Selected writings: The Awakening Gift in the Hijaz Journey (The Awakening Novel. Great Basra) by Suleiman Fadli

Author: Suleiman Faidy Publisher: Dar Al-Saqi for Publishing and Distribution - Lebanon The Awakening Masterpiece in the Hijazi Journey (1913) "Written by the author in 1913 when he was twenty-six years old, driven by his deep faith and his keenness to revive the religious bond, achieve unity, and reject disagreements among scholars and preachers. He excelled in describing the rites of Hajj and what accompanies them of humility and sanctity. Upon its publication, copies quickly sold out due to the strong demand it received in Iraq and Gulf cities. During the journey, it presented a rare and pioneering description of what was along its route of rivers, seas, villages, colonies, ports, and cities. The details were enjoyable and exciting, specifying the geography of the location, the population, aspects of agriculture, trade, industry, and crafts, as well as the political situation, the governing system, and its official establishments. The narration of the journey was sprinkled with anecdotes and jokes, and examples of poetry and prose suited to the events. The book's introduction was decorated with several commendations written by the elite of scholars, writers, and talented individuals about Suleiman Faidy’s status in the political, cultural, and reformist fields." Basil Suleiman Faidy From the book's introduction, the awakening narrative, 1919 "And thus, Suleiman Faidy is the first Iraqi storyteller... The awakening narrative was not only the first story to inaugurate the history of Iraqi storytelling, but it was also the first model for theatrical stories in Iraq. Schools during the British occupation and afterward adopted it as a model for acting, and each school performed either the 'Awakening Narrative' or its equivalents... The story expressed the goal that the writer aimed for, which was to make the pursuit of knowledge beloved in that era, an era that did not yet understand the value of science in human life. There was another goal the writer aimed for, which was to advocate for Arab nationalism, a cause that only a few supported at that time, among whom was Suleiman Faidy at the forefront." Jafar Al-Khuli From his book "Old and Modern Iraqi Stories" Basra Al-Azim (1946) "Yaqut al-Hamawi also mentioned it in his 'Mu'jam Al-Buldan' after sensing its greatness in aspects of agriculture, trade, architecture, industry, literature, jurisprudence, science, and knowledge. Today, after its light has dimmed through the dark centuries, Basra deserves to shed its cloak of lethargy and be ready to restore its glorious past. It has all the ingredients for success: it is rich in its palm dates and oil, it is the port adorned with sails and ships, it is the warm wintering place full of beauty, and the land of good soil and abundant fresh water that rises and falls over the years. It is known for its kind and gentle people. When will its glory and prosperity return?" Suleiman Faidy — 1946