Carnival and Counter-Narratives: Rewriting Identity and Resistance in Najib al-Turki’s Carnival by Hatem Al-Shamea Abstract Najib al-Turki’s Carnival (كرنفال) is a collection of short stories that delves into the complexities of human existence, societal norms, and the interplay between tradition and modernity. This article provides a theoretical analysis of the text, drawing on postcolonial …
Professor Abdelrahman Al Dirbiji: A Distinguished Model of the Professional Translator in the Arab World by Mohammed Al-Mekhlafi A Yemeni writer and journalist Professor Abdelrahman Abdrabou Al Dirbiji’s academic odyssey began in Sudan, where he undertook his high school studies primarily in English, with the notable exceptions of Arabic and Islamic studies. During this …
I’ve Grown So Much, Father By Abdulmajid Al-Turki Poetic Texts that Transcend the Traditional Boundaries of Prose Poetry By: Mohammed Al-Mekhlafi A Yemeni writer and journalist In the enchanting realm of prose poetry, the voice of the talented Yemeni poet Abdulmajid Al-Turki is recognized as one of the most …
When a Place Becomes a Memory: An Exploration of Hamid Oqabi’s Eurydice on the Night of Al Razem By Mohammed Al-Makhlafi A writer and journalist from Yemen The wall clock with the white frame ticks slowly. Its erratic movement halts in the evening before reaching seven. My heart races and all my senses focus on …
Navigating Identity, Resistance, and the Decline of Al-Andalus in ” The Bayyāzīn Quarter” By/ Hatem Al-Shamea Introduction The novel ” The Bayyāzīn Quarter” by Yemeni writer Abdulwahab Senni is a captivating exploration of the final days of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. Set against the backdrop of the impending fall …
Hamid Oqabi’s “Julia and Sheikh Al-Tihami” by Hatem Al-Shamea Hamid Oqabi’s “Julia and Sheikh Al-Tihami” is a remarkable literary exploration of societal disintegration, moral ambiguities, and the interplay of power and culture in a contemporary Middle Eastern context. This novel unfolds against a backdrop of Yemen’s rich yet deeply fractured sociopolitical landscape, navigating a …
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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