The 21st edition of the Text Reading Forum has concluded successfully after three days of vibrant cultural activity organized by the Jeddah Literary and Cultural Club under the theme "Literary and Cultural History in Saudi Arabia Between the Oral and the Written." The forum brought together a group of researchers, writers, and intellectuals who discussed several themes related to the Kingdom's literary and cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of preserving oral heritage and strengthening its role in enriching the literary scene.

Honoring Al-Qash'ami and Highlighting Literary Icons

The forum's closing ceremony honored writer Mohammed Abdulrazzaq Al-Qash'ami in recognition of his significant contributions to Saudi literature and his role in documenting the Kingdom's cultural history. Participants also stressed the importance of the Ministry of Culture continuing to support such forums, while establishing a culture of honoring literary figures and highlighting their achievements, in order to strengthen Saudi cultural identity both locally and internationally.

Recommendations: Establishing a National Center to Preserve Oral Heritage

The forum produced a number of important recommendations.

At a Glance

  • Establishing a national center to record Saudi oral heritage to preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
  • Strengthening the documentation of folk narratives and supporting them as a key source of national heritage.
  • Making use of modern technology in collecting and documenting folk arts, including chants, tales, and oral narratives.
  • Bringing written literature closer to oral narrative through specialized studies and research.
  • Strengthening cooperation between literary and research institutions and supporting initiatives that develop Saudi literature.
  • Printing the papers presented at the forum, and developing programs to nurture young literary talent.

Closing: A Call to Develop Saudi Literature

Participants closed the forum by calling for its outcomes to be used in academic and university studies, incorporating them into postgraduate programs, and focusing on academia's role in analyzing the outcomes of cultural forums and shaping their critical and intellectual direction, in a way that serves the long-term development of Saudi literature.