Remembering Egypt's Iconic Poet Ahmed Shawky on His Death Anniv.

Today marks the death anniversary of the remarkable Egyptian Ahmed Shawky poet, fondly known as the "Prince of Poets". 

The legendary poet and lyricist left an indelible mark with his enchanting verses, both in Egypt's theater and Arab poetry.

Ahmed Shawky was the legendary poet’s original name. He was often called ‘the Prince of Poets ’ because of his incredibly sensitive writing addressing the issues of the nation.

Recipient of several prestigious awards including Khepe Pottery Order, his writing charmed one and all. He was much-loved and adored by millions all over the Arab world for his extraordinary writing that had subtle messages.

Born in Cairo in 1870 to a Turkish and Arab family, Shawky breathed his last on this day on Dec. 19, 1932, at the age of 63. He was one of the principal poets of Arab Contemporary Literature.

Upon graduating from high school, he attended law school, obtaining a degree in translation. Then, he was appointed lawyer at the court of the Khepe Abbas II, Following his ambition, Ahmed Shawky went to France to study French Law.

During his stay in France, he was heavily influenced by the works of French playwrights, most notably Molière and Racine. He returned to Egypt in 1894 to participate in the struggle for his country's independence and remained a prominent member of Arab literary culture until the British forced him into exile in southern Spain, Andalusia, in 1914.

Shawky is well known for his religious poems, in praise of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, such as "Nahj al-Burda", a tribute to Muhammad and (The States of Arabs and the Great Men of Islam), which is cited as the long poem about the History of Islam.

Majnun Laila (literally "The Mad about Layla"), his first play, The Death of Cleopatra, 'Antara", "Ali Beh El-Kabeer" Kambeez (Cambyses II), 1931 are some of his tremendous and seminal works.

Moreover, Shawky's writing had a vast range and radiated a rare enigma. Like the Princess of Andalusia, which has one of the most heart-wrenching yet soulful poem nuggets in it.

Throughout his career, he hoped that the new generations will be imbued with patriotism through reading Arab literary works and poems, according to his friends and close ones.