Saadi Youssef

The Mosaic Rooms and Banipal are pleased to present a special launch of a seven-volume publication of the Collected Poetical Works of Saadi Youssef.

Saadi Youssef was born in Iraq and is considered one of the most important contemporary poets in the Arab world. Following his experience as a political prisoner in Iraq, he has spent most of his life in exile, working as a journalist throughout North Africa and the Middle East. This publication of seven volumes spans over 60 years of poetic output. Youssef writes;

‎“The seven volumes of my poetical works contain what I have written between ‎‎1952 and 2014. They represent a life’s journey that is rich in hope, dangers and ‎departures and is also a journey on the long road of art. Whosoever is interested in the ‎aesthetics of contemporary Arabic poetry can trace my many steps in these ‎volumes.‎ It has been my good fortune to have lived a long life, to experiment ceaselessly ‎and to continue doing so until now. Residing in London has accorded me support and a home. It has given me ‎years of abundant output, tranquillity and experiences in life and art. I will remain indebted to this ‎country that has granted me peace and safety.”‎

Saadi Youssef will be in conversation with Omar Al-Qattan about his work, following which he will do a reading of his poems in Arabic and a special guest will read selected translations in English.