Abdullah Thaqfan

Abdullah Ali Thaqfan (born 1948) is a writer, researcher, and faculty member at the College of Arabic Language at Imam Mohammed Bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh. He actively contributes to the cultural scene in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through journalism, authorship, and academic research.

Abdullah Thaqfan was born in Bilad Bani Bishr, "al-Asran," in Aseer Province, southwest of the Kingdom. He earned a bachelor's degree in Arabic Language from King Saud University, followed by a master's degree in Arabic Literature with a specialization in Andalusian Literature from the same university. He obtained his doctorate from Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in 1989. Additionally, he earned several specialized diplomas in journalism and languages.

Abdullah Thaqfan worked as an Arabic language teacher in Aseer Province before transitioning to academia as a faculty member in the Department of Arabic Language at the College of Arts at Riyadh University (now King Saud University). After earning his doctorate, he joined Imam Mohammad Bin Saud Islamic University. During his career, he chaired several committees, supervised and examined numerous academic theses both within and outside the university, and reviewed articles and research for peer-reviewed scientific journals, as well as promotion research within the Kingdom and internationally.

Abdullah Thaqfan supervised the "Cultural Movement in a Month" section in al-Faisal magazine for eleven years, from 1978 to 1989. He also worked as a part-time cultural advisor for The National Guard Magazine for two years, from 1995 to 1997, and as a part-time advisor for al-Arabiya Magazine. He is a member of the editorial board of Andalusian Studies, a magazine published in Tunisia. Thaqfan contributed to the editing of the "Encyclopedia of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia" issued by King Abdulaziz Public Library. Additionally, he participated in several research projects and academic meetings at Imam Mohammed Bin Saud Islamic University. He was also involved in the "This is Our Country" series, published by the General Presidency of Youth Welfare (at the time).

He also participated in academic forums within the Kingdom and abroad, in addition to publishing several research papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Abdullah Thaqfan has authored several works, including "Literary Gatherings in Andalusia" (1993), "Complaints of Illness in Andalusian Literature," "Belonging in Andalusian Literature," "Andalusian Literature: Between Its Reality and Attempts to Assassinate It" (1995), "Andalusian Research and Studies" (1998), and "The Andalusian Poem: Artistic Elements" (2003).