Diwan of Ibn Hamdis

Author's name: Ibn Hamdis

The author of this collection is Abd al-Jabbar ibn Hamdis, who was born and raised in Sicily in 1055 AD. He is of Azdi Arab origin and was known for his poetic prowess. It is said that he was one of the poets who wrote poetry in his early youth. This is what made him neglect the possibility of appearing among the poets of his time in Morocco. Therefore, some considered him the fruit of Moroccan poetry. He was also known for his ability to create images and meanings, accuracy of description and analysis, and his influence by the environments in which he lived. This is evident in the topics of his poems, which were diverse, and were dominated by spontaneity in narration and simplicity in formulating poetic structures. These important features in Ibn Hamdis’ poetry are what prompted many writers and researchers to study his poems and collect them in one book with the intention of publishing them among readers. Professor Skia Bar Yelli is one of these researchers who took care to publish Ibn Hamdis’ collection and verify its material from two copies found, the first in the Vatican and the second in St. Petersburg. Despite the importance of this verification, it is criticized for many errors, which is what prompted Dr. Ihsan Abbas to re-verify Dr. Galsino’s copy. Schiaparelli from the Divan