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Portrait of Abd al-Karim al-Karmi

Abd al-Karim al-Karmi

Pioneering Palestinian poet, lawyer, nationalist, and PLO official.

Born
1909
Born in
Tulkarem, Palestine
Path
Arts
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Why Abd is here

Major Palestinian poet blending activism, patriotism, and literary excellence. Active participant in Palestinian national movements and PLO founding.

Their story

Abd al-Karim al-Karmi, known as Abu Salma, was a prominent Palestinian poet and activist. His literary and nationalist endeavors profoundly influenced Palestinian culture and politics. A lawyer by profession, he also held significant roles within the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

In pictures

Milestones

The moments that shaped Abd’s path.

  1. 1927

    Obtained Syrian baccalaureate and began nationalist activities.

  2. 1930s

    Founding member of Pen League, wrote influential odes.

  3. 1941

    Graduated from Jerusalem Law Classes, practiced law in Haifa.

  4. 1948

    Forced to leave Haifa, relocated and worked in Syria.

  5. 1979

    Awarded the Lotus Prize for Literature by the Union of Asian and African Writers.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Influential poetry works including "The Exile" (1953) and "Songs of My Country" (1959).

  2. Prose works such as "The Struggle of the Arabs of Palestine" (1964).

  3. Active role in the establishment of PLO and participation in its congresses.

  4. Advocacy for Afro-Asian solidarity within the PLO.

  5. President of the General Union of Palestinian Writers and Journalists (1980).

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