Egypt’s General Authority for Cultural Palaces celebrates birth anniversary of Hafez Ibrahim

CAIRO – 24 February 2021: On February 24, the official page of the General Authority for Cultural Palaces celebrated the birth anniversary of the late poet Hafez Ibrahim. Ibrahim is considered one of the most famous figures of modern Arabic poetry.

He was born in Dayrut, Assiut Governorate, on February 24, 1872. Among his most famous titles are “The Nile Poet” and “The People's Poet”. Hafez studied at the Khaireya School, then the Mobtadeyan School, then the Khedive School. He then moved to Tanta and joined the Ahmadi Mosque to memorize the Qur’an, and study literature and poetry.

He worked for a period in law, and after graduating from the Military Academy, he moved to work at the Ministry of Interior. He was appointed head of the literature department at Dar al-Kutub in 1911, and he remained in his position until his death in 1932.

Khedive Abbas Hilmi II granted him the "Bakwiya" title in 1912. Hafez Ibrahim was an avid reader with a powerful memory. He memorized hundreds of books, and his readings were reflected in his poetry in depth and diversity.