Prof. Mahmoud Samra was Born in Tantura, Palestine in 1923, he earned a Bachelor degree in Arts from the University of Fouad I of Cairo in 1950 and a doctorate degree in Arabic Studies from the Institute of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London in 1958. In 1964 he was promoted to an Associate Professor rank, then into a professor once in 1966. In addition, he was awarded An honorary professor rank in 1992.

Prof. Samra held several academic positions such as deputy editor of "Araby" magazine in Kuwait, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts during 1968 to 1973 and from February to June 1983, the Vice President of the university of Jordan and the President of The University of Jordan from 1989-1991, after that he became the Minister of the Ministry of Culture from 1991 to 1993.

 

In the cultural Field, Prof. Samra has made many contributions. He has many studies and research, books, translations, books and notes, he has active participations in a number of institutions and cultural ties; So as he earned several medals and awards for his great efforts.