Abu nuwas biography sample

Abu Nuwas (ca. 756-813) was the most famous Arab poet of the Abbasid era. His style was extravagant, and his compositions reflected well the licentious manners of the upper classes of his day.

Abu Nuwas was born in Ahwaz on the Karun River in western Persia.

Abu nuwas biography sample

His father was Arab and his mother was Persian. At a young age he was sold into slavery because of family poverty; a wealthy benefactor later set him free. By the time Abu Nuwas reached manhood, he had settled in Baghdad and was writing poetry.

It was at this time that because of his long hair he acquired the name Abu Nuwas (Father of Ringlets).

Gradually he attracted the attention of the caliph Harun al-Rashid and was given quarters with the other poets at court.

His ability as a poet no doubt was one reason for Abu Nuwas's success with the Caliph, but after a while he became known as a rake and participated in less reputable pastimes with the ruler. Abu Nuwas spent some time in Egypt but soon returned to Baghdad t