Ahmed Ali Al-Hamdani: A Distinguished Scholar and Literary Figure
Professor Ahmed Ali Al-Hamdani is one of the most prominent researchers, academics, critics, and writers in Yemen. He is a poet, author, and translator, who has accomplished a significant number of books and research in various fields. As a polymath, he has authored works across multiple domains of knowledge. Below is an overview of his life and contributions:
– Name: Ahmed Ali Ahmed Hasan Al-Hamdani
– Profession: Poet, Critic, Translator, and Academic Researcher
– Birth: October 8, 1951, Sheikh Othman City, Aden
– Family: Married with one son and three daughters.
Early Life and Education
– Early Work: Worked in his father’s grocery store to support their large family.
– Primary Education: Western School in Sheikh Othman (1958–1962)
– Intermediate Education: Intermediate School in Sheikh Othman (1962–1965)
– Secondary Education: Aden Secondary School in Dar Saad City (Graduated in 1972)
– Pre-Independence Activities: Member of the Liberation Front for the liberation of southern Yemen.
– Career Beginnings: Worked as a clerk (1966) and later as an accountant in a shipping company (1970).
Academic Journey
– Teaching Career: Taught Arabic Language and Islamic Education in Aden Preparatory Schools (1972–1978).
– Higher Education: Studied in the former Soviet Union, mastering the Russian language and completing his university education.
– Master’s Degree: Simferopol University, Ukraine (1984) – Thesis on “The Objective Dimensions and the Technical Characteristics in the Plays of Chekhov”.
– Ph.D.: Moscow University, Russia (1989) – Thesis on “Chekhov in Arabic Criticism”.
Academic and Professional Contributions
– Professor of Modern Literature: Faculty of Education, University of Aden.
– Vice Rector of University of Aden for Higher Studies and Scientific Research: Since 1995.
– Publications and Translations: Authored and translated numerous works, focusing on poetry, drama, and storytelling in both Yemeni and Russian literatures.
– Collections: Compiled unpublished works of Yemeni literary figures for publication.
Literary and Research Contributions
– Poetry: Began writing poetry in 1972 and has published extensively.
– Translation: Translated numerous studies, research papers, and literary texts from Russian since the early 1980s.
– Editorial Work: Chief Editor of Al-Tawasul Journal and a member of various editorial boards.
– Conference and Workshop Leadership: Organized, managed, and supervised numerous academic events.
– Advisory Roles: Member of several academic and cultural councils, including the Supreme Council of Academic Police in Yemen (2009).
Recognitions and Honors
– Medal for Scientific Excellence (1984)
– Multiple Honors: From the Union of Yemeni Writers and Authors, University of Aden, and various cultural and academic organizations.
– Pushkin Medal: Awarded by the Russian Federation in 2012 for his contributions to Russian culture abroad.
Community and Cultural Involvement
– Broadcasting: Contributed to literary programs for Aden Broadcasting Service.
– Scientific Research Encouragement: Member of committees for various Yemeni scientific and cultural prizes.
– Civil Society Recognition: Honored by numerous organizations for his contributions to literature and academia.
Publications
Some notable works by Ahmed Ali Al-Hamdani include:
- Idris Hanbala: The Poet and Fighter (1984)
- The Objective Dimensions and Technical Characteristics in Chekhov’s Plays (1984)
- Introduction to Literary Science (1999)
- Mohammed Said Jaradah: Unpublished Poems and Letters (2000)
- Zubairi: The Poet of Change in Yemen (2002)
- Defending Lutfi Aman (2003)
- Diwan Al-Hamdani (2004)
- Studies in Contemporary Yemeni Storytelling (2004)
- Yemeni Folklore: Facts and Observations (2004)
- Texts from Russian Literature (2004)
- Chekhov: Aspects of a Great Talent (2004)
- Aden in the Eyes of Poets (2005)
- Aden from Temporal Leadership to Creative Leadership (2005)
- Collected Works of Mohammed Ali Luqman (2006)
- Collected Works of Ali Mohammed Luqman (2006)
- Very Short Yemeni Stories (Vol. 1 & 2) (2006, 2008)
- Collected Works of Abdul-Rahim Alahdal (2008)
- The Unfired Gun: Chekhov as a Narrator and Dramatist (2009)
- Chekhov in Arab Criticism (2010)
- Complete Poetic Works of Abdul-Rahim Alahdal (2008)
- Mohammed Ali Luqman: The Enlightenment Pioneer in Yemen (2015)
Professor Ahmed Ali Al-Hamdani’s prolific career and dedication to literature, translation, and academic research have made him a cornerstone of Yemeni cultural and academic life.
by Hatem Al-Shamea
I Named Her, Fatima – a novel written by Mayasa Al-Nakhlani – trans. Hatem Al-Shamea
