Famous Iraqi Writers

Abū Nuwās al-Ḥakamī, known as Abū Nuwās, was a prominent classical Arabic poet during the Abbasid Caliphate era. He was a leading figure in the development of modern poetry (muhdath). Abu Nuwas gained recognition for his innovative and often controversial works, which tackled various themes like love, wine, and satire. His poetry was highly regarded for its wit, humor, and linguistic mastery. Abu Nuwas' influence extended beyond his time, as his works were later incorporated into the folkloric tradition, including appearances in One Thousand and One Nights.

Abu al-Tayyib Ahmad ibn al-Husayn al-Mutanabbi was a renowned Arabian poet during the Abbasid era. He gained fame for his poetic style and composed 300 folios of poetry for the Hamdanid emir Sayf al-Dawla in Aleppo. His intelligence and wit shone through his works, which often delved into topics such as courage, life philosophy, and battles. Al-Mutanabbi's talent led to widespread acclaim and translations of his work into over 20 languages. Despite his close relationships with leaders, his political ambitions and egomania strained these connections and may have contributed to his downfall.

Zainab Salbi is an Iraqi American women's rights activist, writer, television show host, and podcaster. She is the co-founder of Daughters for Earth, a movement focusing on climate solutions. Salbi is also the co-founder of Women for Women International, aiding women affected by sexual violence and conflict. She has hosted television shows like Through Her Eyes and #MeToo, Now What?, addressing women's issues. Additionally, she hosts the Redefined podcast. Salbi has authored books such as Between Two Worlds and The Other Side of War, highlighting women's experiences in war. In 2023, she received the Time100 Impact Award.

Ali ibn al-Athir was a renowned Hadith expert, historian, and biographer who specialized in Arabic writings. Settling in Mosul at a young age, he focused on studying history and Islamic tradition. His professional life was dedicated to deepening his knowledge in these fields, eventually becoming a respected authority in Islamic scholarship. Through his writings and expertise, Ali ibn al-Athir made significant contributions to the understanding and preservation of Islamic history and traditions.

Enheduanna was the entu priestess of the moon god Nanna in Ur during the reign of her father, Sargon of Akkad. Appointed by her father to lead the religious group, she aimed to unite Akkadian and Sumerian religions. Celebrated as the earliest named author, her authorship of Sumerian literary works is debated among modern scholars. Rediscovered in 1927, her archaeological findings have sparked scholarly interest and feminist discussions. English translations of her works have inspired literary adaptations, positioning her as an early figure in classical rhetoric.

Theophilus of Antioch served as Patriarch of Antioch from approximately 169 to 182. He succeeded Eros and was followed by Maximus I around 183. His writings, particularly his apology to Autolycus, reveal his conversion from paganism to Christianity through the study of the Holy Scriptures. He was known for his zeal in defending the Christian faith against heretics, notably Marcion, and made significant contributions to Christian literature, polemics, exegetics, and apologetics, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the early Church.

Ibn Waḥshiyya was a Nabataean agriculturalist, toxicologist, and alchemist from Iraq. He authored the influential Arabic work Nabataean Agriculture, covering topics such as agriculture, astrology, and magic. By the end of the tenth century, false attributions of works began to circulate. Notably, one spurious writing suggested phonetic readings of Egyptian hieroglyphs. Ibn Waḥshiyya's professional life was marked by his contributions to agricultural knowledge, alchemy, and the exploration of ancient scripts, despite later misattributions of his work.

Ibn Qutaybah was an Islamic scholar of Persian descent who served as a judge during the Abbasid Caliphate. He was best known for his contributions to Arabic literature and was an Athari theologian and polymath. His professional life was marked by his writings on diverse subjects including Qur'anic exegesis, hadith, theology, philosophy, law, jurisprudence, grammar, philology, history, astronomy, agriculture, and botany. Ibn Qutaybah made significant contributions to these fields and established himself as a prominent figure in the intellectual landscape of his time.

Bahāʾ al-Dīn ibn Shaddad was a renowned 12th-century Kurdish jurist, scholar, and historian. He gained recognition for his comprehensive biography of Saladin, whom he had a close acquaintance with. Throughout his professional life, Bahā' ad-Dīn demonstrated exceptional skills in legal matters, scholarship, and historical analysis. His work not only showcased his deep understanding of Islamic jurisprudence but also highlighted his ability to document the life and achievements of prominent figures such as Saladin, leaving a lasting impact on historical literature.

Fuzuli, a renowned 16th-century poet, composed works in Azerbaijani, Persian, and Arabic. He is revered as one of the greatest poets in Turkic literature, making significant contributions to Azerbaijani and Ottoman literary traditions. Fuzuli's poetry was widely celebrated across the Turkic cultural landscape from the 16th to the 19th centuries. His lyrical works, especially his ghazals and the poem Leylī va Macnūn, showcased intense emotional expression and mystic symbolism. Fuzuli's influence extended to the development of Azerbaijani language and poetry, blending various literary practices and belief systems in his creations.

