Nabaz Aziz offers his thoughts on Kurdish novelist Bachtyar Ali’s work following Ali’s recent appearance at the Strathclyde Union.
By Nabaz Aziz (he/him)
We have come to understand that literary fiction’s essence lies in its ability to challenge the status quo and craft its own narrative, sometimes running parallel to reality to offer an alternative perspective. The key distinction between the two realms lies in their acknowledgement of the infinite boundary that separates them. Put simply, fiction draws meaning from the backdrop of nonfictional reality; it thrives when reality holds its ground as an undeniable phenomenon.
But what if we found ourselves in a world where these boundaries blur? What if we witnessed fiction seamlessly intertwining with reality, creating a realm where the line between possibility and actuality fades?
In such a landscape, how does literature find purpose in its existence? How does it strive to create meaning when reality itself seems elusive?
It might seem exaggerated to compare human experiences in reality to fiction or to suggest that the line between fiction and reality has been blurred. However, we need not look back centuries to find examples. In our recent history, there have been numerous instances where rational humans have attempted to erase this line. For instance, the pursuit of utopian ideals to bring heaven down to earth, and the quest for creating societies devoid of inequalities or conflicts – these endeavours have often aimed at merging reality with fiction.
Some envisioned a society so perfect that concepts like freedom and struggle became obsolete, an idea famously referred to as “the end of history” by some great philosophers. In essence, humanity has ventured so far as to attempt to swap the roles of reality and fiction. Yet, as history has shown us time and again, these extreme leaps have inflicted significant damage on literature in general, and the novel, in particular.
Understanding this, authors face a formidable challenge in both innovating and preserving the literary essence of their work. Their task extends beyond simply crafting stories or addressing political conflicts or themes of love and humanity.
They are tasked with the profound responsibility of defining the essence of life itself and laying the groundwork for its meaning. Novelists, in particular, play a crucial role in this endeavour.
As Albert Camus once remarked, “the genre of the novel offers the most precise depiction of life, this is because, as humans, we often reject life as it is, yet simultaneously cannot let go of it”.
Bachtyar Ali’s literature was born from this environment, a monumental task that demanded not only literary innovation but also the recreation of both the real world and fiction side by side. For 40 years, he has diligently worked towards this goal. In a world where the boundaries between reality and fiction have been blurred throughout history, he creatively challenges this notion.
He is among the first Kurdish authors to confront the confusion of fiction and reality not by blending them together, but by presenting them as distinct entities that coexist.
When I say he presents them as distinct from each other, it doesn’t mean that they lack any relationship. Rather, he argues that there is no pure reality without fiction, and vice versa. However, he pioneers the idea that fiction’s essence is truly meaningful when it enriches life, fostering inclusivity, equality, diversity, and love.
He advocates for fiction to broaden our limited perspectives and challenge societal norms. His novels have a significant impact, highlighting that innovative fiction doesn’t seek to dominate reality but aims to create a more beautiful and fulfilling reality without promising utopia or an end to history.
In essence, Bachtyar Ali’s literature is reshaping our understanding of humanity, which has long been suppressed and dehumanized by oppressive ideologies.
By placing humans at the forefront and advocating for love and rejecting anything else that does not glorify life above death, he strives to instil a newfound sense of dignity.
His characters serve as powerful reminders that even in the darkest of times, we must hold onto hope and our inherent dignity.
For instance, in The Last Pomegranate Tree novel, protagonist Muzafer Subhdam refuses to surrender to despair, despite enduring unimaginable loss for 21 long years. Instead, he searches for even the smallest glimmer of hope, not through mystical ideals, but through a profoundly enlightened perspective that acknowledges and confronts human suffering and oppression.
For over a century, Western and Eastern cultures have been locked in a cycle of conflict and animosity fuelled by politics, hatred, and irrational ideologies.
In this tumultuous landscape, literature and art have struggled to illuminate our shared humanity, leaving gaps in our understanding of the human condition.
Bachtyar Ali’s literature emerges as a beacon of insight, offering profound reflections on Eastern societies. He strips away the facade of formality and preteens, revealing the true essence of our society that has long been suppressed throughout history.
Ali’s work serves as a vital bridge between our world and Western culture, providing a deep understanding of human society in the Eastern context.
Unlike narratives that glorify myths or uphold centuries-old cultural oppression, Ali’s literature encourages introspection and exploration.
It rejects the notion of mimicking hegemonic cultures and instead focuses on our potential as humans to shape our own destiny.
This perspective challenges the forces that seek to diminish life and glorify death, offering a path towards liberation from centuries of dehumanization. Through Bachtyar Ali’s literature, we are encouraged to embrace change and reclaim our humanity.
Lastly, if there is a way to aptly define this literature, particularly “The Last Pomegranate Tree” novel, it is as a cry for life amidst darkness and despair.
It embodies a profound belief in hope and humanity’s capacity for change and innovation. It staunchly advocates for love and freedom.
The novel’s masterful innovation lies in its ability to present a vision of life that rises above chaos and the darkest of times. Through its characters’ journey towards the last pomegranate tree, it fearlessly confronts the harsh realities of existence without losing sight of the inherent resilience and potential for growth within humanity.