Jeddah Literary Club launches a text reading forum to honor Mohammed Quds
kicked off in Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea of the Reading the Text Forum , amidst a large gathering of intellectuals, writers, and academics. This year's forum is dedicated to honoring the pioneering Saudi short story writer and novelist, Mohammed Ali Quds, with an exceptional historical tribute for his significant contributions to enriching Saudi and Arab literature and his prominent role in documenting local narrative history.
The historical roots and cultural leadership of the Jeddah Literary Club
Founded in 1975, the Jeddah Literary Club is one of the oldest cultural institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Since its inception, it has undertaken the responsibility of nurturing creative talent and fostering intellectual discourse. In this context, the Chairman of the Club's Board of Directors, Dr. Abdullah Al-Sulami, opened the forum sessions with a comprehensive address, emphasizing the continuity of its contributions and the systematic approach that has shaped the identity of this cultural platform for the past twenty-two years. Al-Sulami explained that this venerable gathering is now "adorned with the mantle of renewal imbued with the spirit of history," stressing that honoring the pioneers of literature is a clear acknowledgment of the contributions of Saudi literary figures and their distinguished intellectual and narrative output, the impact of which has transcended geographical boundaries.
The club president described the honoree of this session as possessing "a sanctity of purity and integrity," and elegance in both appearance and character. He noted Quds's close connection to the club since his youth, and his return to its board of directors with renewed vigor, revitalizing cultural activity and inspiring rising generations. He considered this honor a historical recognition of his administrative and creative efforts, explaining that his career presents a living example of a dedicated intellectual who has documented aspects of the Saudi narrative through important memoirs and short story collections that have become a reference for researchers.
Strategic dimensions and impact of the text reading forum on the cultural landscape
extends of the Text Reading Forum beyond its role as a local literary gathering; it has become a regional and international platform highlighting narrative and critical transformations in the Arab world. Dr. Abdullah Dahlan, speaking on behalf of the sponsors from the University of Business and Technology, emphasized the deep-seated belief of educational institutions in the necessity of serving the community and its non-profit organizations. Dahlan explained that this sponsorship aims to monitor the evolving literary scene and keep pace with the major transformations taking place in the Kingdom under Vision 2030. He commended the Ministry of Culture's pivotal role in revitalizing creative activities and cultivating a generation that takes pride in its identity and authentic heritage, thus strengthening the Kingdom's soft power on the international stage.
The Keeper of the Story and Guardian of the Details: An In-Depth Critical Reading
During the forum's activities, the honored storyteller Mohammed Ali Quds touched on the memories of the founding of the Jeddah Literary Club in the mid-1970s, recalling his profound influence by the pioneering generation and their sound guidance that shaped his career throughout the past decades, and made him a shining name in the world of short stories.
The event featured a specialized academic symposium entitled "Guardian of the Story and Keeper of Details," moderated by Professor Khalid Al-Yousef. A select group of academics and critics presented research papers analyzing the honoree's creative experience and exploring his narrative techniques, which reflected the evolution of Saudi society. The event concluded with researchers highlighting Quds's contributions to preserving local narratives and honoring its supporters, Saeed Al-Anqari and Dr. Abdullah Dahlan, with commemorative shields in recognition of their significant role in the success of this pioneering cultural event, which will remain a landmark in the history of Saudi literature.
