Yemeni Literature in International Gatherings: A Distinct Presence Despite the Challenges

Haneen Al-Wahsh – Sawt Al-Amal (Voice of Hope)

The ongoing armed conflict in Yemen has had dire consequences on all aspects of life, causing the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, according to international estimates and reports. The impact of these consequences has not only affected people’s lives and movements but has also extended to the cultural and literary movement that Yemen is known for, leading to its suppression and neglect.

Yemeni writers are experiencing the disasters of this conflict, with the political conflict dominating the scene, however, some writers and intellectuals have managed to escape the conflict zone and establish a new life abroad, carrying the message of Yemeni literature, both ancient and contemporary, to the four corners of the globe.

Despite the difficulties and challenges facing Yemen, including the ongoing conflict, Yemeni literature enjoys a remarkable presence on the global cultural scene. Literature, as a language for expressing self and identity, always finds its way to shine, even in the most difficult circumstances.

There are various forms of Yemeni literary presence abroad, including the publication of Yemeni literary works in Arab and foreign publishing houses, both in print and electronic formats. Yemeni writers also participate in many international literary competitions and win prestigious awards.

Yemeni writers give lectures and lead seminars at universities and cultural institutions around the world, having a direct impact on those targeted. In addition, Yemeni writers are creating websites and blogs to publish their work freely and without restrictions, and they are using social media to promote their work and interact with the audience.

Resurrection from Death

The presence of Yemeni literature at the annual exhibition held in Cairo every year is characterized by a wealth of production. It has served as a gateway for many Yemeni writers to reach out with their literary productions outside the circle of the conflict that their country is experiencing.

Dr. Hani Al-Salwi, head of Arwiqa Publishing House, confirms that Yemeni literature is almost overshadowing all other literature with its presence at the annual exhibition, pointing out the institution’s commitment to publishing new intellectual, literary, and research editions by veteran and emerging Yemeni writers.

He continues: “There are many challenges facing our work, most notably the scarcity of resources, but we succeed in overcoming them every time.” He asserts: “Every year, literary productions by Yemeni writers increase, which constitutes a remarkable presence of Yemeni literature at Arab gatherings, not just in Cairo.”

A Historical Presence

Yemeni literature derives its presence at international and Arab gatherings, specifically, from its past heritage. Yemeni writers have made significant contributions to the development of Arabic literature, particularly poetry. Yemen has also presented magnificent examples of beautiful poetry and prose to the world.

The remarkable presence of Yemeni literature in many festivals remains etched in memory, most notably the Abu Tammam Festival in Al-Mosul, where Yemeni poet Abdullah Al-Barduni won the award in 1971, competing with the most prominent Arab poets with the greatest renown and presence.

Ten years later, Al-Barduni won the Shawqi Award at a festival organized by Cairo. This marked a new era and chapter for Yemeni poetry in Arab memory, which is rich with literature and poetry.

The novel “The Hostage” by Yemeni writer Zaid Muti’ Dammaj has a historic presence in world literature. It was translated into various global languages, most notably French, English, and German.

This novel, along with other literary productions from Yemen, laid a strong foundation for the presence of the Yemeni novel on the Arab and international scene. This remarkable presence is reflected today in many Yemeni novelistic publications translated into more than one language, such as some novels by Yemeni writer Ali Al-Maqri.

In 2020, Yemeni novelist Najeeb Nasr won the Katara Prize for Arabic Novel for his novel “Half a Human.” Also in the same year, critic Alawi Al-Maljami won the same award in the category of studies dedicated to research and novel criticism.

The presence of the Yemeni novel on the Arab stage in 2020 is considered a crowning achievement for Yemeni literature, following Yemeni novelist Habib Sururi’s win of the Katara Prize in 2019, for his published Arabic novel “Inspiration.”

In the poetic scene, in addition to the awards won by poet Al-Barduni, renowned Yemeni poet Abdul-Aziz Al-Muqalih won the Ahmad Shawqi Award for Poetic Creativity in its first year. He is considered the first Arab poet to receive the award from outside Egypt.

The Decline of Local Competitions

The Political situation dominates almost every sector in Yemen, and the armed conflict has led to a decline in the number of literary events organized by local, governmental, or private institutions.

Literary competitions in Yemen have also decreased due to the absence of several awards that were announced annually, such as the President’s Award for Poetry and Short Story, and awards for other literary categories.

Yemeni poet Mu’ad Al-Sam’i comments: “The decline in the presence of literature in the Yemeni scene is not due to the absence of competitions and activities, but rather due to the neglect that writers and intellectuals themselves are subjected to.”

He emphasizes that he has received numerous invitations from Arab and foreign countries to participate in major poetry events and festivals abroad, but he was unable to do so due to the lack of response from the relevant government authorities to his legitimate request for a travel ticket.

He adds: “The armed conflict would not have entered its tenth year if there had been a genuine interest in literature, which reflects its vital presence on the awareness, behavior, and thinking and actions of society.”

Literary critic Dr. Sadiq Al-Kamali believes that the politicization of literature has played a significant role in its decline and the waning interest of the people and the government. He asserts that the prevailing political division has been reflected in the cultural scene, which is prone to fragmentation and oblivion.

He attributes the increase in literary productions, despite their lack of impact and absence from Arab competitions, to the absence of the Yemeni critic’s role. He emphasizes the need to establish specialized research and literary centers for criticism.

Regarding the importance of Yemeni literature’s participation in literary forums, Al-Kamali says: “It is a recognition of Yemeni literary history, which has existed since time immemorial but has been subjected to marginalization and suppression.”

He encourages all Yemeni writers to participate in local and Arab competitions without hesitation, affirming his belief that Yemeni literature is still in its prime, with the most prolific production, the most modern, and the most responsive to aspirations.

He also calls on Yemeni publishing houses based abroad, as well as cultural attaches, to organize regular Yemeni literary events, giving criticism its important space in presenting these productions, contributing to their marketing, and introducing them to the world.

Yemeni literature is distinguished by its richness, diversity, and long history, leaving a clear mark on Arab literature despite the challenges it faces.

Yemen also witnesses a noticeable activity of literary forums, although they are mostly the product of individual youthful initiatives, making them seasonal, according to poet Abdu Saeed, who points out that most of these forums have stopped due to financial challenges.

Novelist Hani Al-Salwi points to the active presence of Yemeni literature in the Arab scene, despite the challenges and severe difficulties faced by Yemeni writers.

The presence of Yemeni literature in international forums is an important window for showcasing Yemeni identity and its diverse culture. It has many strategic and cultural significances, including: strengthening national identity, highlighting its uniqueness and distinctiveness in the global cultural scene, opening new horizons for civilizational and cultural communication between Yemen and the world, promoting cultural and literary exchange, contributing to building bridges of communication between different social components in Yemen, changing the prevailing stereotypical image of Yemen, highlighting the civilizational and humanitarian face of the Yemeni people, providing moral support to Yemeni writers, and encouraging them to become creative.

However, the presence of Yemeni literature in international forums poses a significant challenge, but at the same time represents a golden opportunity to showcase the rich cultural and literary heritage of Yemen. This requires a concerted effort from writers, intellectuals, cultural institutions, and the government to overcome the difficulties and obstacles facing this presence.