خالد السيّد يهندس شارع الأعشى ثقافياً بآليات رمزية

The Qatari writer Khalid Abdulrahim Al-Sayed has released his latest publication, "Cultural Engineering in the Series 'Street of Al-A'sha'," in which he presents an analytical reading of the series "Street of Al-A'sha." He goes beyond superficial artistic or impressionistic criticism to treat it as a rich analytical material and a practical example within the theoretical and strategic framework of the concept of "cultural engineering," surpassing the narrow concept of "cultural management," which often focuses on the operational and organizational aspects of institutions and projects. Instead, it includes intellectual, political, and strategic dimensions, viewing culture not merely as a service or entertainment but as a foundational element in building the state and society, and a strategic resource no less important than economic or natural resources.

The book provides an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of producing and circulating symbolic meaning in contemporary society, through questioning how a dramatic work can contribute to enhancing identity and a sense of belonging among different generations. What has sparked widespread public interaction around social and cultural issues that may be sensitive or previously silenced? What implicit messages and values does it seek to establish or challenge? And how does all of this interact with the broader strategic goals of the state or the producing institutions?

The book dissects, through its various chapters, the rich experience from different angles, including the dramatic background and historical context, delving into its production and artistic structure as reflected in the strategic ambitions embodied by the series, representing cultural identity and employing local symbols, and how it addressed women's issues and empowerment, as well as how the audience and critics interacted with it.

The book, published by the Jordanian publishing house (Khutut wa Dhilal), spans 180 pages of medium size. The author, Khalid Al-Sayed, is a cultural and media expert and a Qatari engineer, distinguished by his multidisciplinary professional experience, which extends over 30 years in the fields of engineering, management, culture, and media. He holds a Bachelor's degree in engineering from Northeastern University in Boston, a Master's degree in management, is a certified project management director from the Project Management Institute – United States, and has a diploma in forensic engineering. Additionally, he is an international arbitrator and a certified expert in Qatari courts, as well as an expert in the Arab Organization for Education, Culture, and Science (ALECSO).