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Cities of Salt

Cities of Salt is one of the most renowned Arabic novels, composed of five volumes: The Wilderness, The Trenches, Variations on Night and Day, The Uprooted, and Desert of Darkness. It depicts life at the onset of oil discovery and the rapid transformations that swept through the towns and villages of the Arabian Peninsula due to this discovery.

Summary of the Volumes:

1. The Wilderness (التيه)

This first volume portrays the early signs of oil discovery in the Arabian Peninsula through the eyes of its inhabitants. The character Mut’eb al-Hadhdhal stands as a symbol of the landowners’ spontaneous resistance, which forces the authorities to resort to violence.

2. The Trenches (الأخدود)

In the second volume, Munif shifts to depicting the world of the ruling elite and politics in the desert, which transforms into an oil field.

3. Variations on Night and Day (تقاسيم الليل والنهار)

This third volume explores the roots of the ruling family during the years of tribal conflicts, culminating in the rise of Kharbit as the most powerful ruler in the region. At this point, the West enters the desert, finding an ally in Kharbit to secure the wealth they seek.

4. The Uprooted (المنبت)

This volume serves as a biography of Khaz’al in exile until his death, observing the revolutionary changes imposed by Fanar. Fanar attempts to redirect the course of the desert, breaking away from the policies of his father and brother, and reducing American influence. He begins establishing a harsh, desert-like state with loyal institutions.

5. Desert of Darkness (بادية الظلمات)

In this final volume, with Fanar firmly in control, Munif returns to examine the people’s conditions amid these changes. Traditions, places, and even the sense of belonging and identity are transformed. The land is renamed the Hudaybiya state, with Fanar becoming a legendary figure who ultimately meets his end through assassination by his own circle.

Cities of Salt by Abdul Rahman Munif is a profound critique of the social and political upheavals driven by the oil boom, portraying the clash between tradition and modernity.

• Author name:

  Abdul Rahman Munif

• Language:

  English

• ISBN:

  9789953681031

• Publishing House:

  Arab Center for Cutlture and international studies

• Page numbers:

  233