Al-Qafila magazine launches its new issue: Prospects for Cultural Justice
presents Al-Qafila magazine its readers with its latest issue, number 716, featuring renewed cultural and intellectual content that keeps pace with the evolution of human thought throughout the ages. The magazine takes its readers on an exceptional journey, beginning with an exploration of the history of the "staircase" as an architectural element rich in cultural symbolism and meaning, and culminating in fundamental questions about the modern era, cultural diversity, and how to ensure cultural equity in contemporary societies.
A rich legacy: Al-Qafilah magazine and the Saudi beacon of knowledge
Al-Qafilah magazine, published by Saudi Aramco since 1953, is one of the oldest and most prestigious cultural publications in the Arab world. For decades, the magazine has played a pioneering role in enriching the cultural landscape, serving as a bridge between local and global culture. Initially launched to disseminate awareness and knowledge, the magazine has evolved over time into a leading intellectual platform, attracting prominent writers and thinkers. It contributes to documenting the social and cultural transformations witnessed by the Kingdom and the Arab region, while keeping pace with the latest developments in the fields of science, literature, and the arts.
The cultural and societal impact of knowledge publications
Reputable cultural publications are of paramount importance in shaping societal awareness locally, regionally, and internationally. Locally, they contribute to strengthening national identity and showcasing Saudi arts and heritage to the world. Regionally, they open avenues for shared Arab intellectual dialogue. Internationally, they represent a soft power that reflects the Kingdom's civilized image. In this context, this issue addresses the concept of "cultural justice" as a foundation for societal development and ensuring access to culture for all. The issue traces the origins and global expansion of this concept, encompassing diversity, digital representation, and the rights of different cultures. Dr. Mahmoud Al-Dabaa argues that soft power is closely linked to cultural justice, emphasizing that culture is a productive and strategic resource that necessitates supportive policies. For his part, Dr. Abdulwahid Al-Humaid addresses the challenges associated with geographical and social disparities in the Kingdom, highlighting the need for targeted support that guarantees cultural inclusion for all.
Fear of books and the transformations of literature and art
In the “Literature and Arts” section, writer Nada Hattit traces the history of fear of books, considering them both “poison and antidote,” and highlighting their remarkable ability to alter consciousness from ancient philosophy to modern censorship. Dr. Saeed Yaqteen examines the transformations of the concept of “literary commitment,” criticizing the mere imitation of Western concepts. Reflecting local intellectual development, Dr. Musfir Al-Qahtani underscores the importance of establishing the Royal Institute of Anthropology, which will represent a qualitative leap in the study of the Saudi individual and a deeper understanding of their cultural identity. Writer Abdulrahman Al-Sulaiman chronicles the life of artist Mohammed Al-Saleem and his pioneering role in establishing Saudi visual art. Dr. Saeed Benkrad presents his vision of culture as the taming of nature and the symbolic construction of humanity.
Digital Age Disruptions and Discoveries of the Universe
In the “Science” section, Dr. Nidal Qassoum discusses the evolution of our understanding of black holes, from a mere physical hypothesis to their direct imaging since 2019. In the medical and psychological field, Dr. Abdulhadi Al-Habbad discusses Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), emphasizing the impact of modern digital lifestyles on shaping attention. And in the “Microscope” section, Dr. Nada Al-Ahmadi examines the phenomenon of declining puberty among girls globally, opening a discussion on contemporary biological and environmental changes.
The aesthetics of Islamic gardens and the symbolism of the ladder
In the “Perspectives” section, Dr. Samaher Al-Dhamin discusses “intuition” as an embodied unconscious knowledge, while Alaa Al-Hajji explains the role of art in therapy for regulating emotions. Nasser Al-Rabat explores the Islamic garden as an environmental response to scarcity, and Ashraf Faqih takes us to Iceland, the volcanic island where ice and fire intertwine, in the “Eye and Lens” column. The issue concludes with a special feature on “the ladder,” tracing its history as an architectural element that has evolved from primitive natural forms to religious, social, and aesthetic symbols throughout the ages, discussing its cultural and symbolic significance in language, arts, and cinema.
Fleeting moments and a promising future
This issue celebrates the beauty of fleeting moments through an exploration of the artist Kamil Hawwa's work, and discusses the "Science + Literature" program, which aims to reframe scientific concepts within impactful human contexts. Readers can stay up-to-date with the magazine's latest publications by visiting its official social media accounts or its website, which offers access to all archived issues, underscoring its ongoing commitment to disseminating knowledge and enriching Arabic content.
