Urdu Poetry

Urdu literature harbours a rich tradition of poetry that is famed for its strength of feeling. In consequence, it has become a popular way to convey universal emotions across the subcontinent. Borrowing elements from both Arabic and Persian poetic forms, Urdu poetry is considered the fruit of Indo-Iranian/Islamic culture and, over time, has developed its own distinctive quality. In particular, the Urdu ghazal is widely considered the pride of Urdu poetry.

Urdu poetry is a much-celebrated aspect of Pakistani culture that continues to thrive through mushaireh (popular poetry recitals).  Mushaireh are excellent platforms for Urdu poets to develop and cultivate their art form as well as a wonderful opportunity for listeners to immerse themselves in the rhythmical and stirring performance of Urdu poetry.  

Our short course aims to introduce students to a selection of works composed by distinguished classical and modern Urdu poets. The course will involve the close reading of poetry texts by the likes of Iqbal, Ghalib, Mir Taqi Mir, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Kishwer Naheed, Bahadur Shah Zafar, Sahir Ludhianvi, Parveen Shakir, Habib Jalib, Fehmida Riaz, Hafeez Jallandhary, Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi, Akhtar Shirani, Sufi Tabassum, Muneer Niazi, Nasir Kazmi and Noshi Gilani.

To book a short course, please get in touch.