Anna Akhmatova was a prominent Russian poet born on June 23, 1889, in Odessa. She is known for her poignant and emotional poetry, which often reflects themes of love, loss, and the struggles of life in Russia during the early 20th century. Akhmatova became a leading figure in the Acmeist movement, which emphasized clarity and precision in poetry. Throughout her life, Akhmatova faced significant challenges, including censorship and personal tragedies. Her most famous works include the poem cycle Requiem, which memorializes the suffering of the Russian people during the Stalinist purges. She remains an influential literary figure, celebrated for her contributions to Russian literature.