The passing of Prince Badr Bin Abdulmohsin, a celebrated Saudi Arabian poet, at the age of 75 has left the nation and the Arab world in mourning. Born on April 2, 1949, Prince Badr was a prominent figure in Arabic poetry, with his works often transformed into songs by renowned Gulf composers such as Talal Maddah and Abdul Rab Idris. His eloquence and philosophical insights earned him the title of “The Engineer of Words,” as he skillfully blended themes of love, pride, and social and political realities in his poetry. Throughout his career, Prince Badr received numerous accolades, including the Order of King Abdulaziz and a special event organized by the General Entertainment Authority in his honor. His complete literary works are set to be collected and published by the Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Authority in recognition of his contributions to Saudi creative culture over the past five decades.
Prince Badr’s educational journey took him to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and eventually to Britain and the United States, where he honed his poetic skills. In 1973, he became the president of the Saudi Society for Culture and Arts and later served as the chairman of the Saudi Poetry Organization. He also crafted opening operettas for various local festivals, including the Janadriyah Festival. After years of poetic achievements, his collected works were unveiled during the Riyadh International Book Fair in 2022 under the title “Hovering Clouds,” “Letter from a Bedouin,” “What the Bird Carves in the Date Palm,” and “A Painting Perhaps a Poem,” produced by the Badr Bin Abdulmohsin Cultural Foundation with the support of the Ministry of Culture’s Literature, Publishing, and Translation Authority. These works are currently being translated into English and French by Saudi Art House under the authority’s supervision.
The loss of Prince Badr has been deeply felt by many prominent figures across various domains, reflecting his significant influence and cherished memory in Saudi Arabia and beyond. His poems, which were often sung by distinguished artists like Talal Maddah, Mohammed Abdu, and Kadim Al Sahir, resonated with audiences for nearly half a century. His unique blend of modernism and traditional themes made him a pioneer in Saudi poetry, capturing the hearts of listeners with his profound insights. In 2019, he was honored with the prestigious Order of King Abdulaziz, and in the same year, an event titled “Prince Badr Bin Abdulmohsin Night: Half a Century and the Full Moon” was organized by the General Entertainment Authority to celebrate his contributions to the cultural landscape of the Kingdom.
The upcoming publication of Prince Badr’s complete literary works is a testament to his enduring legacy and impact on Saudi creative culture. The Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Authority’s decision to collect and publish his writings underscores the importance of preserving his contributions for future generations to appreciate. His ability to captivate audiences with his words and melodies, as well as his profound insights into the human experience, has solidified his place as one of the most respected poets in the region. As his works are translated into multiple languages, his influence is set to reach a wider audience, further cementing his status as a literary giant in the Arab world.
In conclusion, the legacy of Prince Badr Bin Abdulmohsin will continue to inspire and influence generations of poets and artists in Saudi Arabia and beyond. His profound impact on Arabic poetry, his rich contributions to the cultural landscape, and his ability to weave complex themes into captivating verses have solidified his place in history as a preeminent figure in Saudi literature. As his collected works are set to be published and translated for a wider audience, the memory of Prince Badr and his poetry will endure, serving as a lasting tribute to his talent and dedication to the art of words. His passing has left a void in the hearts of many, but his spirit lives on through the timeless beauty of his poetry.
