outstanding

The Granada Trilogy by Radwa Ashour: A Tale of Loss, Identity, and Resistance

  Radwa Ashour’s Granada Trilogy ( Thulāthiyyat Ghirnāḍa in Arabic) is one of the most profound and evocative works in contemporary Arabic literature. Published in the mid-1990s, the trilogy comprises three novels: Granada (1994), Mariam (1995), and The Departure (1995). Together, they tell the story of the aftermath of the Reconquista, when the Muslim population of Andalusia faced expulsion, forced conversions, and cultural erasure following the fall of Granada in 1492. Ashour masterfully intertwines historical events with the intimate lives of her characters, creating a poignant narrative about identity, resilience, and the power of memory. Radwa Ashour: A Brief Biography Radwa Ashour (1946–2014) was an Egyptian novelist, academic, and literary critic. Born in Cairo, she was known for her commitment to issues of social justice and her deep engagement with history and culture. Ashour studied English literature at Cairo University and later earned her Ph.D. in African-American...

The Autor

 



My name is Yassine Yahya, and I was born on November 27, 1981, in the historic city of Tangier, Morocco. Raised in a modest and reserved family, I grew up surrounded by the rich cultural legacy of my city, particularly influenced by the enchanting atmosphere of the old city and the Kasbah. Tangier, with its blend of history, culture, and artistic spirit, played a central role in shaping who I am today.

From an early age, I found myself drawn to education, fascinated not just by academic subjects but also by the world of culture, novels, and the arts. As I navigated my formative years, my curiosity grew, fueled by a deep love for history, literature, and music. Adolescence brought new layers to my identity, particularly through my introduction to classical music and the vibrant world of Arabic music and poetry. I became deeply inspired by the powerful verses of poets like Nizar Kabbani and Ahmad Matar, who gave voice to themes of love, identity, and societal reflection. Their work sparked my own passion for poetry, and I began writing prolifically, composing numerous poems about love, life, and, most profoundly, women.

This love of creativity and expression didn’t stop at poetry. I went on to study music at the Conservatory of Music and Choreography in Tangier, where I immersed myself in the art of musical composition and performance. During this period, I also became captivated by visual arts, particularly classical and contemporary painting. The works of Paul Cézanne, with his groundbreaking approach to form and color, had a lasting impact on my artistic vision, helping me appreciate the deeper, often hidden layers of expression within art.

My secondary school years brought another dimension to my intellectual journey. I became increasingly interested in the philosophies of existentialism and the sciences, particularly physics. Existentialism, with its focus on human freedom and the complexities of individual experience, resonated deeply with me, adding new perspectives to my poetry and artistic work. At the same time, physics fascinated me for its ability to explain the natural world in such an abstract yet concrete way, further fueling my passion for exploration and learning.

Today, as I look back on my journey, I realize how each of these influences—whether from music, literature, philosophy, or the arts—has shaped my worldview and creative expression. Tangier's timeless beauty, the lyrical poetry of Arabic masters, and the intellectual challenges of science and philosophy continue to inspire me as I forge my own path in life, still driven by curiosity, creativity, and a love for the arts.

As I continue my journey, I remain deeply connected to the influences that have shaped me—whether it’s the poetic echoes of Nizar Kabbani, the timeless brushstrokes of Paul Cézanne, or the philosophical depth of existentialism. Each aspect of my life, from the rich culture of Tangier to the melodies and rhythms of both classical and Arabic music, has become a thread woven into the fabric of my identity.

Through my writing, music, and artistic pursuits, I seek to express not only the emotions and ideas that resonate within me but also to explore the universal themes of love, existence, and beauty. Art, in all its forms, is my language—my way of making sense of the world and connecting with others. And though my path continues to evolve, one constant remains: a boundless curiosity and a passion for creativity that will guide me wherever life leads next.

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