Latest news with #ArabicLiterature
The National
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
'Alnisyan': How the Arabic word for forgetfulness is a poetic shorthand for sorrow
Tunisian author Mahmoud Messadi published a novel in 1945 titled Mawlid Alnisyan, which translates as Birth of Oblivion. The book is a philosophical and symbolic work that explores the tension between memory, identity and the desire to escape history. As the protagonist confronts questions of time and the human condition, the novel probes whether forgetting is a form of liberation or a path to self-erasure. Our Arabic word of the week is alnisyan, which translates to forgetfulness and oblivion. Rooted in the triliteral Arabic root noon, seen, yaa, which means to forget, it conveys a graceful nuance, evoking the gentle slipping of memories into the mists of time. Unlike the term nisyan, which simply means forgetting, alnisyan conjures a poetic surrender: the embrace of forgetting, the dissolving of events, people, even entire eras from collective memory, descending into complete oblivion. It sits alongside expressing solace or emotional release, captured by a second meaning of silwan, which translates to consolation through forgetting. The word can be seen in poetic Arabic phrases such as dakhal fee ghumrat alnisyan, which translates to 'he descended into the depths of oblivion', or alnisyan ahhab teeb, which translates to 'forgetfulness is the best healing'. Alnisyan can also carry a warning. It can hint at a culture losing touch with its roots, or a society willing to forget injustice for the sake of comfort. Alnisyan could also become a path to finding oneself and breaking the shackles of the past. In the Sufi concept of al fana, practitioners are encouraged to annihilate the self in pursuit of divine truth. Here, forgetting is not a fault but a virtue, a surrendering of ego that brings one closer to enlightenment. In Arabic music, the word is often used to express sorrow. In Libyan singer Ahmed Fakroun's 1977 song Nisyan, he describes a relationship that has faded away, exemplified by the looks of forgetfulness in his former lover's eyes. In 2021, Lebanese singer Assi El Hallani released a song titled Keif Ansak, which translates to 'how to forget you'. In it, he asks himself and his former lover how to forget all the times they spent together, the good and the bad. In today's fast-moving world, where memory often feels fleeting, alnisyan reminds us that forgetting is not always passive. Sometimes, it is deliberate. Sometimes, it is essential. And sometimes, it is what allows us to move on.
Arab News
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi author brings stories closer to home
RIYADH: When Saudi writer Kendah Jambi released 'The Epic of Frost' in 2024, she wrapped up a fantasy trilogy that had been nearly a decade in the making. Spanning three titles published by Adab Book — 'The Voyagers' (2021), 'The Historian' (2023), and 'The Epic of Frost' (2024) — the trilogy reflects a growing interest in Arabic speculative fiction and highlights her steady rise within the Kingdom's evolving literary scene. With the series complete, the 25-year-old has turned the page with a new project: 'Khalil,' a standalone novel rooted in Saudi heritage and slated for release this year. Reflecting on her journey, she told Arab News: 'In comparison to when I first started, it has definitely become a lot easier to write and complete a novel in shorter amount of time.' Her works have resonated with readers across Saudi Arabia who seek her out at the region's various book fairs. Jambi said that she is touched by the kindness they express and their connection to her works. 'I have young authors flooding my socials daily talking about how my work inspired them to write and stay persistent.' • Kendah Jambi's 'The Voyager' fantasy trilogy gained momentum through its Manga Arabia adaptation. • The writer's next project 'Khalil' is a stand-alone novel rooted in Saudi heritage and slated for release this year. • Her works have resonated with readers across Saudi Arabia who seek her out at the region's various book fairs. She added that her goal has always been 'to make the world fall in love with the Arabic language.' Her trilogy also gained momentum through its Manga Arabia adaptation, which Jambi said brought new attention to the original novels. This, she said, brings the story full circle as 'The Voyagers' was written originally to be a manga series and ended up becoming a novel. Her advice to aspiring writers is grounded in experience: 'Always chase what you believe in, no matter how long it takes. It took me seven years to write my first book, and I never regret taking my time,' she said. While her earlier work leaned heavily into fantasy, her upcoming novel 'Khalil' represents a shift in setting and tone. ''Khalil' takes place in our modern-day Saudi Arabia across different regions. It reflects our heritage and traditions while being completely inspired by Arabian mythology,' she explained. One such reimagining involves the folklore figure 'Um Al-Saaf wa Al-Leef,' whom she described as 'a witch who sits atop palm trees and eats children.' In Jambi's version, the character is still a deranged witch, but she does not eat children — instead, she has children named Al-Saaf and Al-Leef. Jambi emphasized the importance of cultural accuracy in portraying southern Saudi characters, noting that her work 'stays true to the people … I definitely made sure of that with help from friends native to that region. 'The characters are people whom Saudi readers can relate to as they hold similar values and have a familiar upbringing,' she added. Explaining the shift from fantasy to a narrative more grounded in reality, Jambi said: 'My pen is free and can go wherever it wants.' She sees the current moment in Saudi Arabia as particularly significant for writers, with growing cultural initiatives under Vision 2030. Maram Al-Samman, who read Jambi's trilogy, told Arab News: 'I see in Kendah Jambi a new and promising voice in Arabic fantasy literature … There are some moments that might lack narrative coherence, but her boldness in introducing new ideas and her creation of complex characters distinguish her work.' Reflecting on her overall impression, Al-Samman added: 'Personally, I believe her writing is worth reading, especially for those who enjoy novels that expand the imagination and open the door to deep thought.' With the trilogy and her upcoming standalone novel sharing the same narrative universe, Jambi has created an expansive literary ecosystem where the fantastical and the familiar coexist.
