In honor of World Poetry Day (March 21), we’ve rounded up the modern and classic Arab poets you need to know.
Adunis
Born Ali Ahmad Said Esber, Adunis began his poetry education after he recited a poem for the president of Syria, who then gave him funds to enroll in Damascus University.
Mahmoud Darwish
The Palestinian poet has won numerous awards for his work that uses Palestine as a metaphor for the loss of Eden, birth and resurrection and the anguish of exile.
Maram Al-Masri
The poet’s work reflects deeply on life, love, nostalgia for her homeland of Latakia, Syria, and the war that has broken out in her homeland.
Ahlam Mosteghanemi
The first Algerian woman to publish a book in Arabic, her works have sold over 2 million copies and in 2016, UNESCO awarded her the prestigious Artist for Peace distinction.
Gibran Kahlil Gibran
The Lebanese-American writer, poet and visual artist is perhaps best known for his iconic novel “The Prophet.” One of the most-read authors of the century, Gibran’s words have inspired millions across the world and his quotes are shared in all languages on social media and printed on posters.
Iman Mersal
Mersal is an Egyptian poet and currently a professor of Arabic Literature at the University of Alberta, Canada.
