The poetics the Iraqi War: Between Discursive Conflicts and Diasporic Discourse
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: The poetics the Iraqi War: Between Discursive Conflicts and Diasporic Discourse
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Otared Haidar
Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: The poetics the Iraqi War: Between Discursive Conflicts and Diasporic Discourse
Year: 2012 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.4844
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study "The Poetics of the Iraqi War: Between Discursive Conflicts and Diasporic Discourse" by Otared Haidar examines the complex landscape of contemporary Iraqi poetry in the context of the prolonged wars that have shaped the lives and narratives of Iraqi poets over the last two decades. Amidst ongoing internal conflicts within the poetic community regarding authenticity and poetic excellence, the paper highlights the challenges faced by poets both within Iraq and in diaspora. This interdisciplinary study leverages sociocultural, textual, and comparative poetics to analyze representative poetic texts, delving into how these works reflect and engage with the socio-cultural experiences of war and its aftermath.
The Dichotomy of Home and Diasporic Poets
One crucial aspect discussed in Haidar's study is the division between Home-poets and Diasporic poets. This division reflects a deteriorating relationship between writers in Iraq and those living abroad, often referred to as "kuttab al-dakhil" and "kuttab al-kharij." Home-poets emphasize an authentic representation of Iraqi identity and experience while engaging with the realities on the ground. In contrast, Diasporic poets grapple with their experiences of exile, often employing their work to articulate their memories of Iraq and the traumas associated with displacement. The rivalry between the two groups underscores the ideological tensions relating to different representations of "Iraq" and each group's perceived role in preserving Iraqi culture.
The Challenge of Authenticity in Expression
Another essential theme in the study is the ongoing struggle for authentic expression among contemporary Iraqi poets. There is a pronounced sense of confusion and dissatisfaction regarding the ability of poetry to capture the complexity of wartime experiences. Poets voice their concerns about the inadequacy of the dominant poetic forms and their inability to achieve the same level of excellence as their predecessors. This quest for authenticity leads poets to question how to write masterful texts that resonate with the lived experiences of war. The challenge lies in navigating the boundary between powerful political engagement and literary excellence, as poets strive for a balance between aesthetic innovation and the urgent need for authentic representation of their reality.
The Intertextuality and Collective Memory
Haidar emphasizes how contemporary Iraqi poetry intricately weaves together historical references, cultural imagery, and intertextuality, creating a tapestry that connects past and present. This intertextual character is crucial for conveying the depth of suffering and nostalgia inherent in Iraqi identity, especially against the backdrop of war. The poetry reflects collective memories, with motifs such as the waiting mother and the homely images of tea and bread serving as poignant reminders of human connection amid conflict. Such intertextual layers enrich the poetry, allowing it to resonate with the experiences of both home and diaspora, thus fostering a sense of shared memory and cultural continuity.
The Role of Criticism and Institutional Support
Additionally, the study highlights the internal conflict within the poetic community regarding the role of literary criticism and institutional support. Many poets express frustration over the lack of adequate criticism which they believe could aid in elevating contemporary Iraqi poetry. Critiques of poetic production reveal a discontent with both the quantity and quality of published works, as several critics lament the absence of a robust literary framework that can nurture and promote poetic innovation. This environment of marginalization amplifies the sense of alienation felt by poets, particularly those operating under dire socio-political conditions, where maintaining a vibrant literary culture becomes increasingly challenging.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Otared Haidar's exploration of contemporary Iraqi poetry reveals a nuanced landscape shaped by war, conflict, and cultural dislocation. The dichotomy between Home and Diasporic poets embodies the complex realities facing Iraqi writers, who must navigate authenticity and representation in their work amidst ongoing societal upheaval. The interplay of historical consciousness, collective memory, and the role of criticism highlights both the challenges and potential of Iraqi poetry in articulating the subtleties of its national identity against a backdrop of trauma. As these poets continue to grapple with their socio-cultural realities, their work offers essential insights into the evolving nature of literature in post-war Iraq, laying the groundwork for a richer understanding of the impact of conflict on artistic expression.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of Otared Haidar's study?
The study explores contemporary Iraqi poetry during the last two decades, analyzing its prospects, challenges, and the socio-cultural context, particularly in relation to the ongoing impacts of two wars.
How does the Iraqi poetic community respond to the wars?
