THE SYMBOLISM OF SAMARKAND IN ARABIC NOVELS
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Abstract
This article examines the symbolic representations of the city of Samarkand in Arabic novels, focusing on how it is reflected in spiritual, cultural, and aesthetic layers. For Arabic authors, Samarkand is not only a geographical place, but also a symbol of spiritual purity, historical consciousness, and cultural elevation. The article analyzes this symbol using the example of three modern Arabic novels (Amin Maalouf's Samarkand, Muhammad Mansi Qandil's Qamar Samarkand uzra, and Jamal al-Ghitani's Oira Qaynaki Khat). The study, based on the methods of symbolic analysis and cultural criticism, reveals how the image of Samarkand has become a powerful symbol associated with holiness, lost history, and revival.
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References
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