BERUT — Lebanese poet George Gerdaq passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 5 at age 83.

Gerdaq, who has published many poetry collection, is best known for writing “This is My Evening”, which was turned into a song by the legendary Egyptian singer Oum Kalthoum.

Gerdaq, who graduated from the Patriarchal College, is also known for his biographical work on Imam Ali, Islam’s fourth caliph. He wrote, “Ali and the Voice of Human Justice” and “Ali and the French Revolution.”

Gerdaq was laid to rest on Nov. 7. Artists, politicians and faith leaders attended his funeral at the Orthodox Church of St. Nqoula in Beirut.