Reclaiming Lost Images in Egyptian Diaspora Literature: The Case of Iman Mersal and May Telmissany

Arab women’s diasporic writing features a wide array of voices who rewrite the history of Arab diaspora in European countries. The voice of Iman Mersal and May Telmissany is very unique in Egyptian writings. Their works convey a different view of the Self and use literary techniques that invest in this experience to create a multitude of new visions to understand diaspora , given how they are humanist existential experiences that allow the artist to reconcile with the past, This study we will focus on analyzing  the use of the "photographic technique” as a tool of recalling home in as an example of Modern Egyptian Diaspora Literature to emphasize that recalling images of the past is a human psychological need for both modern and primitive humans. It bridges the gap created by alienation and deepened by diaspora and helps them overcome being uprooted from their birthplace and culture. To avoid an existential crisis, human beings create a state of recollection of that lost time through art, literature and legends. In this context, we are attempting to read the images of diaspora and alienation as expressed in standing by the ruins of old homes and recalling the past as a literary theme and deeply rooted poetic Arabic tradition. In this context, we are attempting to read the images of diaspora and alienation as expressed in standing by the ruins of old homes and recalling the past as a literary theme and deeply rooted poetic Arabic tradition.