Egypt adopted the Arabic Language in the seventeenth century. Many Egyptian poets wrote the Arab poetry which flourished in Egypt through centuries.

In the modern age, the modern poetic renaissance started with Ahmad Shawki who was the first to write poetic plays in Arabic. Shawki came at a time when Arabic poetry was weak in idea and style. So, his poetry was a step towards innovation through his prolific poetic writings and their variation, whether poems, poetic plays and epics, and prose books.

Shawki had full command of French, Turkish, Greek and English languages that helped him in reading Turkish and Greek literature, particularly the Greek theatre which inspired western writers.

Hafez Ibrahim, Poet of Nile, was one of the poets who revived literature. He focused on poetic expression and purity of language. He also reflected popular feelings and the sufferings of the poor classes. His poetry was a mirror of his age and a record of Egypt’s national struggle against colonialism, political corruption and social backwardness. He was excellent in reciting poems, and an outstanding public speaker, hence known as "the polestar of all literary gatherings".

Hafez Ibrahim’s poetry was characterized by patriotism, charming rhythm and deep impact on recipients. His poetry teemed with innovative themes and covered all walks of life. He called for Arab unity and expressed the disintegration and sufferings of the Arabs, dreaming of the restoration of their great past glory.

Many innovators poets such as Ahmed Hegazy, Amal Donqol and Ibrahim Shosha were affected by poetry of the pioneers.