Lebanese elite poet, writer and language reformer Said Aqel passed away in Beirut at an age of 102.
Aqel is considered one of the most prominent writers and poets in Lebanon and the Arab world as he left a large cultural and literary legacy, as his poems were characterized with  symbolism and richness.
He was a staunch advocate of the Lebanese dialect as he designed a Latin-based “Lebanese alphabet” made up of 37 letters.  Aqel’s call to use the Lebanese colloquial language sparked a big controversy.
In 1981 Aqel published a number of poems in French under the title “The Gold ‘ .
In  1962, he established” Said Aqel poetry awards” which have been granted to many Lebanese intellectuals and artists.