الأمير تركي بن فيصل يطلق كتاب “رياض الشعراء في قصور الحمراء: الشعر كدليل على التعايش الحضاري في الأندلس”

Cultural Heritage Illuminated: Launch of “The Gardens of Poets” at the Alhambra

His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, inaugurated the book titled “The Gardens of Poets: Poetry as a Witness to Cultural Coexistence in Al-Andalus.” This significant event took place yesterday in the iconic Alhambra Palace, located in Granada, Spain. The book is authored by Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al-Manea, a recipient of the King Faisal Award, and Dr. José Miguel Puerta Vílchez, a member of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.

In his address during the ceremony, Prince Turki expressed his delight in participating in this cultural celebration that underlines the importance of the Alhambra. He referred to the palace as a rare global symbol representing the convergence of civilizations and the interplay of cultures. Prince Turki emphasized the selection of Granada as the venue for the book launch, underlining its significance as the heart of a shared heritage that attracts millions of visitors from around the world. He further highlighted the rich cultural dimensions associated with the Alhambra.

The book “The Gardens of Poets” offers an academic endeavor to revive the poetic texts inscribed on the walls of the Alhambra, aiming to showcase their aesthetic and cultural significance. The authors meticulously compiled the poems from various Andalusian sources, linking them to their original locations within the palace. Additionally, they provided annotations and clarifications regarding the authors whenever possible.

The publication encompasses texts from prominent halls within the Alhambra, including the Meshuar Hall, the Hall of Comares, the Hall of the Blessing, the Palace of the Lion, and the terraces of Lindaraja. It also features unique structures such as the Palace of the Daughters and the Tower of the Princesses, as well as inscriptions discovered on the gravestones of the Nasrid kings in the beautiful gardens of the Alhambra.

Supported by the King Faisal Award, this book was produced in collaboration with the Alhambra Administration and the Commission of Alí. It comes in a luxury edition accompanied by a visual supplement, which allows readers to compare the inscribed texts with the printed versions. This feature provides a comprehensive reading experience that merges textual analysis with aesthetic appreciation, enabling a deeper understanding of the artistic and historical context.

The launch event concluded with remarks from various participating entities, followed by a seminar in which the authors shared insights into their work and observations regarding the inscriptions. This occasion not only marked the release of an important literary work but also reinforced the cultural bonds that unite nations through the shared legacy of poetry and art.

The intricate connections between poetry and architecture are underscored throughout the book, illustrating how written words have the power to evoke emotions and convey histories. The gardens of poets serve as a metaphorical landscape where the artistic expression of the past continues to resonate, emphasizing the enduring value of cultural coexistence.

By re-examining and celebrating this significant artifact of Andalusian culture, “The Gardens of Poets” invites readers to appreciate a rich heritage that has transcended time and continues to inspire dialogue among diverse cultures. The event and the book it unveiled serve as testaments to the importance of preserving and sharing cultural narratives that foster understanding and appreciation among peoples worldwide.