In 1920, the League of Nations granted France mandates over Syria and Lebanon, territories previously part of the Ottoman Empire. This arrangement aimed to prepare these regions for eventual independence while ensuring European oversight. The French Mandate was marked by significant political and social changes, leading to nationalist movements and eventual independence, which shaped the modern political landscape of the Middle East.

The French Mandate in Syria and Lebanon in 1920 significantly influenced the literary landscape, inspiring poets such as Adonis and Mahmoud Darwish. Their works reflect the complexities of identity, colonialism, and nationalism, capturing the struggles and aspirations of the region's people.