QUICK FACTS
Date of Birth
1919
Bethlehem, Palestine
Place of Birth
Why Featured?
Jabra Ibrahim Jabra was an influential Palestinian novelist, poet, painter, and translator. His multifaceted contributions to Arab literature and culture have cemented his place as a leading intellectual of his time.
BRIEF BIO
Jabra Ibrahim Jabra was a Palestinian writer and artist known for his literary works that encompassed novels, poetry, essays, and plays. He was also recognized for his translations, particularly of Shakespeare's works into Arabic, and his contributions to the fields of education and culture in Palestine and later in Iraq.
LAST UPDATED
DATE
Monday, January 26, 2026
MAJOR MILESTONES
Key dates & turning points
1939: Awarded a scholarship to study English literature in England.
1943: Obtained his Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Cambridge University.
1948: Forced to flee Jerusalem due to the occupation, eventually settling in Baghdad.
1951: Co-founded the Baghdad Society for Modern Art.
1972: Became head of information at the National Iraqi Oil Company, contributing significantly to cultural publications.
CONTRIBUTIONS
What they did, and why it matters
Published the novel "Hunters in a Narrow Street," which is highly regarded in modern Arabic fiction.
Founded the Baghdad Society for Modern Art, promoting modern art in the region.
Edited and contributed to literary magazines, including "Workers in Oil" and "Oil and the World."
His translations of Shakespeare are considered among the best into the Arabic language.
Received multiple international awards for his literary and translation works, including the Jerusalem Medal for Culture, Arts, and Literature by the PLO in 1990
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Last updated
Jan 26, 2026
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