Symposium showcases Palestinian resilience
Poets and novelists have weaved the Palestinian plight into their narratives, often using land and femininity as symbols of the struggle FAKHRI SALEH
A symposium titled ‘Holding on to the Land in Palestinian Literature’ put the spotlight on the resilience of the Palestinian people amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza at Muscat International Book Fair on Tuesday.
The session, forming an integral part of the 28th edition of the book fair's cultural activities, delved into the portrayal of the enduring struggle of the Palestinian people through the lens of their literature, underscoring its role in articulating the collective Palestinian saga.
Syrian author Subhi Hadidi led the discussions, focusing on Mahmoud Darwish's pivotal contribution as a poet deeply connected to the Palestinian cause. Hadidi explored Darwish's unique literary style and his profound attachment to the Palestinian land, likening him to the emblematic olive tree, as echoed in Shaker al Nabulsi's book Simply, which describes Darwish as a symbol of the land itself.
The symposium also shed light on the challenges faced by Palestinian writers such as Emile Habib, Jabra al Jabra, Ghassan Kanafani, Abbad Yahya and Atef Abu Saif, whose rights have been denied, yet their works have significantly influenced a literary resurgence.
These authors have intricately woven narratives around themes of love for the land, olives, struggle and perseverance, reflecting the unyielding spirit of the Palestinian people, particularly in the context of Gaza against the backdrop of Israeli occupation.
Fakhri Saleh, a writer from Jordan, examined the evolution of Palestinian literature against the canvas of contemporary issues, especially the ongoing strife. He emphasised how poets and novelists have weaved the Palestinian plight into their narratives, often using land and femininity as symbols of the struggle. Saleh referenced Kanafani and Darwish's works, notably the latter’s The Land, which pays homage to the martyrs of Palestine and celebrates the icons of resistance.
Palestinian writer Adel al Osta spoke on the role of Palestinian novels in the conflict and against Israeli occupation. His presentation underscored the novel as a medium for engaging with and reflecting upon the protracted conflict, highlighting the written word’s contribution to the Palestinian narrative of resistance and survival.
The symposium not only highlighted the enduring theme of attachment to the land in Palestinian literature but also celebrated the indomitable spirit of the Palestinian people through the prism of their literary achievements.