February 22nd. This work will be a valuable addition to the national artistic library documenting the Kingdom's rich history.
A fully integrated team and special care
This national production showcases a remarkable artistic collaboration, with music composed by Nawaf Munif, performed by Saudi artist Abdulaziz Al-Aliwi, and musical arrangement by Mohammed Kamel. The operetta enjoys the generous patronage of Dr. Faisal bin Hawas Al-Shammari, who provided both financial and moral support to ensure its production in a manner befitting this cherished national occasion.
The idea was inspired by the leadership's vision
In discussing the genesis of the text, the poet Akroushan emphasized that the initial spark for this work came from an inspiring statement by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – may God protect him – during his visit to the United States. The poet quoted His Royal Highness's remarks comparing the historical depth of nations, when he said: "The United States is approaching its 250th anniversary, and Saudi Arabia is preparing to celebrate its 300th anniversary in two years." These words served as the primary impetus for writing a text that highlights this historical legacy spanning three centuries.
Founding Day: Historical Depth and Deep Roots
This artwork derives its significance from the importance of the occasion on which it is presented; the Founding Day, which falls on February 22nd each year, commemorates the establishment of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727 AD. This occasion provides an opportunity to remember the Saudi state's more than three centuries of existence, highlight the Kingdom's historical and cultural depth, celebrate its diverse cultural heritage, and pay tribute to those who have served the nation, from imams and kings to ordinary citizens. National artistic works, such as the operetta "300 Years Ago," play a pivotal role in strengthening national identity and instilling these values in the hearts and minds of new generations.
Continuous efforts and a remarkable journey
The poet Al-Yami indicated that writing the text took him approximately four months of diligent work to ensure precise expression and profound meaning, promising the audience that the work would be a "surprise" that would impress all Saudis. It is worth noting that Akroushan has a distinguished record of patriotic works, having previously presented the song "Dam Al-Malik Salman" (Long Live King Salman), composed by Sahm and performed by Dahoum Al-Talasi, in addition to the shaila "Ya Al-Adheem Ibn Al-Adheem" (O Great Son of the Great), performed by the singer Majid Al-Raslani, thus raising expectations for the new work.
Culture and Art
Mohamed Farag reveals details of the series "A Father, But..." in Ramadan 2026
Learn about the details of Mohamed Farag’s character in the series “Father, But” scheduled to be shown in Ramadan 2026, and the story of the work inspired by reality and the impact of family disputes on children.
As part of early preparations for the strongest drama season, the talented Egyptian artist Mohamed Farag revealed details of his new character in the series “A Father, But,” which was officially scheduled to be shown during the Ramadan season of 2026, promising his audience a different dramatic experience that directly touches reality.
Personal details of "Adham" and the human dimension
In recent television interviews, Farag revealed the nature of his role, explaining that he portrays an engineer named Adham. This character is not merely a professional role, but carries profound artistic and psychological dimensions. Adham possesses a refined artistic sensibility and enjoys painting and playing music, creating a compelling dramatic contrast between the precision of engineering and the delicacy of art.
A story from the heart of reality and its societal impact
Farag emphasized that the series "A Father, But..." is not merely the product of an author's imagination, but rather a work inspired by true stories. He stressed that the character of "Adham" possesses very realistic traits and represents a type of person prevalent in our Arab society. He added that anyone going through life experiences similar to Adham's undoubtedly needs psychological support and prayers, indicating that the series will address pressing human crises.
Work message: Children's mental health
In the context of the series' social message, Farag explained that the work intensely highlights a crucial issue: the impact of family disputes and marital conflicts on children's mental health. He implicitly conveyed through his statements that certain actions taken by parents in moments of anger should never be witnessed by children, given the psychological scars and long-term negative effects they can leave, potentially affecting their future personalities.
Short drama and industry development
The series "Father, But..." consists of 15 episodes, aligning with the recent trend in Egyptian and Arab drama towards shorter, more concise series. This dramatic style has proven highly successful in recent Ramadan seasons, avoiding drawn-out storylines and focusing instead on compelling narratives and a fast-paced plot, thus ensuring viewer engagement from the first episode to the last and reflecting a qualitative improvement in artistic production standards.
The cast and crew of the series
The series is written and directed by the talented Yasmine Ahmed Kamel, known for her work that tackles sensitive social issues. Mohamed Farag stars alongside a distinguished cast including Hagar Ahmed, Islam Gamal, Basma Daoud, Rakeen Saad, and the veteran actress Salwa Othman, as well as a number of up-and-coming actors, promising a strong acting lineup for Ramadan 2026.
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