Dimensions of interpretive awareness of place in Yassin Al-Nassir (the symbolic place as a model)

Abstract

This research aims to clarify the dimensions of Yassin Al-Nassir's interpretive awareness of symbolic space. His contributions to the study of space after 2003 are important and essential for understanding critical transformations in Arabic literature. Therefore, this study seeks to shed light on his unique critical project, reinforcing the importance of symbolic space as a subject of study and analysis in literary and critical contexts. The methodology of this research is descriptive and analytical. Through this research, we reached several conclusions and learned that symbolic space is a concept used to refer to locations that carry special connotations and meanings that go beyond their physical function, such as focal, sacred, familiar, and hostile spaces in Yassin Al-Nassir's studies. The focal space, according to Yassin Al-Nassir, refers to the "fireplace," where the hearth is considered a vessel for fire, symbolizing the close relationship between space and content and reflecting the dynamic interaction between them. The sacred space is a concept that expresses sites of spiritual or religious value, such as the tombs of saints and shrines, and reinforces cultural and religious identity and is considered a refuge for anxious individuals. Familiar places reflect multiple aspects of human life, such as the bedroom, the home, and the café. These are places of comfort, security, and memories, and play a role in shaping identity and belonging. Hostile places, on the other hand, represent environments that evoke feelings of fear and threat, such as prison. Their impact on individuals' psychology and life experiences is evident, reflecting the reciprocal relationship between character and place.