ABU DHABI - The National Library of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) announced the publication of two new titles; one on the theme of Andalusian poetry, the other on the history of the Levant (Sham: Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan) under Ottoman rule.
The first book is entitled "Time in Andalusia Poetry: A Study of the Dynamics of Meaning". The author is Dr. Luay Ali Khalil, and the book seeks to reveal the shifts in opinion that have come about, specifically on the concept of time and its context within Andalusian poetry.
The choice of topic was attributed to the references to time - which were exceptionally common in Andalusia – that are frequently to be seen in poetry texts particular to the specific period. These references appeared amid frequent complaints from poets who objected on political, social, cultural and psychological grounds.
The introduction to the book describes the poetry within as being in protest to the harshness of particular times; specifically those periods in which the poet was writing. , Attention is paid to the hardships and conflicts being experienced in Andalusia during these times, and how this was reflected by poets within their poetry.
The author argues that these protests, and the way in which references to the meaning of the passage of time in Andalusia are portrayed, have not previously been thoroughly studied.
The introduction also seeks to address the linguistic, religious, philosophical and poetic meanings of the concept, alongside its related changes and developments.
Meanwhile, the National Library also published a second book, entitled "History of the Levant at the Outset of the Ottoman Empire (1520-1544)," written by Dr. Ahmen Badeesh.
The book addresses a historic period of the Arab Sham area under Ottoman rule. It uses many pictures, maps and illustrations which are based on rare manuscripts held at the German state library, Staatsbibliothek in Berlin.
The book also seeks to track down the lost pages of the manuscript "Mufakahat Al Khilan Fi Hawadish Al Zaman" (Jests of Friends on Incidents of the Times) by Ibn Tulun Al Salihi Al Dimashqi.
The introduction of the book focuses on the political, administrative, economic and social changes that the Arab region underwent after falling under Turkish Ottoman rule.
The book states that it has relied upon the oldest and most reliable sources available from that period of time and in that region. These sources purport to give an accurate depiction of Syrian society, from the famous figures and rulers to average workers and members of society.
It also seeks to give a realistic picture of what life was like back then, and includes reference to both comical incidents and serious social movements. Records of this kind have, up until now, been lost in history.
Deep skepticism darkens hope of Palestinian peace delegates