Poetry on the Walls: A Cultural and Literary Reading of the “Ithra” Library Inscriptions

This study presents a contemporary model of artistic graffiti, centering on the composition of Arabic poetry. Adopting a descriptive and analytical approach, it investigates the poetic inscriptions adorning the column walls of the “Ithra” Library in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The research aims to interpret these inscriptions, classify them, analyze their poetic structure, and explore their aesthetic and thematic dimensions. The study focuses on selected verses, delving into the unique characteristics of the poetry and the familiar discourses it communicates to Arab audiences. It also considers the literary stature of the poets behind these works. Rather than encompassing all the poetic texts inscribed throughout the library, the research highlights representative examples drawn from various literary periods accompanied by critical commentary.

The study is structured into an introduction and three main sections. The introduction outlines the historical context of the murals and emphasizes the significance and scope of the research. Each section corresponds to a different library floor, with each axis showcasing multiple inscription models relevant to the respective floor. A conclusion summarizes the key insights and findings. This research underscores the role of aesthetic awareness in shaping cultural institutions—particularly public libraries—and highlights the importance of integrating literary discourse into visual media designed for the broader public. Ultimately, the “Ithra” Library is proposed as a model for other libraries to emulate, demonstrating the enriching potential of poetic expression in public cultural spaces.