The concept of “nostalgia” in the poetry of Ahmed Shawki

Abstract

The concept of “nostalgia” is one of the unique human feelings. Its structural and semantic basis is a variety of meanings and various conceptual symbols that have an emotional connotation. This article reflects the homesickness and numerous changes of the famous Egyptian poet Ahmed Shawki during his exile in Spain. The study examines the concept of “nostalgia” in the poet’s work. Ahmed Shawki’s own concept sphere, characteristic of the period of his life, is determined, and his national identity is reflected. Although he was brought up in the Khedive palace, as a poet he felt the “pulse” of the Egyptians, giving strong support to them and their desires through his writings. The article also analyzes the period of the poet’s depression associated with the exile of Ahmed Shawki to Spain after the outbreak of the First World War in 1915 and the further escalation of the revolution in Egypt in 1919. As a result of the study, it was analyzed that Ahmed Shawki found relief by turning to poetry to alleviate his nostalgia for his homeland while away from his country. The main problems in the poet’s poetry are discussed depending on the period under consideration. The results of the study showed that the poet wrote a poem called “Arab countries and great people of Islam” while visiting the monuments of Muslim civilization in Seville, Cordoba and Granada. The ability to convey the true mood and beauty in Shawki’s poetry made it possible to recognize only one side of the poet’s work. As a result of the study, it was revealed that the concept of “nostalgia” occupies a special place in the work of the poet Ahmed Shawki.