The Vulgar Poetism in Driss Benali Malhûn Texts:

Reading of “Lalla Ghita” and “Al-Lutayyah”

Prepared by: Safae

khadraoui
 Abstract

In ancient Arab heritage, the expression of sexuality was freely explored.

However, in contemporary times, this subject has become taboo. Arab
sensuality is deeply connected to the body, which played a significant role
in Arab culture. Scholars associated sexual pleasure with heavenly
delights, contrasting with modern attempts to hide the body. This aspect is
reflected in various literary and jurisprudential texts, including Malhun
poetry.
 Introduction

I provide an overview of the research topic, focusing on the tradition of Benali

malhun poetry and its reflection of historical attitudes and expressions of sexuality.
We will also explore the role of this tradition in the contemporary discourse
surrounding Arab sensuality. This study focuses on the broader heritage
represented in literary and jurisprudential texts, including the tradition of Benali
malhun poetry. Amidst the paradoxical nature of Arab sensuality, we will examine
how the poetic traditions of "Lalla Ghita" and "Al-Lutayyah" reflect historical
attitudes and expressions of sexuality.
 Research Question

how does the tradition of Benali malhun poetry “Lalla Ghita” and
“Al-luttayah” reflect the historical attitudes and expressions of
sexuality, and what role does it play in the contemporary discourse
surrounding Arab sensuality?
 Literary review

In this section, i will delve into the existing musical texts on the same topic.
Examining its historical context, cultural significance, and previous scholarship
related to the depiction of sex and sensuality in Aita and Malhun.
 Methods

Here, i include the methodology i used to conduct this research. I tackle the
reasoning behind the selection of these poems and the qualitative analysis
approach used to interpret them. A close reading method was employed to
analyze the selected poems, by contextualizing them in the framework of Morocco
in the late 19th and 20th centuries.
 Findings

This section will present the findings of the research, divided into two subsections:
"The Cultural Soundscape of Malhun" and "Archaeology of Homoerotic Poetism in
the Islamic World."
 Discussion

I will begin the discussion by analyzing the poem "Lalla Ghita" and exploring its
representation of fluid sensualism, emphasizing the intricate relationship between
sex, pleasure, and the divine.

Continuing from the previous slide, I will examine the queer poem "Al-Lutayyah" in
detail, navigating the tensions between celebration and censorship within its
verses.
 Conclusion

In the concluding part i will highlight the importance of recognizing and preserving
our ancient heritage, while also considering contemporary attitudes towards sex
and erotic literature.
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