Syrian poet Fayez Khaddour has passed away on Sunday, May 9, 2021. He was 79. Khaddour, who is considered one of the most prominent Syrian and Arab poets, belonged to the 1960s generation of poets, who had a strong presence during the 1960s and 1970s.

Fayez Khaddour was born in the city of Al Qameshly in 1942,  grew up in the city of Salmiya and studied in a number of Syrian cities before graduating with a degree in Arabic language from the University of Damascus in 1966. He worked as a teacher for a year before shifting his career to journalism. He worked as a journalist in Damascus and Beirut. He also worked at the Manuscripts Department of the Arab Writers Union in Damascus since 1972. He was Deputy Editor-in-Chief of “Al Osbou’ Al Adabi” and “Al Mawqif Al Adabi” magazines, released by the Arab Writers Union.

Khaddour embarked on his literary career in the late 1950s, publishing his writings in Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian magazines and newspapers. He participated in many poetry and literary festivals and events in Syria.

He authored many poetry collections including: “Al Thil Wa Haris Al Maqbara” (The Shadow and the Cemetery Guard), “Saheel Al Riyah Al Kharsa’” (Neighs of the Mute Winds), “Indama Yuhajir Al Sununo” (When the Swallow Migrates), “Hisar Al Jihat Al Ashr” (Siege of the Ten Directions), “Quddas Al Halak” (Mass of Death) and “Musadafat” (Coincidences) among others.