In a distinguished cultural evening held in the Jazan region, the “Literary Partner” initiative, affiliated with the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, discussed the reality and future of the Saudi novel and its contemporary transformations during a seminar entitled “When I Left the Sea.” The event was held in partnership with the “Dhaw” Association for Theater and Performing Arts, and hosted novelist and writer Amr Al-Amri at the association’s headquarters in Jazan City, amidst a notable attendance of intellectuals and those interested in literary affairs.
Literary Partner Initiative: A Renewed Cultural Context
This event comes within the context of the broad cultural movement underway in Saudi Arabia as part of Vision 2030. The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, through its “Literary Partner” initiative, seeks to promote the circulation of literature in daily life and make culture an integral part of society's lifestyle. These initiatives represent a qualitative leap, aiming to bring literary events out of closed venues and into public spaces, cafes, and community centers, thus contributing to expanding the circle of readers and intellectuals.
The evening focused on the experience of novelist Amr Al-Amri, as the audience delved into the world of narrative and the writer's relationship with place, specifically the sea, as a key geographical and emotional element in the Jazan region. Al-Amri explored the concept of the sea as a symbol and signifier in the novel, and how this symbolism intersects with the writer's personal experience, transforming it from a mere geographical location into a space for narrative, memory, and human transformations.
The development of the Saudi novel and its influence
The symposium featured in-depth discussions on the Saudi novel , which has undergone remarkable development over the past decades. From its foundational beginnings, the local novel has progressed to a stage of artistic maturity, keeping pace with the major social and economic transformations in the Kingdom. The discussions emphasized that the Saudi novel today is no longer merely a documentation of reality, but has become a tool for envisioning the future and critiquing transformations, thus earning it a prominent position on the Arab and international literary map, culminating in numerous Saudi works receiving prestigious literary awards.
Community engagement and sustainable impact
The evening was marked by a lively interaction between the guest and the audience, with attendees raising questions about the future of narrative and the writer's role in expressing national identity in the age of globalization. Such events play a pivotal role in revitalizing the cultural scene in the region, as partnerships with local associations like the "Dhaw Association" contribute to creating a nurturing environment for creativity and provide platforms for constructive dialogue that enriches the local cultural experience and strengthens Jazan's presence as a distinguished cultural and tourist destination.
