The Inspiration of Place and Images of Time in the Poetry of Abd al-Mawla al-Baghdadi

Abstract

This study examines the manifestations of place and time in the poetry of the contemporary Iraqi poet Abdulmoula Al-Baghdadi as two essential elements shaping poetic structure and artistic meaning. It aims to explore how the poet employs the inspiration of place and the imagery of time to express his emotional and intellectual experience, while linking them to national identity and both individual and collective memory. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach by analyzing spatial images—particularly the model of Shatt Al-Hanshir—and investigating the temporal dimension between past, present, and future in his poetic texts, especially in the collection On the Wing of the Seagull.

The findings reveal that place in Al-Baghdadi’s poetry goes beyond mere description to become an emotional and cultural symbol reflecting belonging, nostalgia, and exile, while time assumes a contemplative and philosophical dimension representing social and historical transformations in Iraqi society. The study also highlights the integration of place and time in shaping poetic imagery, making them effective tools for expressing national and human concerns. The research concludes that Al-Baghdadi’s poetic experience constitutes an artistic model combining aesthetic expression with critical awareness, emphasizing the role of poetry in preserving cultural memory and reinforcing national identity.