Famous Syrian Writer Mamdouh Edwan dies at 63

Syria has expressed grief over the passing away of its famous writer, poet and playwright Mamdouh Edwan who is regarded one of the most significant among writers and intellectuals in Syria.

Edwan, who died yesterday after a long illness, is mourned by the two ministries of Information and Culture as well as the cultural and educated circles in Syria. He is considered one of the most important Syrian writers since mid-1960's. He has many books ranging from poetry, theatre, story and translation to literary criticism.

The late writer took part in conferences and forums on literature in many Arab and foreign countries and made contributions in the field of writing and criticism on the Arab cultural arena.

Edwan worked in the cultural press and TV as he wrote many articles in the Arab and Syrian weeklies and periodicals, but was famous for his translation works among which are: Kazantzakis Memoir, El-Greco Report, the Iliad and Odyssesy of Homer.

Oudwan, 63 years, was born in Misyaf, near the coast and got his primary, preparatory and secondary schooling at his own village. He holds the Bachelor degree in English Literature from Damascus University.

He is member of the Arab Writers Federation ( AWF) and Arab Journalists Union as well the Syrian Journalists Union, in addition to being a member of the Poetry Society at the AWF.