Humanity in the contemporary Iraqi arabic novels with special reference to the selected war novels

Abstract

“Humanity in Contemporary Arabic Novels in Iraq, with Special Reference to Selected War Novels,” is a critical and analytical study that seeks to explore the representations of the concept of humanity in contemporary Iraqi novels, particularly those written in the context of wars and conflicts that Iraq has witnessed since the late twentieth century and the early twentyfirst century. The study is based on the central premise that modern Iraqi novels have not merely documented the events of war, but have gone beyond that to construct a profound humanistic discourse that addresses issues of dignity, identity, justice, memory, and psychological suffering in the midst of violence and destruction. The study aims to trace the development of the Arabic novel in Iraq and to examine the impact of successive wars on the transformation of its narrative discourse, with a particular focus on how human values are embodied within the artistic structure of the novel. To achieve this objective, three contemporary war novels have been selected that represent significant narrative models in this field: Wahdaha Shajarat al-Rumman by Sinan Antun, Frankenstein fi Baghdad by Ahmed Saadawi, and Layl Ali Baba al-Hazin by Abdul Khaleq Al-Rikabi. These works were chosen for their artistic diversity, human depth, and their ability to reflect the Iraqi experience during times of war. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, supported by qualitative and historical methods, as well as close textual analysis, in order to provide a comprehensive reading of the selected texts. This approach allows for an examination of narrative techniques, character construction, symbolism, and the interplay between reality and imagination, and how these elements contribute to portraying the image of a human being torn between life and death, revenge and justice. The study also draws on psychological and philosophical perspectives to understand the impact of war on individual and collective consciousness, particularly in relation to trauma, alienation, fragmentation of identity, and existential anxiety, which frequently appear in Iraqi war narratives. Key Findings: e Human values in “Wahdaha Shajarat al-Rumman” by Sinan Antun, “Frankenstein fi Baghdad by Ahmed Saadawi”, and “Layl Ali Baba al-Hazin” by Abdul Khaleq AlRikabi emerge as central elements in the narrative, with concepts such as dignity, justice, and compassion forming the foundational core of the novels’ structures. « These novels depict cruelty, oppression, brutality, and injustice boldly and without fear, raising awareness in society and presenting human examples that strengthen the conscience of the nation. o The selected novels are distinguished by their linking of humanity with symbolism, portraying life-and-death struggles and memories within the context of war. o Modern Iraqi novels, through their messages and ideas, transcend national boundaries and address universal human issues, resonating with the experiences of other peoples affected by war. « The novels respond to questions about humanity by portraying others as fellow human beings—brothers and friends—rather than enemies. The study also emphasizes that the humanity presented in these novels is not a pre-packaged value but rather an open ethical and philosophical question, reshaped within a narrative space that reflects human fragility alongside the capacity for resistance and survival. This thesis contributes to filling a critical gap in Arabic literary studies by offering a comprehensive reading of humanity, linking it to its social, historical, and psychological context, and thereby enhancing the understanding of Iraqi literature as distinctly humanistic.