"In the age of digital platforms... how do we appreciate Arabic poetry?"
13 February 2026
Have Digital Platforms Done Justice to Arabic Poetry?
At its thirteenth seminar at the Cairo International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion hosted poet Mahmoud Salam Abu Malik for a discussion moderated by Yasmine Obeid from the Youth Peacemakers initiative. The discussion focused on the presence of Arabic poetry in the digital age.
The seminar addressed how digital platforms can be used to revitalize the Arabic language and strengthen the connection between generations and their culture. It emphasized that poetry is not a cultural luxury but a bridge linking the past and present, preserving Arab identity from the dangers of cultural erosion.
Poet Salam affirmed that social media can be utilized to enhance the aesthetics of poetry and disseminate meaningful knowledge and art. He called on content creators to present content in innovative ways that appeal to young people and children, instilling a love of the language from an early age.