Poetry has played an important role in Emirati society.
Back in the day, Bedouins would recite prose to pass time during long journeys or to express opinions while socialising with neighbouring tribes.
This chanted type of poetry is called Taghrooda – improvised poetry with subjects ranging from social commentary to cultural history.
Inspired by this tradition, an initiative named Taghrooda Voyage will attempt to rekindle this ancient practice with a ten-day expedition from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah.
Happening from 22nd March to 2nd April, the journey is made up of UAE-based individuals embarking on a cross Emirate trip starting from Baniyas East in Abu Dhabi to Al Madam in Sharjah.
The 190 km camel caravan will have nine stopovers: Baniyas East, Al Me’rad, Zayed Military City, Al Ajban, Al Faqa, Al Shuwaid, Ghafat Baiz, Sharjah desert and Al Medam.
Tribes doing chanted poetry to welcome and entertain the voyagers will highlight each stop.
Leading the team is Mike Metzger, the same guy who late last year paid tribute to Sheikh Zayed by traveling on a camel from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain.
“Al Madam [in Sharjah] is home to some of the most incredible poets in the UAE. These tribes recite some of the most beautiful poetry in the country that’s why we chose this location as the final stopover,” confides Mike.
“This crossing is mostly self-sponsored by myself. However, we’re looking for donations from individuals, companies or schools, mostly in the form of food supplies and also in the transport of camels. So truck transfer from Baniyas and truck transport from Sharjah back to Abu Dhabi after we finish.”
Through this initiative, Mike and his team are looking to pay tribute as well as raise awareness about this ancient tradition to the young generation.For more details, contact 050 464 3673 or email at [email protected]
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