Known as one of the most outstanding poets in modern Egyptian and Arab literature, Aziz Abaza was also a pioneer of dramatic poetry. In most of his poetry he was preoccupied with the concept of Pan-Arabism and Arab unity. Highly nostalgic of past Arab glories, his poetry was a source of inspiration of the advocates of Arabism.

Career

Born on August 13, 1898, at a country village in Al- Sharqiya Governorate, he joined the School of Law, where he was graduated in 1923.

He worked as a lawyer, member of the General Prosecution, Member of Parliament, Director of Identification Department, Ministry of Interior (1923) and Deputy-Governor of Al-Behaira (1935).

In 1939,he functioned as Governor of Al-Qalyoubiya and Al-Fayoum as well as Governor of the Canal Zone Region.

• Member of the Senate (1947)

• Member of the Arabic Language Academy, the Supreme Council of Arts, Letters and Social Sciences, and correspondent member of the Iraqi Science Academy.

• He was granted State Award of Appreciation (1965)

Works

• Hamasat Ha’ierah (careless whispers): a collection of elegies in memorial of his deceased wife.

• Qeis and Lubana, a poetical drama

• Al- Abbasah

• Al- Nasser

• Shagarat Al Dor, a poetical drama

• Ghoroub al Andalus ( The Decline of Andalussia), a poetical drama.

• Awaraqul Khareef (Leaves of Autumn), a poetical drama

• Caesar, a poetical drama

His Dramatic Poetry

Although poetic drama was a new genre to Arabic Literature, Abaza proved an extraordinary ability at satisfying the essential dramatic prerequisites, in terms of rendering, action and characterization, while mentioning a high level of poetic language. He insisted on the use of Classical Arabic in order to enable all Arabs with their varying dialects to enjoy his plays.