Allamah Al-Hilli was a renowned Iraqi Arab scholar, recognized for his expertise in Twelver theology and his status as a mujtahid. He earned the honorific title "The Sage of Hillah" due to his profound contributions to the field. Al-Hilli's impact on Twelver Shi'i Muslim literature is significant, with over 67 works attributed to him by Al-Hurr al-Amili. His professional life was marked by a dedication to scholarship, theological exploration, and a lasting influence on Islamic thought.

Muhammad Mahdi al-Jawahiri was a prominent Iraqi poet known for his Neo-classical, traditional, and political-themed writing style. He published his first poem in 1921 and subsequently worked in journalism and as a teacher in Baghdad. Despite criticism of the Hashemite monarchy, he maintained a good relationship with the royal family and held positions in the royal court and the Ministry of Education. Through his poetry, he became a highly influential figure socially and politically during his time.

Al-Farazdaq, also known as Abu Firas, was a renowned 7th-century Arab poet and orator who flourished during the Umayyad Caliphate. He is considered one of the greatest classical poets of the Arabs, known for his impactful contributions to the Arabic language. Farazdaq's talent was largely devoted to satire, and he gained fame through his verses that often targeted specific tribes and individuals. He served as an official poet at the court of Umayyad caliph Al-Walid, composing panegyrics in his honor and showcasing his poetic prowess.

Al-Balādhurī was a prominent 9th-century Muslim historian known for his significant contributions to Middle Eastern historiography. He resided mainly in Baghdad and held a position of influence at the court of the caliph al-Mutawakkil. His extensive travels throughout Syria and Iraq enabled him to gather valuable information for his major historical works. Al-Balādhurī's scholarly pursuits and meticulous documentation of historical events solidified his reputation as one of the leading historians of his time, leaving a lasting impact on the field of Islamic historiography.

Saadia ben Yosef Gaon was a renowned rabbi, gaon, Jewish philosopher, and exegete in the Abbasid Caliphate. He wrote extensively in Judeo-Arabic and was a key figure in Hebrew linguistics, halakha, and Jewish philosophy. Saadia was a practitioner of the "Jewish Kalam" philosophical school, known for his work "The Book of Beliefs and Opinions" which integrated Jewish theology with Greek philosophy. He actively opposed Karaite Judaism in defense of Rabbinic Judaism, establishing himself as a significant and influential figure in the Jewish scholarly world.

Ibrāhīm ibn Sayyār ibn Hāni‘ an-Naẓẓām was an Arab Mu'tazilite theologian and poet who served at the courts of the Abbasid Caliph al-Mamun. He was a nephew of the Mu'tazilite theologian Abu al-Hudhayl al-'Allaf and had al-Jahiz as one of his students. His professional life was centered around his theological teachings and works, although most of them are lost today, leaving only a few fragments to provide insights into his intellectual contributions during his time.

Al-Asmaʿi was a prominent Arab philologist and one of the leading Arabic grammarians of the Basra school. He was highly regarded at the court of the Abbasid caliph, Hārūn al-Rashīd, for his expertise in philology, poetry, genealogy, and natural science. Known as a polymath and prolific author, he was a pioneer in zoology studies, particularly in animal-human anatomical science. Al-Asmaʿi compiled important works such as the Asma'iyyat poetry anthology and an epic on the life of Antarah ibn Shaddad. He was a protégé of influential figures in the field and a contemporary and rival of other prominent scholars from the Basran school.

Abd al-Wahhab Al-Bayati was a prominent Iraqi Arab poet known for his significant contributions to Arabic literature. He was a versatile writer, excelling in various forms of poetry such as lyric poetry, epic poetry, and prose poetry. Al-Bayati's works often focused on themes of love, resistance, and the struggle for freedom. He was recognized for his innovative style, rich imagery, and powerful use of language, which earned him a reputation as one of the most influential poets in the Arab world.

Jabra Ibrahim Jabra was an Iraqi-Palestinian author, artist, and intellectual known for his diverse contributions to literature and art. Educated in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and later at the University of Cambridge and Harvard University, he established himself as a prolific writer, translator, and painter. Jabra's literary career spanned novels, short stories, poetry, criticism, and screenplays, while his artistic endeavors included pioneering the Hurufiyya movement, blending traditional Islamic art with contemporary styles through the use of Arabic script.

Al-Akhtal al-Taghlibi was a renowned Arab poet during the Umayyad era. As a member of the Banu Taghlib tribe and a Christian by faith, he gained fame for his literary skills, particularly in poetry. Known for his eloquence and linguistic prowess, he became one of the most celebrated poets of his time. Al-Akhtal's works were highly regarded and he was respected for his contributions to the cultural and literary landscape of the Arab world during the Umayyad period.

Abū al-ʻAtāhiyya was a prominent Arab poet during the early Islamic era, known for his prolific work as a muwallad poet focusing on ascetic themes. He was considered one of the leading poets of his time, alongside renowned figures like Bashshār and Abū Nuwās. Despite his initial success in poetry, he temporarily abandoned his craft due to religious reasons. His professional life was marked by significant contributions to Arabic literature, particularly in the realm of ascetic poetry.

