Said Akl

Said Akl, born on July fourth, nineteen eleven, was a prominent Lebanese poet, linguist, and philosopher, renowned for his significant contributions to modern Arabic literature. He is celebrated as one of the most influential Lebanese poets of the contemporary era, particularly for his efforts to codify the spoken Lebanese Arabic language. Akl advocated for a distinct written form of this dialect, utilizing a modernized Roman script that he considered an evolution of the ancient Phoenician alphabet.

In addition to his literary pursuits, Akl was deeply engaged in the political landscape of Lebanon. He was a founding member of the Lebanese Renewal Party in nineteen seventy-two, a political entity that embraced a pro-Phoenicianism ideology, seeking to differentiate Lebanon from the broader Pan-Arabism movement. His nationalist views resonated with the Guardians of the Cedars movement, further solidifying his role in Lebanese politics.

Akl's literary oeuvre spans poetry and prose in both Lebanese Arabic and Classical Arabic, showcasing his versatility as a writer. He also ventured into theatre, crafting plays and penning lyrics for numerous popular songs. Among his notable works is the song 'Meshwar' ('Trip') and the classical piece 'Shal' ('Scarf'), which was composed by the Rahbani brothers and performed by the iconic Fairuz. The latter was even praised by the esteemed Egyptian composer Abdel Wahab as 'the most beautiful poem composed into a song in Arabic music.'