Emirati And Moroccan Authors Highlight Short Story's Importance In Preserving Heritage And Inspiring Creativity

During a panel at the 30th Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair, Emirati and Moroccan authors highlighted the enduring impact of short stories. They discussed how this genre serves as both a preserver of cultural heritage and a platform for innovative storytelling. The session was part of Sharjah’s Guest of Honour programme, focusing on the genre's ability to mirror societal changes and protect oral traditions.

The discussion, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), was titled "The State of the Short Story in the UAE and Morocco." Moderated by Emirati poet Sheikha Al Mutairi, it featured Emirati authors Maryam Al Ghafli and Mariam Nasser, alongside Moroccan writer Abdul Nabi Dashin. The event attracted readers, critics, and cultural enthusiasts.

Maryam Al Ghafli began by tracing the historical roots of short stories in the UAE. She emphasised their connection to oral traditions like Sirat Bani Hilal and Saif ibn Dhi Yazan tales. Al Ghafli credited literary pioneers such as Abdulaziz Al Sharhan and Mohammed Al Murr for shaping the genre's path.

Al Ghafli outlined three key phases in Emirati short fiction. The pre-union era was influenced by pan-Arab movements, while the post-union phase focused on local themes. From the 1990s onwards, there was greater global engagement. She noted that Emirati stories "began where others had ended," showing early narrative maturity.

Abdul Nabi Dashin opened with a poetic piece honouring UAE women writers. He then detailed Moroccan short fiction's evolution from the 1950s, initially centred on national themes. By the 1970s, writers began breaking traditional constraints, drawing from cinema and visual arts.

Dashin highlighted Arab heritage's lasting influence on Moroccan storytelling. He described oral tradition as a "natural rehearsal for imagination," crucial to creativity. This underscores its role in shaping narratives that resonate with cultural depth.

The Craft of Short Story Writing

Mariam Nasser discussed the technical demands of writing short stories. She called it one of literature's most challenging forms due to its focus on brevity and precision. Nasser cited Abdullah Saqr’s collection, Al-Khashaba, as an example from the UAE.

Nasser referenced Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s advice: "Don’t bring a nail into your story unless you’re going to use it." She stressed flash fiction's interpretive richness and flexibility for creative exploration within its condensed form.

Preserving Heritage Through Fiction

Nasser also addressed integrating folk tales into contemporary fiction as vital for preserving Arab cultural memory. This practice safeguards essential oral traditions while enriching modern narratives with historical depth.

The session underscored how short stories reinforce Arab literary identity and ensure its ongoing relevance. By blending insights from Emirati and Moroccan experiences, it highlighted this genre's significant role in cultural preservation and innovation.

With inputs from WAM