Daif Allah Sayer Interview

Abstract

This extended interview with poet Daif Allah Sayer Al-Anzi presents a profound cultural and humanistic vision of the book and reading as cornerstones of individual and collective consciousness, and as indispensable pillars for shaping poetic and literary talent. Al-Anzi traces the origins of his relationship with books, beginning with his uncle's library rich in linguistic works and poetry, thereby emphasizing the role of the surrounding environment, family, and home library in instilling a passion for reading from an early age. His intellectual formation was influenced by pivotal works in Arab culture, such as Kitab al-Aghani by Abi al-Faraj al-Asfahani, Fiqh al-Lughah, and Ibn Khaldun's Muqaddimah, as well as world literature represented by Leo Tolstoy, reflecting a cultural openness and balance between the local and the universal. Al-Anzi describes the book as a friend and mentor, transcending its function as a mere vehicle for knowledge transfer to become a perennial companion that enriches linguistic and cultural repertoire. However, he observes with painful realism the decline of printed libraries and low public interest in them, while acknowledging positive initiatives that attract youth through cultural activities. He concludes with a direct message to youth who have drifted from reading, calling on them to rediscover the intrinsic pleasure of reading and the tactile experience of printed books, arguing that digital reading is often quick and limited, whereas printed books offer depth, tranquility, and continuity, forming an unforgettable human experience.