A creative beacon whose light radiated in every corner in Egypt – an artist, a heart-wringer, and joy-bringer – Abbas Mahmoud El-Akkad’s art left glints in the eyes and beats in the hearts of many. Abbas El-Akkad was born June 1889 in Aswan into modest circumstances, but rose to become one of the most influential intellectual figures in the 20th century. At the young age of six, El-Akkad began attending al-kuttab, where he was taught the Qur’an. He advanced to elementary school shortly after, where he was forced to spend only four years, ending his formal education at a young age. His work is a testimony to his eagerness and discipline – a great writer, historian, poet, philosopher, and journalist, he was dubbed the “monk of literature.” After leaving elementary school, El-Akkad taught himself everything he needed to know to become as influential as he was. An avid reader, he expressed interest in an array of different fields of knowledge, and also wrote in various spheres, distinguishing himself as one of Egypt’s most legendary intellectuals. In his early years, he assumed different governmental posts; however, his love for journalism and…
How Abbas El-Akkad Became an Innovator of Arabic Poetry and Criticism
June 11, 2022
