Samira al-Mana: Iraqi Author and Exile Voice Dies at 91 2026

Samira al-Mana, an Iraqi author and exile voice, has died aged 91, leaving behind a legacy of novels and short stories that captured the struggles of life under authoritarian rule. Her work, written in Arabic, focused on the difficult choices faced by everyday citizens and the travails of exile.

Early Life and Education

Born in Basrah to Abdel al-Mana, a customs officer, and Bahia Murad, Samira attended al-Ashshar secondary school before studying Arabic literature at the University of Baghdad in 1956. There she met her future husband, the journalist and poet Salah Niazi. They married in 1959, and she taught Arabic in secondary schools until the political situation deteriorated.

Move to London and Literary Career

In 1965, Samira and Salah moved to London, where she learned English by reading the Guardian and worked as an administrative assistant. Her debut novel, Al-Sabiqun wal-lahiqun (The First and the Last), was published in 1972, followed by a short story collection, Al-Ghinaa (Singing), in 1976. She also earned a diploma in librarianship from Ealing Technical College and worked in libraries in Wembley and Ealing, as well as at the Iraqi Cultural Centre, while doing part-time translation work.

Co-founding Al-Ightirab al-Adabi

With her husband, Samira co-founded the quarterly Arabic magazine Al-Ightirab al-Adabi (Literature of the Exiled), which from 1985 to 2003 gave voice to Arab writers in exile. This period saw a gap in her own writing, but she returned with Habl al-Surra (The Umbilical Cord) in 1990, tackling the pain of political displacement and the emotional ties that bind exiles to their homeland.

Key Works and Impact

Samira's books were blacklisted by the Iraqi state from 1979 to 2003 and often blocked in other Arab states. Despite this, her work remains a testament to resilience and the power of literature to resist oppression. Below is a table of her major publications:

Legacy and Recognition

Samira al-Mana's writing gave a voice to those living under authoritarian regimes and in exile. Her work has been studied by scholars of Arabic literature and continues to inspire new generations. She passed away peacefully, leaving behind a rich literary heritage that transcends borders.

Key Takeaways

• Samira al-Mana wrote five novels, two short story collections, and a play.
• Her work focused on authoritarianism and exile.
• She co-founded a magazine for exiled Arab writers.
• Her books were banned in Iraq for decades.
• She lived in London from 1965 until her death.

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