The community experiences internal conflicts regarding authentic portrayals of Iraq's situation and poetic excellence, resulting in a sense of marginalization and complaint about limited support from various institutions.
What distinguishes Home-poets from Diasporic poets in Iraq?
Home-poets are based in Iraq, facing direct socio-political challenges, while Diasporic poets live abroad, often responding to exile and creating narratives about their homeland from a distance.
What themes are prevalent in modern Iraqi poetry?
Themes of war, exile, nostalgia, and the emotional landscape of Iraq are prevalent, often intertwining historical references and personal experiences among different groups of poets.
What role does literary criticism play in contemporary Iraqi poetry?
Poets express the necessity for literary criticism to adapt and support their creative processes. Some criticize critics for neglecting the evolving state of Iraqi poetry and not engaging with the new poetic landscape adequately.
How does Haidar characterize the impact of wars on poetry?
Haidar argues that the ongoing wars have altered the approaches and representations in Iraqi poetry, prompting poets to grapple with their identities and challenge existing literary forms.
What is the expected future of Iraqi poetry, according to the study?
The study suggests that the discourse surrounding Iraqi poetry will evolve, reflecting ongoing conflicts that will shape cultural and national narratives in both Iraq and globally, particularly in relation to post-war discourse.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for “The poetics the Iraqi War: Between Discursive Conflicts and Diasporic Discourse”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.
1) Poetry (Poetic, Poetical):
Poetry in the text is constantly referenced as a medium through which Iraqi poets navigate the challenges and experiences of wartime. It serves as an intersection of cultural, political, and personal expression during periods of conflict in Iraq.
2) Poem:
Each poem discussed in the text, whether by Home-poets or Diasporic poets, serves as a direct reflection of their experiences and observations regarding the contemporary issues facing Iraq, from war-time trauma to diaspora struggles.
3) Experience:
The word 'experience' is relevant as the study and the poems explored seek to capture and express the socio-cultural experiences of Iraqis under war, through various poetic forms and narratives reflecting personal and collective trauma.
4) Confusion (Confused):
[see source text or glossary: Confused]
5) Death:
Death is a recurring theme in the poems discussed, highlighting the common and tragic experience of losing loved ones during the Iraq War, often described through vivid and emotional imagery.
6) Woman (Women):
The role and voices of women in war poetry, often providing a visceral and elegiac perspective, are significant in portraying a different, often personal, dimension of wartime suffering and loss.
7) Face (Faced, Facing):
The face is used symbolically in the poems, representing nostalgia, homeland, and loss, as seen in the essay's analysis of various poetic imageries such as 'the face of nostalgia' and personal portraits in grief.
8) Literature:
The literary institution in Iraq is portrayed as having faced significant collapse due to war, yet remains a vital field for understanding socio-political dynamics and cultural resilience, through the lens of poetry.
9) Politics:
[see source text or glossary: Politics]
10) Metrics (Metric):
Metrical references in the text pertain to the different poetic forms used by Iraqi poets, including classical-form qaside and metrical free verse poetry, often juxtaposed with prose poetry to express wartime experiences.
11) Image:
The imagery used by both Home and Diasporic poets is central to conveying the profound emotional landscapes and historical references deeply rooted in Iraqi culture and the experience of war.
12) Dream (Dreaming):
Dreams in the poems often symbolize desires for peace and a return to normalcy, with vivid descriptions of imagined futures or nostalgic recollections of a better past, thereby adding an aspirational layer to the poetry.
13) Light:
Light serves as a metaphor for hope and understanding in the poems, as poets use imagery of light breaking through darkness to symbolize clarity amidst the chaos and sorrow of war.
14) Debate:
Debates are a prominent feature of the Iraqi poetic scene, with ongoing critical and polemical discussions highlighting the role of poetry in representing authentic experiences of war and peace in Iraq.
15) Memory:
Memory plays a crucial role in the poems, as poets draw upon collective and personal memories to inform their work and connect to broader historical and cultural narratives, often invoking a sense of nostalgia.
16) Garden:
Gardens are symbolically used in the poetry to represent a place of growth, beauty, and sometimes decay, reflecting both the prosperity and the destruction brought about by the Iraq War.
17) Cloud:
Clouds are referenced as barriers to clarity and elements that encapsulate feelings of longing and loss, metaphorically representing the poet's exile or the obscured reality of life during wartime.
