Postcolonial issues and literature: Najib Al-Kilani as an example

ABSTRACT What is post-colonialism theory? What is the basis, and methodology of this theory? Who are the important pioneers? What values does this have theoretically and in the application? Moreover, what are the main points of argumentation? Colonialism has been argued to be further beneficial to highlight the politics of disparity and differences among human beings and their widespread cultures, but how? A considerable number of studies on colonial readings in the past years mention to one of the most controversial literary theories and criticisms which carry a comprehensive concept from politics to economy to all other aspects of life, and is a critical approach aims to dismantle the colonial discourse and trying to review the history of colonized countries literature, by different methodologies, in the views of the colonized. There is a bit odd coincidence on the timing: academic attention in colonialism ascended when great powers had already missed their worldwide validity and trust. Previously when colonialism was a purpose of mobilization, researchers and the elite were most fascinated by the freedom activities and the likelihood of modernization and advancement of the societies, but nowadays they are not so optimistic about that. That is seen in the novels and writings of some important authors. Najib Al-Kilani as an effective Arab-African writer, in respect of presenting the subject of colonialism in the studies depending on literary art, but not based on the Western world views, was one of the pioneers in Arab African literature medium, and he could reveal the great effects for western colonialism movement in the societies that have been colonized. This study sheds light on his contributions in the pathways of contemporary Arabic literature, focusing on two of his famous novels Turkistan Nights and Napoleon in Al-Azhar which represent his prominent writing style and reflect post-colonial literature in the Arab world. Keywords: Post-colonialism, Colonialism, Orientalism, Novel, Najib Al-Kilani, Oppression, Freedom, Culture.