São Paulo – Next Wednesday (9th), a poetry recital is going to pay tribute to the director of the Arab Syrian Cultural Centre, Mohamad Al Kaddah. The organization works to bring together Brazil and the Syrian culture, and Kaddah is returning to his country of origin, Syria, on December 13th, after six years living in Brazil. The meeting will take place at the Cultural Centre headquarters, starting at 07:30 pm, will be open to the general public, and entry will be free.
The tribute is offered by the National Poetic Movement, a group of Brazilian poets that promotes annual events at the Cultural Centre. In addition to the poetry recital, there will be music and addresses by attending authorities. The works to be declaimed are mostly by Brazilian poets. However, according to information supplied by the Syrian Arab Cultural Centre, poetry in Arabic will be presented as well, with simultaneous translation.
On the preceding day, Tuesday (8th), another tribute will be paid to Kaddah, at Clube Homs, a club maintained by the Arab colony on Paulista avenue, in the city of São Paulo. The tribute will be organized by writers and poets from the city, and will also be held in the evening.
Kaddah is going to be honoured for his work as head of the Cultural Centre. Born in the Syrian city of Darra, in 1949, he holds a degree in Arabic Literature and Pedagogy from the University of Damascus. Kaddah also holds a master’s degree in Pedagogy. The director has taught high school classes in Syria and in Kuwait. He was also a member of the board for Arab socialist party Baath, and of popular organizations in Syria.
Kaddah also worked as Arabic language proof reader for the Kabas newspaper, in Damascus and in Kuwait, published articles on Arabic literature, short stories, poetry, opinion, and gave lectures in Syria, Kuwait and Brazil.
The Arab Syrian Cultural Centre has a library featuring books in Arabic and Portuguese for public consultation. The organization also promotes, at its headquarters, debates, lectures, courses, exhibitions, parties, film screenings and dance presentations. The premises are known mainly for its free Arabic language courses, which make communication between Brazilians and Arabs easier.
Service
Poetic Meeting – Tribute to Mohamad Al Kaddah
December 9th, Wednesday, 07:00 pm
At the Syrian Arab Cultural Centro
Augusta street, 1053 – São Paulo
Free entrance
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
