MBR Library embraces French poetry with Charles Baudelaire

As part of its programme that aims to celebrate foreign culture and literature, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, in cooperation with Alliance Francaise Dubai, organised a French literary evening titled “Readings from the Poetry of Charles Baudelaire: Between Light and Shadows”. The evening was presented by researcher Said Nourine, president of the association, and moderated by translator Ghassan Nabbout.

The evening highlighted Baudelaire’s world, as one of the most iconic figures of modern poetry in the nineteenth century, through a critical reading and cultural dialogue that addressed key milestones in his life and works.

Nourine reviewed Baudelaire’s biography, which was characterised by the struggle between downfall and rise, explaining how exile, suffering, and family rejection were reflected in his career, transforming pain into a source of creativity. He also examined the pivotal tension in Baudelaire’s poetry “Spleen and Ideal”, demonstrating how he was able to transform boredom and alienation into poetic energy.

The session addressed the contrast in Baudelaire’s poems, where the duality of evil and transcendence intertwined in a structure that blends human seduction with the desire for elevation through art. It explained Baudelaire’s aesthetic vision based on paradox and contradiction. Nourine compared the poetry of Baudelaire and Al-Mutanabbi, highlighting the points of convergence between the two poets in their belief in the poetic self and the intensification of the human experience in its tragic and existential dimensions.

With a large turnout, the discussions and readings were an opportunity to reflect on Baudelaire’s poetic duality between light and shadows, and to learn about new approaches that connect Western and Arabic literary experiences.

Through these events, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library seeks to reinforce its role as a beacon of knowledge and culture, fostering dialogue between cultures and bringing readers closer to the world’s most prominent literary experiences. This strengthens Dubai’s position as a hub for thought and creativity.

Recently, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (MBRL) welcomed a high-level delegation from the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement (Tawazun), led by Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the Council. The visit aimed to explore the library’s mission and its vital role in the local and global cultural landscape, as well as strengthening bridges of cultural and intellectual cooperation between the two institutions.

Earlier, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) launched its Knowledge Lounge initiative in the Arab Republic of Egypt as part of its constant efforts to instil a culture of quality reading in the Arabic language and nurture the youth’s intellectual potential.

The launch was held at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, during a session moderated by writer Said Mahmoud and attended by prominent literary and cultural figures. Jamal Bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, said: “The launch of the Knowledge Lounge in Egypt marks a significant milestone in MBRF’s regional expansion strategy, which aims to promote our projects across all Arab knowledge capitals. It further showcases our goal to encourage reading among Arab youth, supporting them in broadening their prospects and improving their expertise across various intellectual and knowledge fields. Furthermore, its launch at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina aligns with our belief in the importance of this historical monument, which serves as a beacon of science, knowledge, and creativity. The move reiterates our commitment to developing and implementing initiatives that empower minds, refine skills, and promote openness and knowledge dissemination.”

During the session, discussions were held on the history and expansion of the Knowledge Lounge initiative since its launch, especially its key focus on supporting Arab authors and literature. Furthermore, participants highlighted the success of the Knowledge Lounge in Canada, which boosted its impact and support for Arab writers by encouraging Arabic reading among expatriate communities. The discussions highlighted the initiative’s entry into Egypt, where it will follow the same steps. It will focus on spotlighting Egyptian authors and enhancing readership within its sustainable framework.