A Journey Through Exile, Memory, and Identity by Hatem Al-Shamea Hamid Oqabi’s “Eurydice on the Night of Razm” (يوريديس في ليلة الرازِم) stands as a literary tour de force, a poignant meditation on the complexities of displacement, memory, and identity. This novella delves into the layered psyche of diasporic existence, interweaving personal …
I Spread My Eyelids Over Your Sacred Soil (Translated by Hatem Al-Shamea from Nizar Qabbani’s original Arabic poem) I spread my eyelids over your sacred soil, O Damascus—why must we begin with blame? You are my beloved—rest as a song Upon my arms, ask not the reason for the flame. You are all women; …
The Art and Structure of the Short Story by Hatem Al-Shamea The short story, as a literary form, holds a unique position in the world of fiction. Unlike novels, which have the luxury of extended narratives, or poetry, which often relies on condensed emotion and metaphor, the short story must master …
Like a stylish barber A poem by Mohammed Hasan Al-Quzahi translated by Hatem Al-Shamea You’ll never grasp this rain, It’s rustling, As it carves a path Through windowpanes, Stirring painted butterflies On the wall, And moves along a road Of melancholy, Scattering old wounds And searching for dreams Life has gifted me. You …
The Year of Famine Short story by Arafat Musleh Translated by Hatem Al-Shamea It was a serene morning with a cloudless sky, but suddenly, the heavens darkened as if something had soured its mood. These unexpected clouds were an unwelcome guest to the villagers whose crops were still drying on the flat, rocky …
Transformation Theory: A Philosophical and Literary Framework by Dr. Hatem Mohammed Al-Shamea Dr. Hatem Al-Shamea’s Transformation Theory offers a comprehensive and nuanced framework for understanding character development within literary works. The theory postulates that characters undergo a series of stages, moving from an initial state of relative stability to a final state of transformation. …
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Smiling Through the Chains: A Portrait of Yemen’s Struggle for Freedom by Hatem Mohammed Al-Shamea The image depicts a Yemeni man chained, yet smiling—a poignant and haunting reflection of resilience under brutal repression. This portrayal encapsulates a profound message about endurance and defiance in the face of dehumanization. The chains that bind the …
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One Day by Abdullah Al-Baradouni. It was written in celebrating “September 1962”, the great Yemeni revolution against Imamate. translated by Hatem Al-Shamea One Day We awoke to the dawn of a youthful day, In the morning of dreams, come, let’s sway. * * * Do you know, O Sun, what transpired that night? We …
The Mother Tree: Nostalgia, Transformation, and Identity in the Yemeni Diaspora By Dr. Hatem Mohammed Al-Shamea Introduction Hamid Oqabi’s novel centers around the life of a Yemeni immigrant in France. The narrative primarily revolves around the protagonist’s internal world, which is intricately tied to his memories of his homeland, particularly his associations …
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The Ordinary Death A sketch by Abdelkarim Mohammed Scene 1 Setting: A tent surrounded by a group of people in a dynamic and changing environment.Time: Evening. [A group enters the tent.] Sheikh Wahdan: Welcome, please come in. Please, have a seat. [The group sits down.] Sheikh Wahdan: …
September’s Blessing by Gha’eb Hawas translated by Hatem Al-Shamea Blessed are they who penned your dawn and set it free, And walked ahead so you, O September, could live in victory. Blessed are they, and your eternity is bound in their name, For none like them, or you, will history ever claim. O …
Fear by Yemeni poet, Abdullah Al-Baradouni translated by Hatem Al-Shamea These new lies A death with countless hands, Spreading nests and queues, Tall buildings that expand… Falling… and swiftly, They don the face of a martyr, Or the youth of a martyred maiden, Borrowing the lament, And donning the flesh of the poem. They …
The Historical Background of Narrative Writing in Yemen By Dr. Hatem Mohammed Al-Shamea The novel in Yemen emerged as a delicate plant, sprouting from the soil of folk tales and nourished by the sweet eloquence of the Yemeni tongue. With the dawn of the 20th century, this plant began to be influenced …
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Do Not Complain to Others of a Wound You Bear by Karim Al-Iraqi translated by Hatem Al-Shamea
Behind the Rays by Mohammed Hasan Al-Quzahi translated by Hatem Al-Shamea Behind the Rays they run, on soil untouched, chasing the hunt of the field. They weave medals from the wrinkles of a familiar face, and a familiar voice. They master the art of movement, behind the rays, gathering echoes of rumors. In the …
Review of Najeeb Abdulrazzaq Al-Turki’s Winter Sun Hatem Al-Shamea Introduction “شمس الشتاء” (Winter Sun) by Najeeb Abdulrazzaq Al-Turki is a Yemeni novel that delves into the complexities of human emotions, societal norms, and existential themes. The narrative, filled with symbolic language and philosophical undertones, reflects on the nature of life, love, and loss through …
