Barudi, Mahmud Sami al- (1839–1904)

Egyptian nationalist activist and poet. He was a leading figure of the modern Arabic literary renaissance. Much of his work was modelled on classical Abbasid poetry, of which he compiled an important anthology. His own verse was published posthumously in two volumes.

Barudi was a fervent nationalist; his participation in an unsuccessful revolt in 1882 against British rule in Egypt led to 17 years' exile in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). During his enforced absence from Egypt, he wrote nostalgically of his homeland.