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Edward Said - Biography

Said (Edward Said) is a name that has become a symbol of the intellectual struggle for the rights of the Palestinian people, as well as contributions to post-colonial research and criticism. This eminent Palestinian-American intellectual, writer and critic left an indelible mark on world literature and philosophy. In this biography, we will talk about the life and philosophy of a Said, his academic heritage and influence on post-colonial research.

Edward was born on November 1, 1935 in the Arab quarter in Jerusalem, which was then part of Palestine. His childhood and early years were marked by political and social upheaval related to the creation of Israel and Palestinian refugees. In 1951, his family moved to Cairo, where Edward received his first education.

Edward continued his education in the United States, enrolling at Princeton University and then Harvard University. His education was multifaceted and he had a deep knowledge of English literature, philosophy and history. In 1963, he received his Ph.D. from Harvard with a dissertation on the romantic poetry of William Wordsworth.

Contributions to Postcolonial Studies and Cultural Criticism

Edward Said became one of the leading figures in post-colonial studies and cultural criticism. His book Orientalism, published in 1978, became a classic in this field and explored the ways in which the West perceived and represented the East. This work resonated widely and raised questions of cultural imperialism and bias against Eastern peoples.

In addition to his academic career, Edward was an active politician and voice in support of the Palestinian national idea and human rights. He was a member of the National Association for Support for the Liberation of Palestine (PLO) and actively advocated for Palestinian rights on the world stage.