About
Nizar Kabbani is a major Syrian poet of the 20th century. Born in Damascus, he studied law before joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serving in several embassies until 1966. His first collection, 'The Brunette Said to Me', appeared in 1944. His poetry, initially romantic and sensual, evolved towards political engagement after the Arab defeat of 1967. Settled in Beirut, he founded his own publishing house. His verses, set to music by great Arab singers, earned him renown throughout the Arab world. He died in London in 1998.
* 1923-03-21 — † 1998-04-28
Major works
- Qālat liya al-Samrāʾ (1944)poetry collection
- Tufula Nahda (1948)poetry collection
- Samba (1949)poetry collection
- Rasm bil-Kalimat (1966)poetry collection
- Yawmiyyat Imra'a La-Mubaliya (1968)poetry collection
Key milestones
- 1945Graduates with a law degree from the Syrian University (now University of Damascus).
- 1966Resigns from the Foreign Ministry and settles in Beirut, where he founds his own publishing house.
- 1981His second wife, Balqis al-Rawi, is killed in the bombing of the Iraqi embassy in Beirut.
Themes
Love and sensualityPolitical critiqueFeminismArab defeatExile and nostalgia
Sources: britannica.com · alowais.com · loc.gov