The Poetry of Hamas

Alshaer, Atef

Abstract

This article sheds light on poetry written by two of the most prominent leaders of Hamas, assassinated by Israel in 2003 and 2004, respectively: Ibrahim al-Maqadmah and Abdel Aziz al-Rantisi. Both leaders took part in the creation of Hamas and propagated its ideology in political, cultural and other fields. Poetry, being the premier form of artistic expression in the Arab world, is used by the leaders of Hamas to present their experiences in Israeli prisons, and their vision and involvement in the Palestinian struggle. The sentiments that their poetry expresses, reveal deep and nuanced cultural, political and philosophical dimensions. The poetry of Hamas can be characterized as one of commitment, suffering, pain, longing, defiance, and certainty.

Citation

Alshaer, A. (2009). The Poetry of Hamas. Middle East Journal of Culture and Communication, 2(2), 214-230. https://doi.org/10.1163/187398509X12476683126383

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2009
• Deposit Date: Oct 8, 2012
• Journal: The Middle East Journal of Culture and Communication
• Print ISSN: 1873-9857
• Electronic ISSN: 1873-9865
• Publisher: Brill Academic Publishers
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 2
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 214-230
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/187398509X12476683126383