Samih Al-Qasim

About the Author

Samih Al-Qasim, a renowned Palestinian poet born in 1939 in the village of Zarqa near Nazareth, has long been celebrated for his poignant and politically charged verse that captures the essence of exile, resistance, and the enduring spirit of the Palestinian people. Growing up amid the turmoil of the 1948 Nakba, Al-Qasim's work draws deeply from his experiences of displacement and cultural heritage, blending classical Arabic traditions with modernist sensibilities to voice the collective anguish and hope of his homeland. His poetry, often infused with vivid imagery and rhythmic intensity, transcends borders, resonating with readers worldwide who seek to understand the human cost of conflict. A key figure in contemporary Arabic literature, Al-Qasim's bilingual anthology Victims of a Map exemplifies his commitment to accessibility and global dialogue, making his profound insights available to diverse audiences while preserving the lyrical beauty of his native tongue.