A Legacy Recorded in Eulogy: Abdulaziz al-Maqaleh (1937-2022), Pillar of Yemeni Letters Whose Words Touched Generations of Arab Writers

 

As discussions on the receding role of intellectuals continued, the Arab world mourned the loss of an intellectual who encompassed love for his country, work, and the spirit of intellectualism. The writings of Yemeni poet, writer, and professor Abdulaziz al-Maqaleh paved the way for much of the growth of Arab poetry witnessed in its recent history. Maqaleh stressed the importance of culture, bringing awareness to Yemeni talent in Arab poetry while pushing for a renewal of the field. His passing in November last year prompted an outpouring of fondness from fellow writers and friends of the late poet, who remember him for his steadfast devotion to his country and willingness to extend a hand to any who asked it of him.

 

Born in 1937 in the village of Maqaleh, nestled in the Ibb Governorate in Southern Yemen, Maqaleh was drawn to the world of letters from a young age. He received his early education within his village and at home became fascinated with reading and writing through his father’s library, an invaluable resource “rich in heritage books and examples of contemporary writings‌,” he said, as cited in the London-based Al-Arab newspaper. Maqaleh soon moved to Sana’a, Yemen’s capital, at a young age. His love for the city would later appear frequently in his works.