Al-Hariri of Basra was a renowned poet and scholar of the Arabic language, known for his work Maqamat al-Hariri. He belonged to the Beni Harram tribe of Bedouin Arabs and lived in Basra, modern-day Iraq. He was a dignitary of the Seljuk Empire and played a significant role during their rule in Iraq. Al-Hariri's Maqamat, a collection of stories written in the Maqama style, is considered a masterpiece in Arabic literature, elevating the genre to an art form and securing his place as one of the most esteemed figures in Arabic literary history.

Abd al-Karīm al-Jīlī, also known as Abdul Karim Jili, was a prominent Muslim Sufi saint and mystic who authored over twenty books, with "Universal Man" being his most renowned work. He was a descendant of the Sufi saint Abdul Qadir Gilani and a significant figure in the interpretation and dissemination of the teachings of Ibn Arabi. Jili extensively traveled and is recognized for his systematic approach in explaining Ibn Arabi's concepts regarding the nature of reality and human perfection, making him a key figure in Sufi literature.

Dima Khatib is a Syrian-born journalist, poet, and translator known for her contributions to the media industry. As the managing director of AJ+, an acclaimed digital news service by Al Jazeera Media Network, she oversees operations in English, Arabic, and Spanish from San Francisco, USA. Khatib holds the distinction of being the sole female executive director in the Al Jazeera group, highlighting her leadership in the Arab media landscape. Her professional journey showcases a commitment to excellence and breaking barriers for women in the field.

Ibn Duraid was a prominent grammarian from Baṣrah during the Abbasid era. He was highly regarded as an accomplished scholar, skilled philologer, and talented poet. His most notable contribution was the creation of the influential dictionary, the Jamharat al-Lugha, which is considered one of the most comprehensive dictionaries of the Arabic language. Ibn Duraid's professional life was dedicated to advancing the field of linguistics and his work continues to be highly regarded in the academic world.

Ahmet Haşim was an influential Turkish poet known for his significant contributions to literature during the early 20th century. He played a key role in shaping modern Turkish poetry with his innovative and expressive writing style. Haşim's work often delved into themes of love, nature, and existentialism, earning him recognition as a leading figure in Turkish literature. His poems were characterized by their depth, emotional richness, and profound philosophical insights, establishing him as a prominent poet in the literary landscape of his time.

Al-Mubarrad, a prominent figure in the School of Basra, was a renowned philologist, biographer, and grammarian. He gained recognition for his exceptional work, particularly his influential book Al-Kāmil. As a leading scholar of Sībawayh's grammar treatise, he lectured on philology and authored critical works on linguistics and Quranic exegesis. His expertise led him to the court of the Abbasid caliph al-Mutawakkil and later to Baghdad, where he continued to teach until his passing. Al-Mubarrad's legacy endures through his significant contributions to the field of linguistics and grammar.

Latif Yahia is an Iraqi blogger, political writer, and former lieutenant who served in the Iran-Iraq War. He gained notoriety for his claim of being the former body double of Uday Hussein, the elder son of Saddam Hussein. Yahia's professional life has been marked by his writings on politics and his experiences as a body double, shedding light on the inner workings of the Hussein regime. He has used his platform to advocate for human rights and expose the realities of living under a dictatorship.

Abu Mikhnaf, also known as Lut ibn Yahya ibn Sa'id al-Azdi, was an esteemed early Muslim historian. He gained recognition for his significant contributions to historiography, particularly in documenting the events of his time. Abu Mikhnaf's professional life was dedicated to chronicling the history of early Islam, providing valuable insights and accounts of important events and figures. His work continues to be studied and referenced by scholars seeking a deeper understanding of the historical context of the early Muslim community.

Fouad al-Tikerly was a prominent Iraqi novelist and writer known for his groundbreaking novel "The Long Way Back." He graduated from the University of Baghdad's law school and worked at the Ministry of Justice for 35 years, eventually becoming a judge. He moved to Paris for postgraduate legal studies and later retired from the law to focus on writing novels. His work openly criticized the Iraqi government, and he received recognition for his contributions to Arabic-language literature.

Abu Ubayda (Ma'mar ibn al-Muthanna), an early Muslim scholar of Arabic philology, was a renowned figure of his time, highly respected for his expertise in the Arabic language and its antiquities. Known for his vast knowledge and scholarly contributions, he was considered a leading authority on linguistic meanings and interpretations of the Qur'an. Despite controversies surrounding his views on ethnicity and religion, his influence was far-reaching, with his works forming the basis for later scholars in various fields, including zoology, poetry, and Quranic commentary.

Ibn al-A'rabi, also known as Abū ʿAbd Allāh Muḥammad ibn Ziyād, was a prominent figure in the fields of philology, genealogy, and oral tradition of Arabic tribal poetry. He was a skilled grammarian from the school of al-Kūfah, known for his expertise in rare expressions and for his role in transmitting the renowned anthology of ancient Arabic poetry, Al-Mufaḍḍalīyāt. Ibn al-A'rabi's professional life was marked by his rivalry with the grammarians of al-Baṣrah in poetry recital, showcasing his deep knowledge and influence in the realm of Arabic language and literature.