Baha‘ Zuhair

In this study, Mustafa Abdel-Razek presents the work of one of the leading figures of the poetic renaissance during the Fatimid and Ayyubid eras: Baha‘ Zuhair, a man of refined sensibility and a distinctly Egyptian style in his poetry and subject matter. The author guides us through unique poetic examples, distinguished by their themes and style, where the language resonates with the Egyptian dialect without compromising the rules of classical Arabic. He also explores the key factors contributing to the flourishing of Zuhair‘s poetry: his unique style, his use of light meters, and the diverse themes that explored all facets of Egyptian life. The study documents Baha‘ Zuhair‘s connections with both Prince Majd al-Din al-Lamati during his governorship of Qus and with King al-Salih Najm al-Din Ayyub after the latter‘s move to Cairo. Such studies, which delve into the lives of prominent figures in Arabic poetry, reveal the treasures of our literary history, each with its own distinct artistic flavor.