Inspirations from Jawdat R Haydar: A Poetic Journey into Timeless Themes
A book review by Dr. Ramzi Salti, Stanford University
Introduction:
Ibtissam T. Kahale, a renowned professor of English Literature and a talented writer herself, has just released her latest book titled Inspirations from Jawdat Haydar. This exceptional collection pays homage to the esteemed poet Jawdat Haydar and explores the profound impact of his works on literature, society, and human consciousness. With this book, Kahale aims to introduce readers to the visionary world of Jawdat Haydar's poetry, unraveling universal themes and inviting contemplation on life, love, humanity, and the mysteries that surround us.
The Eminent Poet:
Kahale begins her introduction by recounting her personal encounter with Jawdat Haydar at a tribute event held at UNESCO. She vividly describes the sight of the ninety-year-old poet, radiating elegance and piety as he recited his verses with an overwhelming voice. Haydar's poems, she explains, possess a captivating charm that mirrors his own being. Inspired by the profound influence of his poetry, Kahale decided to share this pleasure and advantage with others through her book, allowing readers to embark on a journey through time, fantasy, and the profound themes that Haydar passionately explores.
Themes Explored:
Inspirations from Jawdat Haydar (2023) is divided into two parts. The first part presents selected quotes from Haydar's poems in alphabetical order, showcasing his masterful employment of various rhymes, rhythms, and distinct themes. The second part is organized into six sections, each devoted to a specific major theme. Kahale delves into Haydar's reflections on Poetry, Sociology, Leadership and Power, Civil War, Environment, and Fate and Destiny. The book concludes with an exploration of the Mystery of Life, encapsulating the poet's enigmatic and thought-provoking perspectives.
Jawdat Haydar's Relevance in Education:
As a former professor herself, Kahale passionately argues for the inclusion of Jawdat Haydar's poems in school and university curricula. She highlights the significance of Haydar's philosophical analysis of the universe, his emphasis on humanitarianism and equality among all people, his unwavering love and support for Lebanon, and his ability to bridge the gap between East and West. Kahale Zaatari believes that studying Haydar's work will enable students to explore life and society from different perspectives, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.
Encouraging the Search for Truth:
In her closing remarks, Kahale expresses her deep enthusiasm for inspiring readers to seek truth and meaning in life and society through the lens of Jawdat Haydar's poems. She believes that Haydar's carefully chosen quotes, presented in her book, serve as inspirations accumulated over a lifetime, challenging the world with their profound themes. By engaging with Haydar's work, readers are encouraged to contemplate the complexities of existence, the interconnectedness of humanity, and the transformative power of poetry.
In conclusion, Inspirations from Jawdat Haydar by Ibtissam T. Kahale is a captivating exploration of the eminent poet's timeless themes. Through the selected quotes and thoughtful analysis, readers are invited to embark on a journey of self-discovery, intellectual enlightenment, and a deeper understanding of the world we inhabit. This book serves as a tribute to Jawdat Haydar's immense contribution to literature and his unwavering pursuit of truth, love, and social justice through the power of poetry.
In conclusion, Inspirations from Jawdat Haydar by Ibtissam T. Kahale is a captivating exploration of the eminent poet's timeless themes. Through the selected quotes and thoughtful analysis, readers are invited to embark on a journey of self-discovery, intellectual enlightenment, and a deeper understanding of the world we inhabit. This book serves as a tribute to Jawdat Haydar's immense contribution to literature and his unwavering pursuit of truth, love, and social justice through the power of poetry.
To order your copy of the book, please contact Ibtissam Kahale at ibtissamkz@gmail.com
Here is an article, written in Arabic by Moses Ghabries, detailing the splendor of the event which attracted a full house:
احتفاء بتوقيع كتاب (مختارات من شعر جودت حيدر) للكاتبة ابتسام كحالة، أقامت كلية الاداب والعلوم الانسانية، الفرع الخامس احتفالا بهذه المناسبة وتكريما للشاعر الراحل ..وقد حضر الاحتفال عميدة كلية الاداب والعلوم الانسانية البروفسورة هبة شندب ومديرة كلية الاداب الفرع الخامس البروفسورة مهى المصري ومديرو الفروع الجامعية وممثلة الاساتذة في مجلس الجامعة الدكتورة داليا خريباني ورؤساء الاقسام الاكاديمية واساتذة الكلية والطلاب الكرام..بالاضافة الى ممثل سعادة النائب بهية الحريري الدكتور اسامة ارناؤوط وممثل سعادة النائب أسامة سعد الاستاذ أحمد البني بالاضافة الى كريمة الشاعر الراحل السيدة شاهينة حيدر عسيران ..
استهل الاحتفال بالنشيد الوطني اللبناني ثم تحدثت البروفسورة مهى المصري مؤكدة على دور الشاعر الراحل في تعزيز الهوية الوطنية والعربية وتميزه في كتابة الشعر باللغتين العربية والانكليزية ..ثم تم عرض فيديو وثائقي يحاكي سيرة الشاعر ..بعدذلك ، القى الطلاب منيرة الحجار ورامي عيد وشيرين منصور قصائد للشاعر جودت حيدر نالت اعجاب الحضور ..اما كلمة الختام فكانت لعميدة الكلية البروفسورة هبة شندب التي أثنت على مثل هذه النشاطات الثقافية في الكلية معربة عن شكرها لمديرة الفرع وللاساتذة والطلاب على جهودهم ..ثم تناولت مسيرة الشاعر جودت حيدر الشعرية منوهة بعطاءاته الادبية وموجهة عبارات الامتنان لكريمته السيدة شاهينة حيدر ..واختتم الاحتفال بتوقيع الكتاب .قدم للاحتفال الدكتور عباس زناتي ...
