Al-Afif Establishment for Culture and Science [Archives:2000/49/Culture]

Cultural Institutions and Yemeni Intellectual -II
Imad Al-Saqqaf
YT Taiz Bureau Chief
We have talked about cultural institutions and Yemeni intellectuals earlier, with the first part of a series of investigations done by the Yemen Times Taiz bureau aiming at creating a relationship between cultural establishments and Yemeni intellectuals to enable the reader to have a close look at the facts.
Dr. Abdul.Malik Mansour, the minister of culture and tourism, seemed to be hopeful that the recent scene of culture is full of positive movements that represent our hope for a prosperous future for the Yemeni culture. He explained the biggest problem which is needed to overcome the obstacles, which is finance.
This week we met with Mr. Ahmed Jaber Afif the founder and head of Al-Afif establishment for science and culture who summarized the situation of the intellectuals in Yemen through an exciting interview with YT. Here are some excerpts
Q: Could you give us some ideas about Al-Afif establishment for science and culture?
A: It was established on Nov 27, 1989, exerting great efforts to improve and develop the cultural movement in Yemen, and to encourage rich people with good intentions to establish equivalent cultural enterprises in order to serve the local cultural issues in our country. It’s a private establishment dedicated to the promotion of arts, culture and science. It’s situated in Sana’a, and consists of a three storeyed building built according to the modern Yemeni style. The building is a gift from the founder and head of the establishment Mr.Ahmed Jaber Afif.
The establishment has got its constitution, funds, specialized committee and staff, which consists of the board of trustees and the executive office.
I believe that we can never get what we aspire for unless we seek much knowledge which will open and enlighten new horizons before the people of Yemen and activate the dormant potentials in the country.
For this reason I founded the establishment myself as a fulfillment of convictions we adhered to.
Q: What does the establishment do?
A: It aims at publishing a comprehensive Yemeni encyclopedia which covers many-faceted spheres of knowledge and talks about Yemen (land, history and culture); It is named: ” The Yemeni Encyclopedia”.
We aim also at preparing and publishing dictionaries to include distinguished Yemeni personalities – their towns; villages; accents; milestones. The establishment also aims at studying and publishing the Yemeni manuscripts, and undertake production of the contemporary Yemen intellectuals. We aim also at adopting and contributing to accomplishing projects which the establishment considers important. Further, we also aim at adopting a translation and publication of works concerning the Yemeni culture.
Q: Could you evaluate the situation of the Yemeni intellectual?
A: It’s better than it used to be many decades ago. Yet, when making a comparison with Arab and world intellectuals, we realize the fact that the Yemeni intellectual terribly suffers from lack of concern, support and canals which will pave the way for him to get his name established.
Q: And how do you evaluate the future of creative arts in Yemen?
A: It’s noticed that the recent cultural scene is full of positive improvements, especially creative writings, which seem to occupy the greatest part of the overall cultural scene. Every day a new Yemeni intellectual is born and we get to recognize lots of new talents. Thus , I feel optimistic about the future of creativity in Yemen. I hope that those rising talents and potentials are going to find their way to success through such establishments.
Q: Any last comments?
A: Well, I advice any intellectual to read as much as he can, especially old books and analyze them. He should also assimilate the creative developments being made in the literary and creative spheres round the world. I also invite him to mark his presence in everyday activity, and strive to achieve his highest levels of creativity without giving up.


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