Qasida And Masnavi: The History and Artistic Features of Arabic Poetry and Prose Genres

Abstract

This article analyzes the origins, structure, artistic features, and socio-spiritual significance of qasida and masnavi, two of the oldest and most prominent genres of Arabic literature. Qasida is examined as a classic example of Arabic poetry, detailing its three main parts: nasib, rahil, and madih. The content, poetic characteristics, and influence of these sections on the development of Arabic poetry are explained.

Masnavi is analyzed as a narrative-didactic genre, highlighting its rhyme scheme, role in depicting epic events, and artistic expression capabilities. Additionally, the importance of the masnavi genre in creating Sufi, didactic, and educational works is emphasized.

The article provides examples from the qasidas of poets such as Al-Mutanabbī, Imru' al-Qays, and Abu Tammam, as well as masnavis by authors like Jalaluddin Rumi, Nizami Ganjavi, and Alisher Navoi. The content and artistic features of these works are elucidated. The influence of qasida and masnavi genres on Arabic, Persian, and Turkic literatures and their place in contemporary poetry are analyzed.