A living hub for the people of Palestine — those who shaped it, and those who stood with it.

Suggest a profile
Portrait of Salma Khadra Jayyusi

Salma Khadra Jayyusi

Eminent Scholar, Translator, Cultural Ambassador

Born
16 April 1925
Born in
Al-Salt, Jordan

Why Salma is here

Pioneering role in promoting Arab literature and culture globally.

Their story

Salma Khadra Jayyusi, a renowned Palestinian scholar, translator, and writer, played a pivotal role in introducing Arab literature and culture to the Western world. Her work, particularly in translation and cultural exchange, significantly contributed to enhancing the understanding and appreciation of Arab intellectual traditions globally. She died in 2023.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Salma’s path.

  1. Education in Arabic and English Literature

    Studied at the American University of Beirut.

  2. 1960

    Publishing First Collection of Poetry

    "Returning from the Dreamy Fountain.".

  3. 1973

    North America Lecture Tour

    Involved 22 universities, highlighting Arab intellectual traditions.

  4. 1980

    Launch of PROTA

    A project for translating Arabic literature into English.

  5. 1990

    Initiating East-West Nexus Project

    Aimed to present Arab and Islamic culture in English.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Promotion of Modern Arabic Poetry

    Edited the anthology "Modern Arabic Poetry: An Anthology" (1987).

  2. Educational Contributions

    Teaching in various countries, including the USA, and conducting influential lecture tours.

  3. Cultural Exchange Initiatives

    Founded East-West Nexus to combat stereotypes about Arab and Islamic cultures.

  4. Academic Publications

    Authored and edited numerous scholarly works, including "The Legacy of Muslim Spain.".

  5. Awards and Recognitions

    Received multiple awards for her contributions to culture and literature.

    Watch

Ask about Salma

Curious about something? An AI guide answers from Salma’s profile.

Salma’s guide AI

Answers come from Salma’s profile on this page. It isn’t Salma, and it can make mistakes.

What would you like to know about Salma?

Ask in your own words about Salma’s early life, work, the moments that shaped them, or their legacy. The guide answers only from this profile, so if something isn’t covered, it will tell you.

AI-generated from this profile. Spotted something wrong? Correct or add information.

Watch

Salma in interviews, talks and coverage.

Further reading

Something wrong or missing?

Help improve Salma Khadra Jayyusi’s profile. Send a correction, a source, a photo or missing information. An editor checks every update before publication.

Correct or add information