18) House:
The house often emerges in poems as a powerful symbol of home and belonging, juxtaposed with themes of displacement and destruction, reflecting the poets' yearning for a stable and peaceful homeland.
19) Heart:
Heart is a recurring symbol representing deep emotional experiences, ranging from love and hope to pain and loss, reflecting the passionate engagements of poets with their wartime experiences and cultural identity.
20) Grief:
Grief is a central theme in many poems, articulating the widespread loss and suffering experienced during the Iraq War, often depicted through poignant and personal narratives of loss.
21) River:
The river is a prevalent motif in Iraqi poetry signifying the flow of history and life, often used to depict both continuity and rupture in the cultural and personal experiences of Iraqis during wartime.
22) Union:
The Writers’ Union is mentioned as a critical entity in the cultural landscape of Iraq, providing a platform for poets and writers, although often entangled in the political and ideological conflicts of the time.
23) Tree:
[see source text or glossary: Tree]
24) City:
Cities in the poems represent centers of cultural and historical significance, often contrasted with images of destruction and decay to highlight the impact of war on urban life and heritage.
25) Book:
Books symbolize knowledge, history, and cultural continuity in the context of Iraqi literature, serving as a medium to preserve and convey the experiences and narratives shaped by the Iraq War.
26) Arabic literature:
[see source text or glossary: Arabic literature]
27) Communication (Communicate, Communicated, Communicating):
The notion of communication is vital in the context of poetry as a means to convey the complex and painful realities of the Iraqi wartime experience to both domestic and international audiences.
28) Recognition:
Recognition is sought by Iraqi poets both at home and in the diaspora for their literary contributions, signifying their engagement with a global audience and the validation of their experiences.
29) Mountain:
Mountains in the poems often symbolize enduring challenges and resilience, representing the formidable socio-cultural and political landscapes navigated by Iraqi poets.
30) Dialogue:
Dialogue between poets, critics, and cultural institutions forms a crucial part of understanding and shaping contemporary Iraqi poetry, highlighting diverse perspectives on authenticity and artistic merit.
31) Shoulder:
[see source text or glossary: Shoulder]
32) Festival:
Poetic festivals, such as the al-Marbid Poetic Festival, serve as platforms for poets to present their work, fostering a sense of community and cultural exchange amidst the disruptions caused by war.
33) Soldier:
Soldiers and their actions are depicted in the poems reflecting the brutal reality of war, as seen in instances like the shooting of a child, thereby presenting a raw commentary on the violence in Iraq.
34) Network:
Cultural and literary networks both inside Iraq and in the diaspora play a critical role in the dissemination and health of contemporary Iraqi poetry, acting as support systems for poets amidst adversity.
35) Window:
Windows are used metaphorically to represent perspectives and outlooks on reality, often emphasizing the distancing effect of exile or the limited view one has of the immense suffering back home.
36) Desire:
[see source text or glossary: Desire]
37) Utari:
'Abdulla al-‘Udhari is referenced in the context of documenting and analyzing modern Arabic poetry, providing a scholarly foundation for understanding the evolution and characteristics of contemporary Iraqi poetry.
38) Lover:
The figure of the heroic lover appears in the poetry as a romanticized symbol of resistance and passion, juxtaposed against the backdrop of wartime realities and the motif of lost or unattainable love.
39) Cheek:
Cheeks often symbolize emotional responses, such as in poems where women's cheeks bleed tears resembling jasmine, depicting intense grief and loss in a physical, visceral manner.
40) Child (Children):
Children symbolize the vulnerable and innocent victims of war, with their presence in the poems highlighting the deep moral and humanitarian crises brought about by the conflict in Iraq.
41) Night:
Night is employed metaphorically to represent darkness, uncertainty, and fear, with poets often describing their ascension through the metaphorical or literal night to convey their struggles and aspirations.
42) Sound:
Sound imagery in the poems helps to evoke the atmosphere of Iraq during wartime, from the call to prayer to the buzzing of daily life, thereby enriching the sensory experience and emotional depth.
43) Boat:
[see source text or glossary: Boat]
44) Palm:
Palm trees signify resilience and continuity in Iraqi poetry, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the Iraqi people amidst the devastation, harkening back to classical imagery of the Iraqi landscape.
