Self-Narrative Techniques in Literary Biography: A Study of al-Fat-h ibn Khaqan’s Qala`id al-`Iqyan

Abstract

This study examines the narrative dimension in a major classical biographical source, namely al-Fat-h ibn Khaqan’s Qala`id al-`Iqyan wa-Maḥasin al-A`yan.  Bin Khaqan delved into narrating the life stories of various notable Andalusian literary figures, placing them in different social contexts. Throughout the text, he intertwined his own life story alongside those he was narrating, offering a unique perspective on traditional literary biography practices.

The study explores the connections between narratives and highlighting how the biographical narratives emerge from and reflect underlying social relationships. It also explores how the biographer incorporated his personal experiences, beliefs and viewpoints into the classification of social classes and depiction of various groups. The conclusion sheds light on the narrative, linguistic, and objective aspects of the biographies, autobiographer himself, and the individuals involved, contributing to a deeper understanding of recording biography in Arabic literary heritage.