University of Nizwa Participates in International Conference at University of Palermo in Italy
The University of Nizwa, represented by the Department of Arabic Language, participated in the international conference “Islamic Sicily: Historical Trajectories, Connections, and Cultural Heritage,” hosted by the University of Palermo in Italy from 14 to 16 October 2026.
During the conference, Prof. Dr. Issa bin Mohammed Al Sulaimani delivered a research paper titled “Women and Nature between Sicily and Oman: A Comparative Study of Poetic Structure and Discourse in the Poetry of Ibn Hamdis al-Siqilli and Abdullah bin Ali Al-Khalili.” The study provides a comparative analysis of two poetic trajectories arising from distinct geographical and cultural contexts. The first focuses on Ibn Hamdis al-Siqilli, whose creative output was deeply informed by his connection to Sicily, themes of exile and displacement, and the nostalgic reconstruction of his homeland. The second examines Abdullah bin Ali Al-Khalili, whose poetic sensibility was formed within the Omani environment—specifically Samail—reflecting a direct, ongoing engagement with his immediate setting and natural surroundings.
The research is structured into three primary focus areas:
-
Nature and Women in the Poetry of Ibn Hamdis: Analyzes the conceptualisation of nature and women in the poetry of Ibn Hamdis, investigating nature both as a sensory environment and an affective realm, followed by an analysis of the aesthetic representation of women and its thematic overlap with natural imagery.
-
Nature and Women in the Poetry of Abdullah Al-Khalili: Explores the imagery of nature and women in Abdullah Al-Khalili’s oeuvre, highlighting the unique features and emotional undertones of the Omani landscape, as well as the stylistic methods used to construct the image of women and their interplay with natural elements.
-
Comparative Synthesis of Both Poetic Discourses: Offers a comparative synthesis of both poets, examining how nature, space, and women interact in Ibn Hamdis’s vision of Sicily and Al-Khalili’s depiction of Oman, while illustrating how divergent geographical environments, historical contexts, and personal lived experiences shape their respective poetic discourses.
Ultimately, the paper treats nature and women not as isolated thematic motifs, but as integrated imagery structures that intersect with geography, memory, and emotional consciousness, elucidating the distinct aesthetic and expressive dimensions of each poet's literary contribution. The participation reflects the University of Nizwa’s ongoing commitment to fostering international academic collaboration and highlighting Omani literary heritage on global platforms.
