Raqqa’s First Literary Festival sends message of hope and unity"

Organized under the auspices of the Culture Authority of the Executive Council of the Raqqa Canton, the festival took place at the Raqqa Cultural Center. It featured the participation of an elite group of writers, poets, and authors from across the country, held under the slogan: “Syrian Ink for Peace.”

 The festival commenced on the 24th of this month and is scheduled to span three consecutive days. Activities included the inauguration of a book fair, tributes to literary figures and poets from Raqqa, literary readings of novels and stories, as well as traditional musical performances reflecting the spirit of Raqqa and the Euphrates.

 Celebration of the Word in a City That Defied Oppression

 Participants emphasized the symbolic importance of hosting this literary event in Raqqa—a city that suffered long under injustice and destruction but is now experiencing a vibrant urban and cultural revival, steadfast in preserving its identity despite years of marginalization.

 In his remarks, poet Bashar Kammoon, a native of Qadmous, expressed his deep connection to Raqqa, stating:

"In truth, I am a son of this city. I studied here for 12 years and previously participated in a literary festival titled ‘With Syrian Pens’. Today, at the Euphrates Literary Festival, we find a clear difference. Every free individual—every poet or writer—aspiring for peace, recognizes that peace is the title of the world and the foremost dream of intellectuals. In this country, it is through the word and through literature that we must unite, to resist the rifle and stop the bleeding that has worn us down.”

 Kammoon further noted: “Literature and the written word represent a sincere attempt to halt the humanitarian bleeding.”

He added: “The waters of the Euphrates flow in my veins. I left Raqqa only under compulsion, and returned only as a lover, worn out by longing. What I have witnessed in North and East Syria—especially in Raqqa—is living proof of the remarkable development these regions are undergoing.”

 Poet and children’s story writer Omaima Ibrahim, who traveled from the city of Homs, stated:

"What drew me to visit North and East Syria was not only the Euphrates Literary Festival but also a genuine desire to witness the cultural renaissance the region is experiencing. Despite the distance, I was determined to come and see it firsthand.”

 She added: “I was astounded by the cultural activities I encountered—the book fair, the historical artifacts, and the sincere, word-loving people. Through the participation of traditional art troupes, poets, and writers from across Syria, we came to understand the profound significance of the festival’s slogan: ‘Syrian Ink for Peace’.”

 In conclusion, she expressed her hopes, stating:

"We write with Syrian ink for peace, and I hope that when I leave Raqqa, I return with a renewed spirit. Life is worth living, and we will rebuild our country with determination and a sense of belonging to our homeland—Syria. What I have witnessed in North and East Syria evokes pride and admiration for the cultural and civilizational progress embodied here."

 With words filled with love and belonging, Omaima Ibrahim sent a heartfelt message to the Syrian people:

"I love you, people of Syria—from the north to the south, and from the sea to the last grain of its soil. Together, we will build the Syria of our dreams—the Syria that every Syrian aspires to, a Syria worthy of being at the forefront of the world’s nations."

 a.k

ANHA