Saudi Literature
Saudi Literature consists of literary texts written in the Arabic language by Saudi writers or poets. It is divided into two main types: poetry and prose. It is also an extension of the literature of the Arabian Peninsula, which dates back to the eras before the advent of Islam, i.e. before the year 610, and is historically known as the era of pre-Islamic literature.
Poetry in Saudi Literature
Poetry in Saudi literature is divided into two types: classical poetry and Nabati poetry which is inspired by local dialects and is popular among popular circles. The word "diwan" refers to a collection of poetry. The diwan entitled "Spring Dreams" by Taher Zamakhshari is the first collection of poetry in the history of Saudi literature.
Poetry, both Nabati and classical, is prevalent in Saudi literature. It prevails over novel and prose works and enjoys wide popularity among the public, unlike literary nature in other cultures, such as Russian literature, which is dominated by storytelling and long novels.
Role of the press in publishing Saudi literature
Umm Al-Qura Newspaper, with its first issue published in 1924, contributed to the activity of the Saudi literary movement at that time, specifically in prose and essay literature, through the publication of literary and cultural articles.
"Al Manhal" is the first Saudi magazine concerned with literature, culture, science, and society. It published articles and short stories, and its first issue was published in 1936. In 1949, "Rawdah," the first magazine for short literary stories targeting children, was issued.
The first novel in the history of Saudi literature
The first novel in the history of Saudi literature was published two years before the announcement of the unification of Saudi Arabia, specifically in 1930. It was entitled Al-Taw'aman (The Twins
) by Abd Al-Quddus Al-Ansari. This was followed by the issuance of a number of novels, including the novel Fikrah (Idea) by Ahmed al-Siba'i in 1947, Thaman Al-Tadhiyah (The Price of Sacrifice) in 1959, and Marrat Al-Ayyam (The Days Have Passed) in 1963 by Ḥamid Damanhuri.
The beginnings of Saudi theatrical literature
Saudi theatrical literature first appeared in 1932, when writer Hussein Siraj wrote a play entitled Al-Zalim Nafsah (The Injustice to Oneself,) which was the first play in the history of Saudi literature. Acting on stage also saw the light of day in 1973 with the play Tabib Bil Mishaab (Doctor with a Stick.) Theatrical literature is less common in Saudi Arabia than in other genres.
The emergence of travel literature in Saudi Arabia
Travel literature appeared and persisted since the inception of Saudi literature. It included several literary productions, most notably: Dhikrayat Baris (Memories of Paris) in 1980 by Abdul Karim Al-Juhayman, Shahr fi Dimashq (A Month in Damascus) in 1955 by Abdullah Bin Khamis, in addition to Rihlat fi Amrika Al-Wusta (Travels in Central America) in 1985 by Mohammed Al-Aboudi, who wrote about 125 books in travel literature.
The emergence of Saudi literary clubs
Saudi literary clubs first appeared in 1975, when six clubs were established in Riyadh, Jeddah, Taif, Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, and Jazan. Subsequently, their numbers increased to sixteen clubs in various cities and governorates of Saudi Arabia. These clubs seek to spread literary and cultural production, and build bridges of cultural communication between writers, in addition to supporting and attracting young Saudi talents.
Role of writers and poets in the development of Saudi literature
Saudi literature has been enriched by a number of prominent authors and writers of prose and theater, including: Ahmed Al-Siba'i, Hussein Arab, Mohamed Johary, Hamza Bogary, Ahmad Attar, Ghazi Al-Gosaibi, Muhammad Abduh Yamani, Mlhat Abdullah, Laila Al-Juhani, and Hamid Damanhuri.
A number of poets have excelled in Saudi literature, including: Mohammed Al-Sabban, Ahmed Qandil, Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal, Hamad Al-Hajji, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Khalaf Bin Hazal, Muhammad Thubayti, Thuraya Qabel, Prince Badr Bin Abdul Mohsen, and Prince Abdulrahman Bin Musa'id. Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi, as another example, has written both poetry and prose.
Many Saudi literary works have been translated into several languages, such as English, Chinese, and others, including the following novels: Thaman Al-Tadhiyah (The Price of Sacrifice,) Thuqb fi Rida' Al-Layl (A Hole in the Night's Gown,) and 'Araq wa Teen (Sweat and Mud.)
Role of book fairs in publishing Saudi literature
Annual book fairs are organized in Saudi Arabia, including the Riyadh and Jeddah International Fairs. These fairs attract writers and publishing houses to showcase their literary and cultural publications. Moreover, literary competitions and awards specializing in poetry and public speaking are held in Saudi Arabia, including poetry and public speaking competitions in Souq Okaz, as well as the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal International Award for Arabic Poetry, and the King Abdulaziz Award for Traditional Literature.
Saudi Arabia documented the literary movement in Saudi Arabia, including the issuance of the “Dictionary of Literature and Writers in Saudi Arabia” by King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, which is a huge encyclopedia with about 1,900 pages. It also includes documentation and history of the literary scene. Moreover, the encyclopedia provides literary criticism of some texts and poems.
Sources
Encyclopedia of Saudi Writers and Authors Over Sixty Years (1350 AH- 1410 AH) Ahmad Sa'eed Bin Salm. 1992
Idris, Muhammad, (2006) Modern Saudi Literature.