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The Anguish of a Poem by Entesar Hasan translated by Hatem Al-Shamea Gently, my love, for your coldness has undone me, I’ve come to pour out my torment and my sorrow. My womanhood was freed from the prison of its loneliness, As the scent of my perfume intoxicated my garments. You’ve wounded my heart, …
Does History Repeat Itself? By Abdul Aziz Al-Maqaleh It is not true, as some contemporary writings suggest, that history repeats itself. It is often people who repeat the mistakes of their ancestors, making these repetitions seem like history is being replayed. Many do not read history or heed its events and past occurrences, which …
The Journey by Mohammed Al-Shahat translated by Hatem Al-Shamea The dervish gazed upon the minaret, Imagining how many angels Descended upon it. He felt the echoes of the call to prayer, And saw a door open, Angels descending, And demons hastening their steps to hide. His eyes filled with a light Mingling with another …
Ahmed Ali Al-Hamdani: A Distinguished Scholar and Literary Figure Professor Ahmed Ali Al-Hamdani is one of the most prominent researchers, academics, critics, and writers in Yemen. He is a poet, author, and translator, who has accomplished a significant number of books and research in various fields. As a polymath, he has authored works across …
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Romanticizing Cigarette Smoking, Alcohol, Nudity, and Drug Consumption in Arabic Cinema by Hatem Al-Shamea Introduction The romanticization of cigarette smoking, alcohol, and drug consumption in cinema has profound implications for societal norms and values. This phenomenon is particularly notable in Egyptian films, which often depict these behaviors as symbols of sophistication, rebellion, or coping …
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The Mechanic: A Critical Analysis through Postcolonial and Magic Realism Lenses by Hatem Al-Shamea Introduction “The Mechanic” (“الميكانيكي”) by Sa’eed Al-Hamadi is a compelling short story that delves into the life of a dedicated mechanic who takes pride in his work despite facing various personal and professional challenges. This story is ripe for …
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Unveiling Yemeni Womanhood: A Feminist Critique of Patriarchal Structures in Nadia Al-Kawkabani’s My Sana’a by Hatem Al-Shamea Introduction The novel My Sana’a by Nadia Al-Kawkabani provides a rich tapestry for critical analysis through the lens of feminist literary theory. Al-Kawkabani, a prominent Yemeni novelist, explores the complexities of gender, identity, and societal expectations in …
Do Not Seek the Purpose in My Words by Zain Al-Abidin Al-Dubaibi translated by Hatem Al-Shamea Do not seek the purpose in my words, For darkness has consumed my fingers and my tongue. The years plunder moments from me, Forcibly, and their cup overflows with my tears. This bitter smoke is the …
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Tradition and Modernity in Yemeni Literature: A Critical Analysis of Hamid Oqabi’s The Yemeni Stallion by Hatem Al-Shamea Introduction The Yemeni Stallion, “الكبش اليماني الفحل” is a contemporary novel written by the Yemeni writer, Hamid Oqabi in 2024. It delves into the cultural and social fabric of a Yemeni village. Through its narrative, the …
When Pain Slumbers by Eman Al-Saeedi translated by Hatem Al-Shamea (1) The chemistry of the universe, Bodies of pallor. There, Where the green face of humanity withers Like the veins of an aged wind. (2) In an existence of anxiety, Half of it blood, and half of it whiteness. For the fragility of …
Rereading the Egyptian Film “Escape to the Top” By Hatem Al-Shamea “Escape to the Top” (الهروب إلى القمة), was released in 1996, directed by Adel al-Aasar and written by Muhammad Safa’ Al-Amir and starring the renowned Egyptian actor Nour El Sharif, offers a bold and incisive critique of corruption and socio-economic despair in Egypt. …
Oh, dwellers on the shelf of absence by Naji Atayh translated by Hatem Al-Shamea Oh, dwellers on the shelf of absence, is it not Time for your return, after this long neglect? Long have we stood upon the reasons for your return, Our spirits behind us, savoring the pain. How long shall …
The Garment of a Lonely Birth by Eman Al-Saeedi translated by Hatem Al-Shamea The Garment of a Lonely Birth To my dear homeland. Do not wear out the garment of our only birth.. Thus, I imagine my one true friend whispering in my ear. My friend, Whose heart distances have …
Here and Now by Mahmoud Darwish translated by Hatem Al-Shamea Here, among the fragments of something And nothing, we live On the outskirts of eternity. Sometimes, we play chess, and we do not Care about the fates beyond the door. We are still here Building from the ruins Dovecotes of lunar pigeons. …
