The Abdul Rahman Kanoo Cultural Centre in Bahrain organised a seminar titled “Poet Ali Al Sharqawi… The Richness of the Experience”.  The event featured director Ahmed Yaqoub Al Moqla, composer Yaqoub Youssef, and artist and director Mustafa Rashid, who shared their experiences with Al Sharqawi in TV drama, composing and theater. The seminar was moderated by journalist Osama Al Majid.

Director Al Moqla shared his experience with Ali Al Sharqawi, saying, “Meeting the teacher, father, brother, friend, and one of the most significant companions, poet Ali Al Sharqawi, was one of the most beautiful and important moments in my life. This first encounter happened in the late 1980s when we were working on a project to film songs written by Al Sharqawi, composed and sung by the artist Yaqoub Youssef. I recall that our meeting took place at Al Sharqawi’s house, and later in the “Noon” library, which became the birthplace of many artistic works from the early 1990s until the most recent heritage production by Bahrain TV, the series “Ahl Al Dar” in 2014.”

“What distinguishes poet Al Sharqawi is his ability to motivate all those around him, regardless of their age. Personally, he supported me immensely, encouraging me and instilling a love of challenge and resilience in the face of difficulties,” Al Moqla said. “Learning from every experience, which indeed made me a close associate of Al Sharqawi in all artistic endeavors. He was a unique creator in every artistic work and theme song,” he added.

In conclusion, Al Moqla touched on Al Sharqawi’s versatility in both eloquent and colloquial poetry, highlighting his prolific production that has significantly enriched the Bahraini literary landscape. 

Composer Yaqoub Youssef spoke about his experiences working with Al Sharqawi, noting that Sharqawi’s work is distinguished by the spirit of authentic Bahraini heritage, its simplicity and charm, and its freedom from artifice and complexity. He also recounted various stories and moments shared between them throughout his artistic career.

Artist and director Mustafa Rashid shared his experiences with Ali Al Sharqawi in drama and children’s theater. He highlighted Al Sharqawi’s belief in teamwork and his dedication to deepening the interaction between various artistic disciplines.

Afterward, the floor was opened for discussion, and several attendees shared their testimonies about poet Ali Al Sharqawi. They included novelist and writer Amin Saleh, poet Abdul Hamid Al Qaed,  Khalil Ibrahim Al Thawadi, Dr. Massouma Al Matawa, artist Khaled Al Ruwai’i, and Dr. Alawi Al Hashimi.