Jeddah, January 31, 2025 — The 21st edition of the "Reading the Text" forum, organized by the Jeddah Literary and Cultural Club, launches next Tuesday and runs from February 4 to 6, 2025, under the theme "Literary and Cultural History in Saudi Arabia Between Orality and Writing."

The forum hosts a select group of writers, critics and intellectuals to discuss the evolution of Saudi literature and the impact of oral tradition and documentation in shaping the cultural scene, through in-depth critical and historical studies.

Forum Themes and Honoring Al-Qashami

The forum will honor historian Mohammed Abdulrazzaq Al-Qashami in recognition of his contributions to documenting the Kingdom's literary and cultural history. It features nine main themes examining the evolution of Saudi literature between oral heritage and written creativity, with discussions on historical inscriptions and documents, oral literature, media influence, and literary narrative in biographies. A total of 20 research papers were selected out of 50 submitted, reflecting the richness and diversity of the topics presented.

'Reading the Text': An Intellectual Platform for Literary Dialogue

Dr. Abdullah bin Owaiqel Al-Sulami, President of the Jeddah Literary and Cultural Club, affirmed that the forum reflects the rapid developments in Saudi cultural activity, while Dr. Abdulrahman bin Rajaullah Al-Sulami, secretary of the forum's scientific committee, explained that the sessions will discuss the impact of old and new media on Saudi literature, and critical approaches comparing oral and written texts.

The forum serves as an intellectual platform that encourages researchers to study and develop Saudi literature, contributing to critical and literary perspectives that strengthen creative trends in the Kingdom.