Mehmud Beg Tarzi: a Precursor of Modern Novel in Afghanistan

The Precursor of Modern Novel in Afghanistan

Abstract

Abstract

                  Modern novel in Afghanistan introduced through translations from Turkish into Dari in the early 20^th century. The traditional Afghan narrative forms contained no character development, no real narrative progression, and no plot. The narratives were confined to hyperbole, the supernatural and magical events such as fairies. Mehmud Beg Tarzi, the precursor of reform, introduced modern novel in Afghanistan. He was exposed to French literature for two decades (1882-1902) in Damuscus and Istanbul, witnessed the Ottaman nationalist-revivalist movement, while, the Young Turk writers shaped his social and political thought. Influenced much by the European culture and institutions, he was compelled to introduce reforms in his native country, Afghanistan. He founded, edited, Sirajul Akhbar (1911-1918), the pioneer newspaper of Afghanistan, and published French novels of Jules Verne and Xavier de Montpin including other modern prose writings that carried realism. For Tarzi, realism in prose was the key for reform in his native country. The introduction of modern novel eclipsed the traditional fictional narrative technique prevalent in Afghanistan. This article attempts to examine the penetration of modern novel into Afghanistan. The methodology used in the article is textual analysis.