Nasiriyah hosts launch of women’s poetry forum, debuting ‘Shatharat Enheduanna’ anthology

DHI QAR — The city of Nasiriyah hosted the launch of a new literary forum dedicated to women poets, marked by the release of the poetry anthology Shatharat Enheduanna, featuring selected works by female poets from Dhi Qar Governorate.

The event, held at the Culture Palace in Nasiriyah, included readings by several contributors. Writer Rasmiya Muhibis said, “Today, we witness the announcement of the Shatharat Enheduanna forum, planned by poet Alaa Al-Taie, with participation from a group of women poets.”

Muhibis said the anthology represents “a feminist revival not previously seen in the governorate.” The published collection is the forum’s first release.

Literary critic Khaled Huwair said the anthology includes works by seven poets — Rasmiya Muhibis, Mayada Al-Aani, Batool Al-Mousawi, Mithaq Al-Rikabi, Kokab Al-Sahar, Alaa Al-Taie, and Wajida Al-Ali — selected for their shared cultural, psychological, and historical themes.

Forum director Alaa Al-Taie announced the forum’s official launch at the event and confirmed the anthology as its first publication.

Poet Batool Al-Mousawi reflected on the significance of the project’s title. “Since the Sumerians, Enheduanna was the first woman to write poetry. Today, in this historic place, we celebrate the first anniversary of a group of women poets,” she said.

Enheduanna, a high priestess of the moon god Nanna in the ancient city of Ur, is regarded by many scholars as the world’s first named author.

Al-Taie expressed gratitude to those who contributed to editing and presenting the anthology, affirming the forum’s commitment to continued publication and literary collaboration.