A Journey Through Words and Life

A personal narrative of Marina Arakelian Arabian, a poet and writer, born in Baghdad, Iraq and based in USA  

Heritage and Birthplace

I am proud of my Armenian roots. I was born in Baghdad, Iraq, and have been an expatriate in California, USA, for 24 years.

Journey into Writing

I began writing when COVID-19 struck and everyone was confined at home. I seized this opportunity to master various forms of poetry. Although I had a penchant for writing since I was sixteen, I hadn’t written anything at that time. I dedicated myself to reading poetry independently and learned online, gradually honing my craft. I started participating in literary forums and, to date, have published in over 50 forums, academies, and literary magazines.

Professional Affiliations and Achievements

Accepted into the Encyclopedia of Iraqi Poets; Member of the Iraqi Journalists Union; Member of the International Federation of Journalists and Media Professionals; My press credentials are officially registered and accredited with: Iraqi Journalists Union; International Federation of Journalists and Media Professionals; Arab Intellectuals Union

I have regularly published articles and poetry, both prose and columns, in Nabd al-Thaqafa al-Arabiya magazine. I’ve participated in numerous poetry competitions, including Nabd al-Ibda’ al-Arabi (The Pulse of Arab Creativity), and competitions at the International Academy of the Union of Arab Writers and Poets. I won first place in the Mahdia Poetry and Literature Competition for three consecutive years—2023, 2024, and 2025—and received a Master’s certificate in Arabic Literature.

I was honored with a Certificate of Excellence and Creativity for my participation in an Arabic Poetry Competition, where I was invited alongside a select group of poets and writers from Arab countries and beyond. I received an honorary doctorate with honors for my participation in the 2023 First World Literary Championship organized by the International Federation of Arts and Letters.

My literary works have been published in numerous magazines and newspapers such as Al-Mumtahan, Al-Haikal, Al-Arabi, Jawharat Al-Qawafi, Al-Rai, Al-Khilan, Taraneem Al-Huroof, Nabd Al-Huroof, Fursan Al-Kalimah, Al-Nargis, Sehr Al-Sharq, and the Nahr Al-Balagha Foundation. More recently, my writings have appeared on Al-Hadath TV, Al-Jazeera TV, Asia News Agency, Voice of the Masses, Al-Ahram, and the Global Academy of the Kingdom of Peace newspaper.

I shared some of my classical and prose poems, along with articles, in the book The Pulse of Arab Creators (Volume 13, 2023). Earlier this year, my poem was included in the collected poetry Bright Stars in the Sky of Rashid, which participated in the Egyptian International Book Fair. My work also appeared in The Lighthouse of Rashid (2024), published in both the Baghdad and Cairo International Book Fairs, alongside Arab poets and writers.

Self-Description & Philosophy

I identify deeply with the Arabic language:

I am the essence and steadfastness of the letter,

And from the Pleiades, my direction and features.

Time breathes through my writings,

Visions, images, connotations, and meanings glow in the orbit of my life.

I am still rooted in my beginnings, holding onto my anchor.

With my chisel, I continue to dig — to dream anew.

On the essence of dreams:

To offer literary service and elevate women’s literature,

To reach the heights of those who preceded me in cultural and literary summits.

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LIFE, CHALLENGE, AND OPPORTUNITIES

Life is a magnificent journey, full of lessons, challenges, and opportunities. Every day offers something new—words and actions are like tent poles holding up the fabric of life. Choose your actions wisely; wield your words effectively.

Obstacles and stress are inevitable, but they teach us determination and patience. Whatever we do or how we react—there’s a lesson there. Grace is accepting that not everything will go according to plan, and understanding that everything happens for a reason.

Hope is believing that what you desire or need may be within reach, and what’s meant to be yours will find its way. Patience is the ability to get through each day with faith that you can overcome anything.

When knocked down, get back up, dig your heels in, and don’t give up. Focus on moving forward despite setbacks. Sometimes, the biggest mistakes teach the most valuable lessons. The toughest challenges can be the easiest to surpass once you face them. The unlikely person offering help may be your greatest supporter.

Life is unpredictable, and golden opportunities are rare—timing is crucial. When you least expect it, life can present an unexpected chance. When that happens, accept it with gratitude.

Look closely, and you’ll see a few ants at every picnic. Sometimes, finding the good in something or someone requires searching. Not everything is clear, and not every day is perfect. If you spend too much wishing for what you lack, you might miss appreciating what you have. Even if others seem to have more, be grateful for what you possess that they might need.

Every cloud has a silver lining—sometimes, you just need to find it. Everyone has goodness within; you just have to look for it. You may not get everything you want, but appreciating what you do have is everything in itself.

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Coordinated by Angela Kosta Executive Director of the Magazines: MIRIADE, NUANCES ON THE PANORAMIC CANVAS, BRIDGES OF LITERATURE, journalist, poet, essayist, publisher, literary critic, editor, translator, promoter