Basma Al Dajani, "The Arab Andalusian Love Poetry: A Study of the Interaction Between Place and Man Through Time" (AU Cairo Press, 1994)

Jun 1, 2025

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Basma Al Dajani, a Professor of Arabic Language and Literature, dives into the rich tapestry of Arab-Andalusian love poetry. She shares her transformative journey to Granada, where the tales of Alhambra ignited her passion. The dialogue highlights the contributions of women poets like Wallada bint al-Mustakfi, the interplay of emotions such as longing and nostalgia, and the exquisite beauty of the Andalusian landscape in shaping poetic expression. Dr. Dajani also emphasizes the importance of preserving classical manuscripts and the need to spotlight overlooked voices in this literary tradition.

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ANECDOTE

Inspiration from Granada Trip

Basma Al Dajani was inspired by a trip to Granada in the early 1990s, immersing herself in the stories of Alhambra and Andalusian history.
Conversations with scholars and visits to historic sites sparked her deep interest in Arab Andalusian love poetry.

INSIGHT

Culture Shapes Andalusian Poetry

Andalusian love poetry reflects the dynamic interaction of poets, people, and places over time, shaped by cultural diversity and historical developments.
The region's social fabric influenced linguistic evolution and poetic forms like Muashahat, enriching Arabic love poetry.

ANECDOTE

Academic Journey Centered on Love Poetry

Basma Al Dajani's MA thesis on Arab Andalusian love poetry became her 1994 book and shaped her academic career.
Her PhD focused on editing a significant Arabic manuscript on love, highlighting women's roles through ancient texts.

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In this episode of Unlocking Academia, host Raja Aderdor speaks with Dr. Basma A. S. Dajani, Professor of Arabic Language and Literature, in a sweeping conversation on Arab-Andalusian love poetry and the cultural, linguistic, and emotional legacies it continues to inspire.

Rooted in her 1994 book The Arab Andalusian Love Poetry: A Study of the Interaction Between Place and Man Through Time (AU Cairo Press, 1994), Dr. Dajani traces the origins of her research back to a formative journey to Granada in the early 1990s, where she was deeply influenced by the stories of Alhambra, her father the historian Ahmad Sidqi Dajani, and conversations with philosopher Roger Garaudy and Salma Taji. Drawing on decades of scholarship, she discusses her study of classical Arabic manuscripts, including Massare’ alUshaaq by Ja’far alSarraj, and reflects on the intersections of poetry, gender, geography, and intercultural dialogue.

Together, they explore the themes of longing, nostalgia, and nature in the poetry of Al-Andalus; the contributions of women poets like Wallada bint al-Mustakfi; the influence of the Andalusian landscape on literary expression; and the enduring resonance of courtship poetry across time and cultures. Dr. Dajani also discusses the pedagogical value of teaching Andalusian texts today, the urgency of preserving classical Arabic manuscripts, and her vision for future research to spotlight overlooked voices in the tradition.

Lyrical, insightful, and deeply rooted in lived and literary history, this episode offers a rare blend of academic depth and poetic beauty.

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