Ahmed Arif

Quick Facts

• Region: Diyarbakir and Ankara, Turkey
• Born: 1927, Diyarbakir
• Died: 1991, Ankara
• Known for: “Hasretinden Prangalar Eskittim”

Overview

Ahmed Arif was a Kurdish-origin poet who became one of Turkey’s most influential modern poets. His single poetry collection, “Hasretinden Prangalar Eskittim,” is considered a classic of Turkish literature.

Arif’s writing drew on themes of social justice, longing, and identity, and his voice resonated strongly across generations.

Life and Work

He studied philosophy at Ankara University and published poetry and essays over several decades. His poems circulated widely before being collected in his famous volume.

Legacy

Arif’s work remains deeply popular and is frequently cited as a touchstone of modern Turkish and Kurdish literary culture.