Photo from Middle East Online
Now I am no fan of Arabic poetry. I spent my early adult years reading computer magazines and not Nizar Qabbani books 
But I cannot stop smiling every time I think about the latest craze that is sweeping the media scene of Arabia: The Prince of Poets.
Why? Because I imagine that all those stodgy Arab intellectuals, who always huff and puff about how globalization and satellite media is destroying Arab culture.
How do they explain the Prince of Poets to themselves.
Their favorite enemy is what some of them might term “The Triangle of Evil”: Haifa, Nancy, Ruby (or was it Haifa, Nancy and Alissa).
Surely they must be shocked that at a time when you cannot get more than five people into an auditorium to hear a poetry reading, a good section of the Arab masses is glued to Abu Dhabi TV to watch what can only be described as a mix of American Idol’s/Superstar’s style of production with the traditions of Arabic poetry.
And who’s behind this mini cultural renaissance? What? The oil rich Emirate of Dhabi? How do the grim faced intellectuals from the Levant take that 
Yes, it’s Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage who is organizing the whole thing. It’s the power of satellite television meeting a tradition that has largely been relegated to the boring corners of newspapers.
Then there is the young Palestinian poet, Tamim Bargouthi who is making huge waves on ‘The Prince of Poets’..
His poem “In Jerusalem” is being sought by thousands on the internet. He made it into the final round of the competition.
Times have changed. And who would have thought that an ancient tradition can mix so well with a globalized, consumer oriented media format?
Pretty amazing stuff..
Comments
6 responses to “American Idol+ Arabic Poetry=The Prince of Poets!”
I think it’s brilliant, his poetry is amazing. I wish poetry starts regaining interest from people and audiences – it’s such a rich element in our culture!
wow. I’m impressed! thanks for telling us about this show, this poem is quite interesting actually. I have seen ads of this program and thought it would be ridiculous, but I love arabic poetry and this Fil Quds poem is something..
On a different note Ahmad, I’m really waiting for your blog entry on the new Fastlink identity: Zain!
It’s all over the media in the streets and newspaper!
I first saw his clip in one of Sha3teely’s posts… This is grand indeed…
The lasr episode of Prince of Poets was aired tonight. It is a boost to Poetry in Arabia.
The prince was Abdel karim Ma’atoq from UAE. Check AlaintimesUAE.com issue 31 to published today Saturday Sept 8.
I think the program ended in what we all feared but silently expected, that Abu dhabi organises the event to crown one of its own. Not that the title bears any resemblance to the one given to Ahmed Shawqi- in the end it was another Arab mockery – just like Arab democracy! Neverhteless, poets like Tameem got their message through to the Arab audiences.