45) Personal experience:
Personal experiences provide a foundational layer to the poems, allowing the poets to convey their individual and collective traumas, memories, and insights into the broader context of the Iraq War.
46) Crossing (Cross over):
The concept of crossing over in the poems can be symbolic, representing transitions, transformations, or passages between states of being, particularly in terms of life, death, and the emotional journey in wartime.
47) Destruction:
Destruction is a pervasive theme in the poems, capturing the physical and emotional devastation wrought by war, and providing a critical lens through which the poets reflect on their experiences and the state of their homeland.
48) Perception:
[see source text or glossary: Perception]
49) Exhalation:
Exhalation imagery in the poems captures the breath of life and moments of relief amidst suffering, symbolizing both the literal and metaphorical act of inhaling and exhaling the experiences of wartime.
50) Knowledge:
Knowledge, represented through intellectual struggle and references to classical texts, underlies much of the poetry, highlighting the poets' engagement with historical and cultural wisdom as a means of understanding and resisting wartime chaos.
51) Testimony:
The poems serve as testimony to the experiences and events of the Iraq War, providing a narrative record and an emotional account meant to validate and communicate the poets' and their community's suffering.
52) Wrestling:
Wrestling imagery in the poems metaphorically captures the poets' struggle against overwhelming odds, whether personal demons, societal expectations, or the oppressive reality of war.
53) Guideline:
Guidelines refer to the societal and institutional regulations that poets have to navigate, often critiquing their restrictive and shifting nature as part of the larger commentary on cultural repression during war.
54) Trembling (Tremble, Trembled):
Trembling is used to evoke the fear, uncertainty, and instability experienced by individuals living through the Iraq War, underscoring the fragile and tumultuous nature of existence during such times.
55) Language:
Language is a central concern, especially regarding its insufficiency in fully capturing and conveying the profundity of wartime experiences, with poets striving to push the boundaries of poetic expression.
56) Forehead:
[see source text or glossary: Forehead]
57) Chariot:
[see source text or glossary: Chariot]
58) Singing:
Singing symbolizes resilience and hope, as seen in the poetic portrayal of the activities that helped Iraqis cope with the constraints of the war, such as expanding the metaphoric 'skylight' with songs.
59) Lineage:
The lineage of Iraqi poetry is celebrated and referenced, with contemporary poets attempting to preserve and build upon the legacy of influential forebears like Nāzik al-Malā’ika and Badr Shākir al-Sayyāb.
60) Feeling:
Feelings of grief, loss, nostalgia, and resilience permeate the poems, echoing the intense emotional landscape of the Iraqi experience during times of war and displacement.
61) Sadness:
Sadness is a prevalent emotion in the poems, often depicted through vivid imagery and poignant narratives that reflect the extensive suffering and loss faced by the Iraqi people during the war.
62) Heroism:
[see source text or glossary: Heroism]
63) Hundred:
[see source text or glossary: Hundred]
64) Evening:
Evenings are depicted as times of reflection and remembrance in the poems, offering a temporal setting that often contrasts the day's chaos with moments of introspection and emotional depth.
65) Eternal:
[see source text or glossary: Eternal]
66) Vehicle:
Vehicles are mentioned symbolically in the context of transporting individuals, hopes, and sorrow, contributing to the imagery of movement and transition in the wartime experience.
67) Jasmine:
[see source text or glossary: Jasmine]
68) Thomas:
[see source text or glossary: Thomas]
69) Mahmud:
[see source text or glossary: Mahmud]
70) Wisdom:
Wisdom, often drawn from historical and cultural references, underpins much of the poetry, providing a framework through which poets engage with past and present to find meaning in the chaos of war.
71) Bitter:
Bitterness captures the harsh realities faced by the poets and their subjects, often reflecting a deep sense of disillusionment and sorrow brought about by relentless conflict and loss.
72) Syria (Syrian):
[see source text or glossary: Syrian]
73) Prayer:
[see source text or glossary: Prayer]
74) Heaven:
Heaven serves as a metaphorical and literal point of aspiration and solace in the poems, representing a place of respite from the war-torn reality and a connection to the divine.
75) Thirst:
Thirst in the poetry symbolizes unfulfilled desires and unmet needs, whether for peace, stability, or emotional closure, reflecting the broader sense of deprivation caused by the war.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 104]