Exploring the Social Fabric: Women’s Struggles and Resilience in Ulfat Idilbî’s Novel “Dimashq Yâ Basma al-Ḥuzn”

Abstract

Ulfat Idilbî (d. 2007) was a pioneering Syrian novelist whose work left a profound mark on Arabic literature, particularly in her exploration of gender, society, and nationalism in 20th-century Syria. Idilbî’s writing gave a powerful voice to Syrian women, reflecting the intricate socio-political environment of her time, including the French Mandate, the emergence of Arab nationalism, and the fight for Syrian independence. One of her most acclaimed novels, Dimashq Yâ Basmat Al-Ḥuzn (Damascus, Smile of Sadness), delves into themes of feminist defiance, national identity, and the consequences of colonialism. This article delves into Idilbî’s literary contributions, with particular attention to her feminist outlook, the historical and political context of her works, and her enduring influence on Arabic literature.