A scene of the first edition of the Salah Al-Din Creative Youth Festival
Over 20 poets participate
Writers union launches creative youth festival in Tikrit
TIKRIT — The Union of Writers and Authors in Salah Al-Din has kicked off the inaugural edition of the Salah Al-Din Creative Youth Festival in Tikrit, drawing more than 20 young poets from across various governorates.
The two-day festival, held on Jan. 30 and Jan. 31 at the Palace of Culture and Arts, spotlights writers under the age of 35 and features a visual arts exhibition alongside theatrical and musical performances.
Iraq’s Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities Ahmed Fakak, who attended the festival, described it as “beautiful, wonderful, and creative for the youth of Salah Al-Din.” Speaking to 964media, he said, “We listened to a number of young poets from different governorates, and their poetry was beautiful and promising for a bright future, God willing.” He added, “This festival received direct support from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and we have plans for all governorates. We will visit every governorate to support young talents and creatives in all sectors.”
Ghannam Mohammed, head of the Salah Al-Din Union of Writers and Authors, told 964media, “The festival was held under the patronage of the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities and featured a group of Iraqi poets. We hosted more than 20 poets from different governorates.” He noted that the minister had also promised additional cultural events in Salah Al-Din, saying, “The minister assured us that there will be more cultural forums in Salah Al-Din soon.”
Writer Safana Al-Safi, who attended the festival, told 964media, “We attended the opening of the youth poetry festival at the Salah Al-Din provincial level. It is a national festival featuring a distinguished group of young Iraqi poets.”