Science fiction in Arabic Literature‭: ‬history‭, ‬growth‭, ‬development and position

Dr. Eisam Asaqli

Science fiction literature is a somewhat new and less recognized field in the Arabic literary polysystem. The science fiction (SF) genre entered Arabic literature through translations of Western SF works. Nonetheless, we can see elements and sources of SF in classical and folk Arabic literature. In addition, the industrial-technological revolution in the twentieth century served as a catalyst for the growth of this genre. From the moment it emerged, SF literature faced two types of criticism. The first viewed it as non-canonical, cheap, a sub-category of detective literature, popular and having no value. The second group of critics, diametrically opposed to the first, saw SF fiction as canonical literature that should be engaged with, critiqued and researched. In recent years, we can see that diametrically literature has begun to establish itself and assume a position in the Arabic literary polysystem. We are witnessing a trend that is changing the approach to diametrically literature and beginning to recognize it as a canonical literary genre accepted by the academic establishment, meriting attention, research and criticism.