The death of Saeed Al-Sarihi: The passing of a symbol of criticism and modernity in Saudi Arabia
The great Saudi critic and writer Saeed Al-Sarihi , at the age of nearly seventy, during which he defended the free word and founded modern critical schools, leaving behind a huge cultural legacy and an indelible mark on the memory of the Saudi and Arab cultural scene.
Pioneer of renewal and battles of modernity
The late Saeed Al-Suraihi is considered one of the most prominent figures who shaped the landscape of literary criticism in Saudi Arabia, particularly since the 1980s. His name is closely associated with the "modernist" movement, as he engaged in fierce intellectual and literary battles to establish a new critical discourse that transcended traditional frameworks. Al-Suraihi was a bold voice during a sensitive period in the history of Saudi culture, and his ideas contributed to shifting literary criticism from impressionism to a scientific methodology, influenced by structuralist and post-structuralist schools. This made him a beacon for young intellectuals and a symbol of intellectual enlightenment.
Academic debate and the triumph of thought
It is impossible to discuss Al-Suraihi's biography without addressing the pivotal event in his academic career: his doctoral dissertation at Umm Al-Qura University. This dissertation sparked widespread controversy in cultural and religious circles at the time due to its modernist approach to interpreting heritage and poetry. Initially, he was denied his degree, an incident that later became a badge of honor and a symbol of intellectual resilience and the defense of the necessity for renewal in interpreting literary heritage.
Between journalism and literature... a remarkable journey
Al-Suraihi's work was not limited to academic and critical pursuits; he was also a prominent journalist, his name associated for many years with the newspaper "Okaz," where he oversaw the cultural section and wrote daily articles that addressed societal concerns and intellectual issues. His writing was distinguished by its eloquence, depth, and poetic language, which transcended the rigidity of journalistic articles. He was also an active and influential member of the board of directors of the Jeddah Literary and Cultural Club, contributing to the organization of events and lectures that enriched the intellectual discourse in the Western Region and the Kingdom as a whole.
Cultural legacy and timeless works
The deceased left behind a valuable collection of works for the Arabic library, spanning literary criticism, philosophy, autobiography, and fiction. Among his most prominent works are "The Allure of the Name," "Writing Outside the Brackets," and "Thresholds of Spelling," in addition to his exquisite narrative work "Al-Ruways," which documented the transformations of place and people in the city of Jeddah. The passing of Al-Suraihi represents not only the loss of a prominent figure but also the closing of an important chapter in the history of cultural transformations in Saudi Arabia, as his ideas and critical theories will remain a guiding light for future generations of researchers and critics.
