
Acclaimed novelist and literary critic Dr. Hamdan Dammag speaking next to the renowned Yemeni writer and thinker Dr. Omar Abdulaziz.
As part of the first annual celebration of the Tamadon Foundation, a literary symposium was held featuring critical readings of two significant Yemeni novels: Sultan al-Ghaib by renowned Yemeni writer and thinker Dr. Omar Abdulaziz and Journey Through Mountain Passages: The King and the Snake by prominent Yemeni politician and writer Dr. Yasin Said Numan.
Sultan al-Ghaib
The event began with an in-depth analysis of Sultan al-Ghaib by acclaimed novelist and literary critic Dr. Hamdan Dammag. Published in 2020 by the Arab Institution for Studies and Publishing, the novel was praised for its exceptional narrative techniques and unique linguistic style, establishing it as a landmark work in modern Arabic literature.
Dr. Dammag highlighted Dr. Abdulaziz’s innovative use of rare vocabulary and inventive linguistic structures, which have become hallmarks of his writing. He emphasised that the novel’s rich, evocative language captivates readers with its striking expressions and imaginative imagery, setting it apart as a creative masterpiece.
In his critique, Dr. Dammag commended Dr. Abdulaziz’s ability to blend intellectual depth with storytelling, integrating elements of philosophy, science, history, and art. He described the novel as an intellectual journey that inspires readers to explore diverse realms of thought and inquiry.
Dr. Dammag also explored the novel’s philosophical treatment of time and space, influenced by Sufi thought. He noted how characters from Dr. Abdulaziz’s earlier works, such as Hamoudi and Meryoum, reappear in Sultan al-Ghaib, reflecting the author’s unique approach to recycling and enriching narratives.
The novel’s magical realism and fantastical elements were likened to the works of Gabriel García Márquez and Haruki Murakami. Dr. Dammag highlighted its mythical and surreal scenes, which enhance its depth and solidify its place in contemporary Arabic literature.
Journey Through Mountain Passages: The King and the Snake
In the second session, Dr. Omar Abdulaziz himself provided a critique of Dr. Yasin Said Numan’s Journey Through Mountain Passages: The King and the Snake. Dr. Abdulaziz lauded the novel for its innovative narrative techniques, philosophical insights, and its strong ties to Yemeni history and identity.
The novel explores themes such as forced migration, corruption, and social struggles, interwoven with reflections on justice, tyranny, and resilience. Dr. Abdulaziz described the subtitle, The King and the Snake, as a powerful allegory featuring a Socratic dialogue that deepens the story’s intellectual engagement.
He further praised the novel’s polyphonic narrative structure, where shifting perspectives enrich the storytelling. The interplay of monologues and dialogues was noted for its ability to reveal the psychological and philosophical depth of the characters.
Dr. Abdulaziz also commended the novel for its celebration of Yemeni resilience and cultural heritage. The open-ended conclusion, he noted, invites readers to reflect on the cyclical nature of history and the delicate balance between fate and choice.
A Celebration of Yemeni Literature
The symposium highlighted the richness of Yemeni literature and its ability to address universal themes through culturally grounded narratives. Both Sultan al-Ghaib and Journey Through Mountain Passages stand as testaments to the transformative power of Arabic literature, offering profound reflections on human existence and the enduring spirit of Yemen.