Amal Dunqul Biography

b. 1940, Qina, Egypt; d. 1983, Cairo, Egypt
This Egyptian poet has gained prominence as one of the most innovative Arab poets of the twentieth century. Born in the Upper Egypt village of Qina to an al-Azahar graduate who taught Arabic and composed poetry, Dunqul read the copious collections of classical Arabic poetry available on his father’s bookshelves. After finishing high school, Dunqul moved to Cairo to study Arabic at Cairo University, but soon left without obtaining a degree. Starting his poetic career at the age of 18, Dunqul published six collections of poetry.