Mohammed Bin Rashid Library Takes the Public on an Inspirational Journey Through Masterpieces of Travel Literature

In collaboration with the Forum Salon, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library organised a reading session on travel literature as part of its vision and strategy to support the cultural sector, enhance the literary landscape, and support reading clubs. The session witnessed wide participation and engagement from audiences of different ages.

Moderated by writer Aisha Sultan and featuring Dr. Jamal Maqabilah, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, and Zeina Al-Shami, the session discussed several titles including "Around the World in 22 Days" by His Excellency Mohammed Al Mur, "Margins in Cities, Travel, and Departure" by Aisha Sultan, and "Cities of Wind" by Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam.

At the beginning of the session, Dr. Jamal Maqabilah shed light on the origins of travel literature and its significance on literature and criticism, linking it to Arab heritage through the biographies of Ibn Khaldun and Al-Suyuti, in addition to reviewing "Around the World in 22 Days."

He emphasised that the book represents a foundational text in diaries and narratives, urging a strong focus on it in the Gulf and especially in the UAE, and encouraging students and writers to study its artistic techniques and the techniques of short stories to understand the art of diary writing.

Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam highlighted the impact of Arab Gulf on the logbooks and writings of the maritime master Suleiman Al-Muhri, especially in maritime sciences and its elements, comparing them to the adventures of Sinbad in "One Thousand and One Nights" as if they were an extension thereof. He discussed his book "Cities of Wind," published by the Sharjah Culture and Media Authority, which includes his observational and impressionistic experiences of many cities worldwide, with a particular focus on the streets he traversed.

Zeina Al-Shami shed light on the emergence of travel literature from various perspectives and its intersection with other forms of literature such as memoirs or diaries. She cited Anis Mansour's writings in his travels as an example, where he combined memoirs, diaries, seriousness, and humor, which she found in Aisha Sultan's book "Margins in Cities, Travel, and Departure" published by Dar Waraq.

She praised Sultan's courage in delving into the realm of travel literature as a woman, which is rare, as well as her language and diverse writing styles, making the book entertaining and appealing to readers.

The speakers shared their personal travel experiences and anecdotes, and discussed how travel literature has been influenced by technological advancements in human movement and its relationship with cities. They stressed that technological progress cannot negate travel literature due to its connection with the human spirit from the beginning, alongside its close relationship with the human essence that unites people in the East with those in the West.

At the end of the session, Aisha Sultan presented several attendees with books on travel literature after directing questions to them, creating an interactive cultural atmosphere that impacted the session and added a spirit of competition.

Since its establishment, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library aims to stimulate knowledge passion among all individuals, especially youth in the UAE, and to preserve Arabic literature, culture, and heritage by supporting and encouraging reading, research, creativity, and entrepreneurship. This is achieved through free access to a distinguished book collection and other knowledge materials, along with providing high-quality information services and launching unique cultural events.