Writers Association Celebrates Centenary of Abdulaziz Al-Rashid's 'History of Kuwait'

The Kuwait Writers Association, in collaboration with the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, organized a cultural celebration marking the centenary of the publication of “History of Kuwait” by historian Abdulaziz Al-Rasheed. The event took place at the Dr. Suad Al-Hashemi Theater, with the participation of a distinguished group of researchers and enthusiasts of Kuwaiti history.

The celebration featured two dialogue sessions discussing the historical and documentary significance of the book and its impact on the recording of Kuwait’s history. Participants addressed various aspects of the book.

The first session included researcher of heritage Saleh Al-Musabah, who spoke on “Cultural Documentation in the Book History of Kuwait,” and history researcher Abdulkarim Al-Majhool, who discussed “History of Kuwait in the Press of Its Era.” Additionally, researcher of the Kuwaiti dialect Khalid Al-Rasheed presented a paper titled “Number of Editions and Their Differences.” The session was moderated by Dr. Mohammed Al-Baghlī.

The second session featured poet and writer Ibrahim Al-Khalidi, who presented a paper titled “Kuwait in the Eyes of Abdulaziz Al-Rasheed,” and Kuwaiti history researcher Talal Al-Rumaihi, who discussed “Milestones Regarding the Book History of Kuwait.” Journalist and researcher Tariq Al-Eidan presented a paper titled “The Story of the Book History of Kuwait.” The session was moderated by Abdullah Al-Khashman.

On the sidelines of the event, General Secretary of the Kuwait Writers Association Jamila Sayyid Ali emphasized the association’s commitment to all matters related to literature and culture in Kuwait, and its dedication to honoring distinguished literary and historical publications that have contributed to highlighting the features, emergence, and development of the literary and cultural movement.

She noted that “History of Kuwait” by historian and writer Abdulaziz Al-Rasheed serves as a fundamental reference for documenting the country’s history. Its importance extends beyond the historical aspect to include the documentation of various aspects of cultural life, such as the poetic movement in Kuwait.

She added that the book’s significance goes beyond documenting the past, forming a knowledge value for future generations. She pointed out that Abdulaziz Al-Rasheed was a member of the Literary Club since 1924, and that the Kuwait Writers Association is one of its cultural fruits.

For her part, Rima Al-Hajjari, head of the media committee, mentioned that the association prepared a special file published in the July issue of Al-Bayan magazine, as part of the association’s interest in documenting Kuwaiti cultural figures and highlighting their achievements. She noted that the file included contributions from a distinguished group of writers, academics, and specialists, who provided diverse readings of Al-Rasheed’s experience and his intellectual, literary, and historical contributions.

She affirmed that the association strives, through its publications and activities, to provide documentary cultural content that goes beyond merely presenting biographies, offering instead a reading of the achievements of pioneers. She noted that celebrating the book’s centenary represents an opportunity to renew interest in historical sources and reintroduce them to new generations.