Basra: The Mustafa Jamal Al-Din Literary Association in Basra hosted short story writer, novelist, and researcher Dr. Jaber Khalifa Jaber on Thursday evening for a lecture entitled “Colonialism and Environmental Regression: A Reading of Three Novels.” The event was attended by a select group of intellectuals, writers, journalists, and media figures, and was moderated by journalist Haider Al-Saad.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the head of the association, poet Mohammed Mustafa Jamal Al-Din, stated that Dr. Jaber Khalifa Jaber’s lecture addressed a topic combining literature, history, and the environment, exploring the impact of colonialism on people, places, memory, and nature. He explained that colonialism in literature is not limited to occupation and political control but also reveals the effects of colonial hegemony on people, places, and the environment, and how these effects can distort the relationship between people and their land and surroundings. He emphasized the importance of addressing these transformations through the novel, as it is capable of capturing what is concealed by events and history.

Journalist Haider Al-Saad highlighted the guest’s stature as a writer, researcher, and novelist, noting his prominent presence in the cultural and literary scenes. He also addressed the concept of colonialism and its effects on individuals, nations, economies, and the environment.

Dr. Jaber Khalifa Jaber, in his lecture, discussed colonialism and environmental regression, exploring its literary, historical, humanistic, and environmental dimensions. He presented an analysis of three novels, illustrating the repercussions and effects of colonialism on people, places, and nature.

The session included several interventions and questions from the attendees, which Dr. Jaber Khalifa Jaber answered in a cultural dialogue characterized by interaction, discussion, and the exchange of ideas. At the conclusion of the session, the head of the Mustafa Jamal Al-Din Literary Association presented the guest with the Mustafa Jamal Al-Din Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his cultural and literary contributions and his active participation in the association’s activities.