Saud Al-Bawardi, a renowned Saudi writer and poet, passed away at 95, leaving a remarkable legacy in literature.

The literary and journalistic community in Saudi Arabia mourns the loss of a prominent figure, poet and writer Saud bin Abdullah Al-Bawardi, who passed away today at the age of 95. His creative journey spanned over six decades, leaving a significant mark on Saudi and Arab literature, as reported by various media outlets.

Al-Bawardi was a pivotal character in the Saudi cultural landscape, enriching the Arabic library with more than 50 literary and poetic works, covering genres from prose to poetry and intellectual essays. He was also a regular contributor to local newspapers, most notably through his renowned column "A Rest Stop Inside the Sanctuary of Thought" in Al-Jazirah newspaper, which ran for many years.

Inspiring Literary and Professional Journey

Born in 1930 in Al-Shuqra, Al-Bawardi faced early challenges after losing his father at a young age. He took on various simple jobs, including working as a scales attendant and selling spare parts, before venturing into journalism.

In 1955, he founded "Al-Ishaa" magazine in Al-Khobar, marking it as one of the first literary and social publications in the kingdom. He later held prominent cultural positions in the Ministries of Education and Higher Education. He also served as a cultural attaché in Beirut and Cairo, in addition to being the Director of Public Relations and Secretary of the Supreme Council for Education, Science, and Arts.

Due to his cultural contributions, Al-Bawardi was awarded the King Abdulaziz Medal of the First Class at the Janadriyah Festival in 2014, recognizing his unique influence on the Saudi literary scene.

Notable Works by Saud Al-Bawardi:

  • Song of Return
  • Philosophy of the Madmen
  • Poems Addressing Humanity
  • So We Do Not Lose Memory
  • Ghost from Palestine
  • Letters to Nazik
  • Songs for My Country
  • Particles in the Horizon
  • Alarm Signal

Widespread Reactions to Saud Al-Bawardi's Passing

The announcement of his passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow Saudi and Arab intellectuals. Writer Hamad Al-Qadi expressed his condolences via Twitter, stating, "Today we bid farewell to the leading writer and poet Saud Al-Bawardi, may he rest in peace... one of the pioneers of journalism and culture in our nation."