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Verse and Heritage: ICESCO's 'Cities of Poems' Contest Showcases Islamic Cultural Capitals
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has unveiled its annual "Cities of Poems" contest, an elegant complement to its esteemed "Capitals of Culture in the Islamic World" program. This year, the cities of Marrakech, Benghazi in Libya, and Shusha in Azerbaijan take center stage.
The "Cities of Poems" initiative is a literary endeavor that seeks to rejuvenate the profound bond between poetry and place. It invites poets to craft works that encapsulate the quintessential spirit of these urban landscapes. The contest aims to chronicle the history, geography, and cultural significance of these cities through the timeless art of poetry, paying homage to their symbolic legacies and civilizations.
A distinguished committee of renowned poets, assembled by ICESCO, will adjudicate the entries. Three winners will be selected for each city, with the first-place laureate receiving $2,000, the second-place winner $1,500, and the third-place winner $1,000. In addition to the monetary prizes, winners will be awarded certificates of appreciation, and their works will be compiled in a special anthology.
To participate, poets must submit their entries in Classical Arabic or Azerbaijani, adhering to the traditional rules of poetic meter. The poems should evoke the values, aesthetics, history, geography, and spirit of the chosen city and must not exceed thirty verses or lines. The submission window is open until December 31, 2024.
This contest not only celebrates the rich cultural tapestry of the Islamic world but also fosters a global appreciation for its literary heritage. By intertwining the art of poetry with the essence of these cities, ICESCO creates a platform that transcends borders and invites the world to explore the beauty and depth of Islamic culture.
For poets and enthusiasts alike, the "Cities of Poems" contest is an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rhythm and soul of Marrakech, Benghazi, and Shusha. It is a call to weave words that echo the heartbeat of these cities, preserving their stories for generations to come.