Biskra, Algeria, is hosting the International Cultural Festival of Arabic Poetry. The event is scheduled to take place from 10 November to 14 November 2026. Organizers selected "Poetry: A Bridge Between Shores" as the theme for the 2026 edition of the festival. This theme shows the festival's commitment to fostering international connections through the medium of verse. As the host city, Biskra prepares to welcome a significant assembly of literary talent, transforming the location into a hub for intellectual and creative exchange.
Diverse International Artistic Participation
Ahmed Dalbani serves as the commissioner of the festival. He oversees the coordination of the event, which includes a wide range of literary figures from across several nations. Participants arriving for the scheduled program include poets and researchers from Algeria, Sudan, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Tunisia, Palestine, Syria, Egypt, and France. These individuals will contribute to the sessions held throughout the duration of the festival. The inclusion of representatives from these countries aims to broaden the scope of the artistic dialogue presented during the event in Biskra. By bringing together experts from such a diverse geographical range, the festival facilitates a unique environment for the sharing of different linguistic and cultural perspectives on the Arabic poetic tradition.
Academic Sessions on Modern Trends
Academic sessions scheduled for 11 November and 12 November will address current developments in literary studies. Participants plan to examine the translation of Arabic poetry and the concept of cultural hospitality. Discussions will also center on the evolution of literary composition, specifically covering algorithmic writing and the impact of artificial intelligence on creativity. These sessions are intended to provide a forum for attendees to analyze how modern technological shifts influence poetic expression and the broader literary field. The academic program is designed to challenge participants to consider how traditional art forms intersect with contemporary digital tools. Through these rigorous discussions, the festival aims to document the changing landscape of literature in the 21st century.
A cultural and tourist trip is organized for 13 November 2026 to introduce festival attendees to regional landmarks. The itinerary includes a visit to the Ottoman Zawiya and the Laghrous region. This excursion aims to provide participants with direct exposure to the historical and geographical context of Biskra. By integrating these visits into the festival schedule, organizers hope to deepen the connection between the visiting poets and researchers and the local environment. This engagement with the region's physical and historical sites complements the intellectual work conducted during the academic sessions. As the festival progresses from its opening on 10 November through its conclusion on 14 November 2026, the combination of scholarly debate, artistic contribution, and regional exploration serves to fulfill the objectives set by the festival committee under the leadership of Ahmed Dalbani. The event remains a central fixture in the cultural calendar for those interested in the ongoing development of Arabic literature and its continued relevance in an increasingly interconnected world.
