The Technical and Thematic Analysis of Makbul el- Alevi’s Novel Seferberlik

Abstract

Makbul al-Alevi’s Seferberlik focuses on the Ottoman Empire’s struggle against Sharif Hussein during World War I. The protagonist, Ziyb, is kidnapped by desert bandits while herding sheep and sold as a slave in Medina. Freed by Sheikh Abdurrahman, Ziyb works for him and witnesses the hardships faced by Medina’s people under Ottoman rule. The novel critically examines decisions made by Fahreddin Pasha during the defense of Medina, such as transferring sacred relics to Istanbul and confiscating provisions, portraying them in a negative light.

The novel accuses Ottoman soldiers of taking bribes and labels the forced migration of Medina’s residents as an occupation. Al-Alevi uses a simple style and eloquent language to draw the reader into the narrative, interpreting historical events through a subjective and ideological lens that portrays the Ottomans as occupiers. The story objectively depicts the characters’ inner lives and the settings, but the author’s ideological emphasis overshadows the artistic quality of the work.

Despite lacking artistic merit, Seferberlik gained recognition in Arab literary awards, showcasing its ideological impact. While the novel emphasizes Arab independence after Ottoman rule, historical realities reveal that British support was driven by imperialist ambitions in Arab lands. This perspective highlights the complexities of the post-Ottoman Arab Middle East and its uncertain future under European dominance.