Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Advanced Research in Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Analyzing The Girlhood Narratives in Dunya Mikhail’s The Beekeeper of Sinjar
Dr. Mona Ashour
ABSTRACT:
“Analysing the Girlhood Narratives in Dunya Mikhail’s The Beekeeper of Sinjar” delves into the intricate portrayal of Yazidi girls’ experiences amidst the 2014 genocide perpetrated by ISIS militants in Iraq. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from Eve Tuck, Jillian Hernandez, Linda Duits, Liesbet van Zoonen, and Mélanie Grué, this paper provides a nuanced analysis of the colonial, patriarchal, and religious dimensions embedded within the narratives. By applying Tuck’s concept of settler colonialism, the paper elucidates how historical marginalization and religious differences contribute to the persecution of Yazidi girls, showcasing ISIS’s attacks as a continuation of this pattern. Moreover, the paper examines the patriarchal and gender-based violence inflicted upon the girls, highlighting their objectification, loss of agency, and brutal exploitation under ISIS captivity. Central to the analysis is the exploration of the politics of embodiment, as elucidated by Jillian Hernandez’s framework. Through acts of excess, such as dancing and resistance to traditional norms, the girls reclaim agency over their bodies, challenging societal expectations and resisting their oppressors. Furthermore, the significance of hair within Yazidi culture serves as a poignant symbol of identity, loss, and resistance, underscoring the multifaceted ways in which the girls assert their humanity amidst dehumanizing circumstances. The intersectionality of gender and religion is critically examined, revealing how religious beliefs intersect with patriarchal structures to enforce gendered roles and perpetuate violence against Yazidi girls. The paper also delves into the complexities of trauma and survival, exploring how storytelling becomes a tool for resistance and resilience, allowing the girls to reclaim their narratives and reconstruct their sense of self amidst collective traumas. Moreover, this study underscores the importance of decolonializing narratives, challenging dominant discourses that depict Yazidi girls as passive victims and amplifying their voices as active agents of resistance. Through solidarity and community support, the girls navigate the aftermath of trauma, finding strength in collective action and resilience.
keywords: Girlhood Narratives, Genocide, Gender-based Violence, Politics of Embodiment, Solidarity, Woman Agency, Resilience, intersectionality