Ahmad Shawqi Prince of Arab Poets

Ahmad Shawqi (1868-1932), "The Prince of Poets," did not leave any section of poetry without writing in it, in the same excellence and quality, whether in the field of description, pride, wisdom, philosophy, congratulation, praise, or lament. Shawqi even wrote simplified children's poetry, which included wisdom, love, and humanity. Shawqi was given opportunities which were unavailable to other poets of his time. He got a scholarship to France where he studied literature and law. There he had the chance to see the theater and to be connected with senior poets in other cultures, such as Hugo, Racine, and de Musset, in addition to his Turkish culture. Shawqi's Arabic and Western culture gave him access to many forms of literature, whether Arabic or Western, and he was introduced to great poets and intellectuals through their books and works. Shawqi's poetry was distinguished by its particular music, which was felt by the recipient through its letters, structure, rhythm, and rhyme. The opening verses of his poems were luxuriously tuning, in addition to a fine linguistic sense. This extravaganza of music associated with sweetness and craftsmanship is found only in Shawqi's poetry.