Sufi Conference in Canada — INK Author Association

The author association INK (Institute of Nur Karkari) recently organised its first conference on Sufism in Canada. This gathering brought together an international group of authors, researchers and artists with the aim of fostering literary exchange and intercultural dialogue.

One of the highlights of the event was the official recognition by Ontario provincial member Sherif Sabawy, who presented the association with a provincial certificate of recognition for its cultural contribution. In return, the association's founder, Shaykh Sidi Mohamed Faouzi al-Karkari, and its executive director, Dr Khaled Salem, presented provincial member Sabawy with a plaque in recognition of his continued support for the arts.

During the programme, Shaykh al-Karkari presented his recently published book, The Secret of the Word, highlighting the social and cultural impact of language and literature.

In addition, the conference brought together a diverse panel of speakers representing North America, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. Notable participants included:

• Dr Khaled Salem: physician, follower of Sufism and author.
• Amira Al-Masabi: academic researcher specialising in transformational leadership.
• Asiya Ahmed: Egyptian-Canadian writer and author of Nefertiti and the Old Woman of the Inca.
• Saba Al-Eryani: Yemeni-Canadian writer and special-education specialist.
• Jihan Ashrafi: writer, poet and academic specialising in English, French and Sufi literature.
• Huma Aatifi: assistant professor at Brooklyn College and Lehman College.
• Dr Amal Bin Sharaf: Algerian-Canadian academic specialising in sociolinguistics.
• Dr Ahmed Al-Khafaji: school psychologist, author and former deputy minister.
• Omar Murad: writer and novelist.
• Imad Kayali: Jordanian-Canadian architect and writer.
• Faouzia Ben Moussa and Khawla Taha: representatives of the 365 Canada Foundation for education and international integration.
• Douha Al-Darweesh: Syrian-Canadian media professional and cultural coordinator.

The programme also included an awards ceremony paying tribute to leading figures in the literary world, notably the Palestinian-Canadian novelist and director of the Nawat Foundation, Basma Al-Takrouri.

The event ended with a concert by the Egyptian-Canadian artist Majed Zareef, who paid tribute to the legacy of the Arab singer Hany Shaker.

After the success of its launch at the conference, the INK Author Association plans to continue organising events throughout the region in order to promote arts, literature and education worldwide.