Mohammed Abdalbari
Mohammed Abdullah Abdelbari | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 12, 1985 Al-Manaqil, Sudan |
| Occupation(s) | Poet, author |
| Known for | Modern classical Arabic poetry |
Mohammed Abdullah Abdelbari (Arabic: محمد عبدالباري; born January 12, 1985, in the city of Al-Manaqil, Sudan) is a prominent Sudanese poet and author known for his literary contributions. His poetic works are deeply influenced by traditions such as Sufism and philosophy. Abdelbari has authored three collections of poetry and earned several distinguished honors, including the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal International Award for Arabic Poetry (2019), the African Arab Youth Award (2016), and the Sharjah Award for Arab Creativity (2013). He is widely recognized as "one of the most significant voices in modern classical Arabic poetry."
Early life
Abdelbari was born in Al-Manaqil, located in Al-Jazirah State, Sudan. His family later moved to Saudi Arabia, where they settled in Riyadh. It was there, in the Al-Jaradiyah district, that he completed his foundational education.
Education
He pursued all levels of his education from primary through undergraduate studies in Riyadh, culminating with a bachelor's degree in Arabic Language and Literature. Subsequently, he earned a master's degree at the University of Jordan in Amman, concentrating his research on the interplay between poetry and Islamic philosophy, logic, theology, and rhetoric.
Reception
Abdelbari's work gained early prominence when his poems were included in "The Modern Saudi Literature," a compilation incorporated into university curricula within Saudi Arabia. His poetry is also featured in educational programs across various Arab nations.
His verses have garnered considerable scholarly and public interest throughout the Arab world and Middle East, with numerous readings and media presentations. Academic institutions in Sudan, Palestine, Libya, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia have incorporated his work into their studies. Moreover, translations have introduced his poetry to audiences in countries such as Turkey, China, and Senegal.
In February 2023, the literary publication ArabLit presented English translations of four of his poems, characterizing his oeuvre as "a voyage through the Arabic poetic tradition spanning from the Jahiliya period to contemporary times."
Works
Mohammed Abdelbari has published five collections of poetry:
- The First Fire Elegy (مرثية النار الأولى)
- As If You've Never (كأنك لم)
- The Crescents (الأهلة)
- No Longer Blue (لم يعد أزرقاً)
- A Song to Cross the River Twice (أغنية لعبور النهر مرتين)
Awards and recognition
Among the numerous accolades awarded to Abdelbari for his contributions to Arabic poetry are:
- Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal International Award for Arabic Poetry (2019)
- Arabic Poetry Festival (2016)
- African Arab Youth Award (2016), jointly sponsored by the African Union and League of Arab States
- Snoussi Poetry Award from Saudi Arabia (2016)
- Sharjah Award for Arab Creativity, United Arab Emirates (2013)
See also
References
External links
- Four Poems by Mohammad Abdelbari, translated by Huda Fakhreddine on ArabLit magazine
- Poet's profile on Adab website (in Arabic)
- Poet's page on Alqasida.com (in Arabic)
- Chinese university students reading Mohamed Abdelbari's poetry in Arabic
- Interview in Al-Hayat Newspaper (in Arabic)
- Interview in Alaraby