Al-Ahram Weekly
04-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Don't miss a talk with multidisciplinary artist Darja Shatalova at the Austrian Cultural Forum - Lectures - Al-Ahram Weekly
American University in Cairo New Cairo Campus Tues 11, 7pm (virtual meeting via Zoom): Join a special virtual book discussion of The Many Lives of Ibrahim Nagui: A Journey with my Grandfather, winner of the Sawiris Cultural Award. This multi-generational memoir explores the life of one of the Arab world's most celebrated romantic poets, as seen through his granddaughter's eyes Samia Mehrez. The discussion will feature award-winning author Samia Mehrez, Professor Emerita of Arabic Literature in the Department of Arab and Islamic Civilizations at the AUC. She will be in conversation with Joy Amina Garnett, an artist and writer whose work explores memory and loss. The discussion will be moderated by Marcia Lynx Qualey, translator, and literary critic. The link is There will be a Q&A session at the end of the discussion; you can send your questions ahead of time via email: [email protected]. The discussion will be streamed live on the AUC Press Facebook page. Austrian Cultural Forum 1103 Cornishe El-Nile, Garden City, 1st floor, apt 7, next to Shepheard Hotel, Cairo Mon 10, 7pm: "Mapping Ideas: The Fascinating World of Artist Books" an artist talk with Austria-based multidisciplinary artist Darja Shatalova, currently an artist-in-residence at ARD for Art in Cairo. Shatalova specializes in artist books – carefully crafted works that document her creative process and serve as the foundation for her large-scale installations, performances, and sound projects. With a background in mathematics, she creates intricate notations that look like a mix of calculations and spatial plans – almost like modern-day hieroglyphs. In this talk, she will share insights into her artist books and explain how they evolve into spatial artworks. She will also explore the many forms of artist books, from printed editions and handmade volumes to experimental formats, and discuss their connection to installation and performance art. It will be followed by a workshop on "How to Create Your Own Artist Book" with Shatalova on 11 and 12 February, 6-8pm. In this two-day workshop, participants will explore unconventional book designs and create their own artist books. Through discussion, hands-on experimentation, and feedback sessions, participants will develop their personal book concepts – whether text-based, visual, or in hybrid forms. Bibliothek Arkan Plaza, Extension of Sheikh Zayed District, Giza, Tel 010 66860098/010 66500748 Sun 9, 6pm: The opening night of renowned artist Mohamed Abla's new exhibition of bronze sculpture titled "Figures and Forms" will feature a panel discussion between Abla and designer Karim El-Hyawan, moderated by Ibrahim Abla. The conversation will explore Abla's transition from painting to sculpture, the influence of bronze on design, and the dynamic relationship between art and design. Diwan 159, 26th of July St, Zamalek, Tel 01222 40 7084 Sat 8, 7pm: Join the launch and signing of the book Blue Jacket for a Prisoner, a Worker and a Sailor with writer Ahmed Abdel-Gabbar, in an engaging discussion moderated by Asmaa Gamal Abdel-Nasser. ALEXANDRIA French Cultural Institute 30 Al-Nabi Danial St, Mahatet Misr, Alexandria, Tel 03 3913435/3918952 Sat 7, 5pm: "Roads of Peace" programme presents 'Solidarity in Our Contemporary Societies' a round table discussion, moderated by Aziz Hilal (French High School in Cairo). With interventions by Georges Fahmy (Arab Forum for Alternatives); Ali Abuelella (Al-Shihab Foundation for Development and Comprehensive Development), and Youssef Naguib (Samu Social International Egypt). * A version of this article appears in print in the 6 February, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Short link:
