Youtube of
Urdu Academy International Mushaira 2015
 

Hesham Syed

Habib Siddiqui

June 29, 2015

Urdu in the Arab/Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia

By Abdus Sattar Ghazali

Mushairas is an old cultural tradition of Urdu. With the emigration of substantial Urdu speaking people to Arababian/Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia in recent decades, this tradition has gained ground in the Arabic speaking region. Urdu has crossed the seven seas to find bases in Canada, the UK and the US where not only Urdu literary activities are common but some universities are offering courses for Urdu language.

During my March-April 2015 visit to the Saudi capital Riyadh I found lots of Urdu literary activities.   I had the opportunity to meet literary personalities which included poet and scholar Hesham Ahmed Syed and drama writer Taze’en Zahida who happens to be the daughter of poet Habib Siddiqui..

Left picture shows Taze’en Zahida presents her father’s book to the scribe. Picture at right shows Hesham Sayed presenting his book Tajallian to the scribe.

Hesham Ahmed Syed writes in prose as well as poetry. His latest poetic anthology is titled TajalliaN. His other books are Agahee and Mushaedat. Hesham's three poetic collections are under print: Dil-e-Beena, Deeda'e Beena and Hanste Aansoo.

Mohammad Habib Siddiqui's poetic collection is titled Hadees-e-Gardish-e-DoraaN. He is a pragmatic poet. He is blunt in expressing his impressions about the current social as well as political events

A Google search about the Urdu literary events in the Gulf and Saudi Arabia unveiled some very interesting results. The Urdu enthusiasts have established several associations and groups to promote its cause. Just few examples:

Urdu Academy Jeddah

Urdu Academy Jeddah was established in the year 1998 for the promotion of Urdu language. It works for promotion of the Urdu language through its literary Urdu seminars, Mushairas, workshops for Urdu teachers. Since 2001, the Urdu Academy organizes annual events. It is also organizing quarterly programs to promote the language.

In May 2015, the Urdu Academy Jeddah organized a workshop titled ‘Aao Urdu Seikhien’ (Let’s Learn Urdu). “The Urdu language is spreading all over the world and its popularity is gaining ground in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is interesting to note that many expatriates and a number of Saudi nationals are being drawn to this language and have started to understand the poetry, literature and culture of Urdu,” said chief guest Ghulam Yazdani, an advocate from Hyderabad.

Jamal Qadri, president of Urdu Academy, in his speech said: “We are advancing with optimism and will never succumb to the views of those who always criticize and talk about the downfall of Urdu language.

Supporters of the Urdu Academy believe that they cannot claim serving Urdu just by organizing yearly Mushairas (poetry sessions) or gatherings with Urdu personalities. Aao Urdu Seikhien’ workshop was organized in this context. This is now a quarterly program.

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