ازدواجّية أندلسّية – أصالة عبر الاتباع

Abstract

This might sound ironic, that a particular author tries to be original through imitating  known literary work.  However, this used to be the method of Andalusian authors who were concerned about gaining the recognition of the center of Arab and Islamic culture, particularly Baghdad.  Imitating unique literary work wasn’t ruled out; quite the contrary, it was considered desirable, particularly among Andalusian poets who coveted the recognition of their counterparts in the East.  Relating to some examples of poetry and literature from the Andalusian period, one may be able to understand the reason for such an irony, and try to explain it using two major characteristics which distinguished Andalusian literature, namely: tension and (ambulantiut).  I will take a poem called “AlGazal” (250 Hijri) as a model.  The Andalusian literature has suffered from inferiority and marginalization, compared with that of the East.  Attempting always to prove itself, to please the Easterners.  The meaning of originality, therefore, is to prove a degree of excellence in imitation and, following in the footsteps of Easterners, this was the first important step, but it wasn’t the only one, because many Andalusi men of literature rebelled against, complained about, and instigated others to rebel against Eastern oppression, lack of concern, neglect.  In addition, there were some who insulted their own people, who felt inferior, and asked them to prove their independence and originality.  They even claimed that their literature was far superior to that of the East.  We have found some samples in Ibn Dahya, Ibn Bassam, Ibn Hazm, and other Andalusi authors.  Therefore, this literature has remained tense, lacking identity and independence, suffering from ridicule by Eastern writers and those in the Center.