DOI: 10.7256/2454-0749.2023.12.69417

Abstract: The subject of the study is the genre of "rihla", that is, the Oriental person pilgrimage to various countries. The authors are interested in the elements of this style and their application in the novel "Azazel" by the Egyptian writer Youssef Zeidan. The main character, traveling along the Nile, Sinai and Asia Minor, learns the world around him. Through the eyes of a young man, Alexandria, Jerusalem, Damascus and other great cities of the early Middle Ages and their sights are described. Being in the midst of historical events, a young Egyptian acquires skills of a doctor. He witnesses the murder of a female philosopher Hypatia by Christian fanatics. Fleeing from painful memories, the healer flees Africa in search of true Christianity to the homeland of Jesus, where he becomes a monk Hypa. Mentors help him cope with doubts, advising him to write down everything he has experienced. This is how Gipa's guide to the countries of Africa and Asia is born, at the same time the confession of a reasonable person tempted by passions. The methods of historical and systemic analysis used make it possible to compare the lives of worshippers of the Hellenic gods and the first Christians. The author concludes that due to the traditional genre of "rihla" for Arabic literature, that is, the spiritual wanderings of the hero, Zeidan creates a reliable multifaceted picture of the life of people of the fifth century AD and tries to reveal the essence of the personality of the monk Hipa against the background of historical realities and characters. The format of diaries filled with experiences helps to delve into the inner world of the pilgrim and fully reveal the psychology of the pilgrim. This genre, in addition to cognitive and entertainment functions, has acquired historical and psychological features.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0749.2022.12.39511

Abstract: The subject of the study is the image of Hadi the Junkman, coined the modern Iraqi writer Ahmed Saadawi in the novel “Frankenstein in Baghdad” (2013). The author is interested how the residents of the Iraqi capital survive under American invention. The author presents the picture of the 2000-s years using the fate of the Baghdadis as an illustration. He describes numerous explosions in Baghdad and the consequences they had on its citizens future. The novelist compares the living conditions of ordinary people of the Batavia quarter and high-ranking government officials. The figure of a junk dealer Hadi al-Atak, who walks around the city in search of antiques and tells entertaining stories unites the people with different background. Being a trickster, a liar, or buffoon, old man has created an imaginary monster that fights against injustice and avenges the innocent people who died in terrorist attacks. The methods of historical and system analysis allow us to prove that in the era of formation change, the role of the trickster is becoming more important and modified. Shuttling between good and evil, the Junkman helps to smooth out conflicts and resolve disputes peacefully. Due to the breakdown of life paradigms, the trickster has a special function: he becomes the leading hero and saves humanity from evil, performing a Christological role. Taking the blame for the crimes of his brainchild “Whatsitsname” (Arab Frankenstein), sacrificing his life, the Hadi the Junkman brings peace and stability to the tired people of Baghdad.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0749.2021.11.36929

Abstract: The subject of this research is the rituals and customs of the Omani people and their reflection in the novel “Celestial Bodies” by Jokha Alharthi. The author traces the changes that took place in the Sultanate of Oman. Life of the Omani people is depicted on the example of several generations of the large family of Abdallah ibn Sulayman of the Hilal. Comparison is conducted on the living conditions of provincial population, namely the village of al-Awafi and the capital Muscat. The problem is raised about people’s happiness in the technological era, and the topic of loneliness of our contemporary. The methods of historical and systemic analysis prove that the traditional structure of Omani society remains in rural areas. It represents a fusion of Islamic and African customs, Muslim and pagan beliefs. The description of engagement, wedding, childbirth, and funeral ceremonies creates a holistic picture of the life cycle of the Omani people. However, urbanization and technological development force people to move from the rural areas to cities and change their mentality. The protagonist Abdallah falls out of touch with his native land, changes his living condition, and reaches an impasse. Nourishing the memories of the pleasant past, they do not experience joy from the present. The novelty consists in the fact that the ethnographic research is conducted by the Professor of Sultan Qaboos University – Jokha Alharthi in form of a literary work. The scholar comes to the conclusion that due to shift of life paradigms, the senior generation of Omani people is experiencing a fateful moment. The way out of the crisis should be sought in the educated Omani youth, who does not want to blindly follow the customs of their ancestors and shelter themselves behind the adults. Youth of the XXI century does not fear difficulties and willing to make own decisions. Thanks to support of the family, London – the daughter of Abdalla – became a medical doctor. The audience is fascinated with discovering the culture of the Land of Frankincense through the prism of Jokha Alharthi.