Selection of Nizar Qabbani’s Poems in New, Four-Volume Collection

Book, poems, Nizar Qabbani
Book, poems, Nizar Qabbani
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Selection of Nizar Qabbani’s Poems in New, Four-Volume Collection

Book, poems, Nizar Qabbani
Book, poems, Nizar Qabbani

Beirut’s Hachette Antoine/Naufal Publishing has recently released a new collection composed of four volumes featuring a selection of Nizar Qabbani’s poems. The four volumes focus on love, women, words, and revolution.

“Every title gives a glimpse about the poems selected for each volume. The books are introduced by authors and poets who loved Nizar Qabbani including Algerian author Ahlem Mosteghanemi, Bahraini poet Parween Habib, Lebanese singer Majida El Roumi, and Egyptian poet Hisham Algakh. The poems are not new, but a selection of Qabbani’s timeless poetry. The late poet left behind many works that have represented a reference and heritage for all Arabs,” the publisher says.

About the “She in his Poems” volume, the publisher adds: “The Arabic audience have known Nizar Qabbani’s poems in songs they became fond of. His easy words have always had great significance. They were simple enough to express the lightness and joy of love, and deep enough to alleviate its pains.

Words that called the beloved woman, pleaded for her kindness, and hailed her superiority like a center of attention and a refuge. Nizar’s words have pictured the woman as everlasting inspiration, unfailing beauty, irreplaceable value, and a living embodiment of kindness and beauty.

The collection includes a volume dedicated to poems that revolve around women. This volume was introduced by Majida El Roumi who sang some of the late poet’s works. “I loved her ideas, and the clarity of her mind before I could even love her voice, she resembles me in my depths as a rebel. She feels the words and delivers them in a remarkable manner,” the late Qabbani had said, describing Majida.



Milan’s La Scala Theater Fires Usher Who Shouted ‘Free Palestine’ at Gala Event

People stand outside of the La Scala opera house on the day of the season opening of La Scala theater in Milan, Italy December 7, 2024. (Reuters)
People stand outside of the La Scala opera house on the day of the season opening of La Scala theater in Milan, Italy December 7, 2024. (Reuters)
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Milan’s La Scala Theater Fires Usher Who Shouted ‘Free Palestine’ at Gala Event

People stand outside of the La Scala opera house on the day of the season opening of La Scala theater in Milan, Italy December 7, 2024. (Reuters)
People stand outside of the La Scala opera house on the day of the season opening of La Scala theater in Milan, Italy December 7, 2024. (Reuters)

Milan's famed La Scala opera house has fired one of its ushers after she shouted a pro-Palestinian slogan at a gala event attended by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni earlier this month, two trade unions said on Thursday.

The woman shouted "Free Palestine" as Meloni was taking her seat in the Royal Box at a May 4 concert in honor of the Asian Development Bank meeting in Milan, the theater's trade unions said. Contacted by Reuters, La Scala had no immediate comment.

"In the dismissal order, signed by superintendent Fortunato Ortombina, it is emphasized that she betrayed trust by disobeying service orders, but we believe that she listened to her conscience," the CUB union said in a statement.

"We will deploy all trade union actions to defend this brave girl who has our utmost solidarity," CUB added.

Italy's government has been a vocal supporter of Israel, but its foreign minister said on Wednesday Israel's continued assault on the Gaza Strip had become unacceptable and had to stop immediately.

Israel launched its campaign on the Palestinian enclave in response to the devastating Hamas attack in southern Israel on Oct 7, 2023, that killed some 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage into Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

The campaign has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, Gaza health officials say, and left the enclave in ruins.

In Italy, opposition parties are planning a rally on June 7 calling for an end to the war in Gaza, while unions at La Scala have asked for a banner to be put up before performances on June 6 and 11 saying "Ceasefire, stop the massacres".