The University of Jordan :: Research Groups :: Critical Studies in Modern Arabic Poetry
Critical Studies in Modern Arabic Poetry

Welcome to this collection, where we hope you will journey through the joy of thought and the radiance of poetry.

This research group aspires to open new horizons of critical inquiry into modern Arabic poetry, inspired by the wealth of profound and vibrant experiences that remain largely untouched by scholarly exploration. Our focus lies in unveiling these uncharted dimensions, granting them the critical attention they deserve. At the same time, we aim to re-examine and refine many of the prevailing views and judgments that have long dominated our literary scene—views often shaped by a strained or misguided approach to Arabic poetics and its creative texts. In doing so, the group hopes not only to illuminate neglected voices but also to restore balance and depth to the understanding of our contemporary literary life.​

This research group aims to provide further critical studies on modern Arabic poetry, given the vast number of rich and profound experiences that critics have not yet examined or studied. This is precisely what the group intends to focus on and give special attention to. Moreover, the group aspires to correct many aspects of our current literary life and to reconsider numerous prevailing critical perspectives and judgments, which have often misapplied the correct methodology for understanding Arabic poetics and approaching its creative texts. Within this framework, the objectives of this group can be outlined as follows:

  • Highlighting overlooked modern poetic experiences and works: Focusing on those that critics have neglected for a long time, despite their richness, depth, and creativity.

  • Clarifying the concept of modernity and innovation in poetry: Ensuring that these are grounded in the principles of our Arab and Islamic culture and arise from our historical and civilizational needs and circumstances, rather than being imported from abroad or imitated from foreign models.

  • Correcting many flawed standards associated with contemporary poetry: Addressing criteria that have contributed to the weakness and mediocrity of our modern poetry, the decline of its former status, its limited impact on life, and its diminished contribution to our civilizational progress.​