Khaled Mattawa

Khaled Mattawa is a Libyan-American poet, essayist, and translator. His poetic work is widely acclaimed for its lyrical and penetrating exploration of themes such as identity, displacement, memory, and the complex reality of the Middle East. Born in Libya, Mattawa emigrated to the United States in his adolescence, and this experience of immigration and adaptation permeates much of his writing.

As a poet, Mattawa has published several books, including "Ismailia Dreams" (1995), "More Sea" (2006), and "Tocatta for the Eye" (2010). His poetry is characterized by rich and evocative language, which often intertwines the personal with the political. He is dedicated to giving voice to marginalized experiences and building bridges between cultures.

In addition to his work as a poet, Mattawa is a prolific translator from Arabic to English, having translated works by poets such as Adonis, Mahmoud Darwish, and Saadi Youssef. His translations are recognized for their fidelity and literary beauty, opening up the world of Arabic poetry to a wider audience. He has taught at various universities and has been an influential figure in the literary community, promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding through art.