Aged 74
Basra mourns poet death of poet Jamal Al-Furaih
BASRA — The Basra Union of Writers and Intellectuals announced Friday the death of poet and journalist Jamal Al-Furaih, who died following a prolonged illness at age 74.
Furat Saleh, head of the union, reflected on Al-Furaih’s significant impact on the cultural and media landscape of Basra in an interview with 964media. “He was a pivotal figure, working across various fields including media for the Basra Oil Company. His support for the union, literary circles, and cultural forums was profound,” Saleh said. “He was an avid follower of activities and a member of the Al-Sayab Cultural Forum.”
Poet Ali Kazem also spoke to 964media about Al-Furaih’s literary style. “Since the 1970s, he wrote numerous poetry collections such as ‘A Nation Under the Line of Pain’ and ‘Of Heart, What the Sea Said One Day.’ His distinctive use of concision in his poems set him apart,” Kazem noted.
In an interview with Al Adwa News Agency, Al-Furaih described “A Nation Under the Line of Pain” as a “daily bleeding” he endured, reflecting the ongoing struggles of his homeland. “The nation is not well, my people, my loved ones,” he said, emphasizing the dire situation expressed through his poetry. He explained that the book comprises more than forty poems tackling themes of homeland, brotherhood, unity, caution, and the perils posed by others, including regional states. His works blend poetic and political discourse.
Yasin Al-Shamil, a storyteller and journalist, expressed his sorrow over Al-Furaih’s death. “I feel a great sadness over the departure of Jamal Al-Furaih. He had a significant influence on the Basra community, and with his loss, Basra has indeed lost a great deal,” Al-Shamil said. He added, “He ventured into the realms of renewal early in his career with his poetry. His short poems, now recognized [in the local arts scene] as haikus, are marked by reflection, contemplation, and interpretative dialogue.”
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