This study examines the artistic imagery in the poetry of Sheikh Ṣāliḥ al‑Kawwāz al‑Ḥillī, one of the prominent poets of Iraqi Arabic literature. Artistic imagery is regarded as a fundamental element in poetic creativity, as it reflects the poet’s emotional experiences and intellectual visions through expressive and rhetorical structures. The present research aims to identify the main sources and components that contribute to the formation of artistic imagery in the poetry of al‑Kawwāz, with particular attention to the roles of the natural environment and historical heritage. The study adopts a descriptive‑analytical approach in order to analyze selected poetic texts from his dīwān and to reveal the aesthetic and semantic functions of imagery. The findings indicate that al‑Kawwāz draws extensively on environmental elements, historical and cultural references, as well as rhetorical devices rooted in classical Arabic poetic tradition. These elements contribute to the richness of his poetic imagery and enhance the expressive power of his poetic language.
Keywords
Iraqi Poetry, Artistic Imagery, Sheikh Ṣāliḥ al‑Kawwāz al‑Ḥillī, Environment, History
Introduction
  Artistic imagery occupies a central position in Arabic poetry, as it represents one of the most significant aesthetic tools through which poets express their feelings, ideas, and perceptions of the world. Through imagery, poetic language transcends its literal meanings and acquires symbolic and emotional dimensions that enrich the reader’s experience. In modern literary criticism, the study of artistic imagery has become an important approach for understanding the creative mechanisms of poetic discourse.Sheikh Ṣāliḥ al‑Kawwāz al‑Ḥillī is considered one of the distinguished poets of Iraqi literature whose poetry reflects deep connections with both the natural environment and the historical and cultural heritage of the Arab world. His poetic imagery reveals a unique synthesis between traditional rhetorical techniques and personal creative vision. Therefore, examining the sources and structures of imagery in his poetry provides valuable insights into the aesthetic features of his poetic production.
Materials and Methods
  The present study adopts a descriptive‑analytical method. A number of poetic texts from the dīwān of Sheikh Ṣāliḥ al‑Kawwāz were selected as the primary material for analysis. These texts were examined in order to identify the linguistic and rhetorical structures that contribute to the formation of artistic imagery. The analysis focuses on the main sources of imagery in his poetry, particularly the influence of the natural environment, historical and cultural references, and elements derived from the Arabic literary tradition. In addition, the study investigates the use of rhetorical devices such as metaphor, simile, and metonymy in shaping the aesthetic structure of poetic images.
Discussion and Results
  The analysis reveals that artistic imagery in the poetry of Sheikh Ṣāliḥ al‑Kawwāz is characterized by diversity and richness. One of the most prominent sources of imagery is the natural environment, which appears in the form of landscapes, natural phenomena, and symbolic elements derived from the surrounding world. These environmental images contribute to creating vivid and expressive poetic scenes. Another important source is historical and cultural heritage. References to historical events, cultural symbols, and elements of Arab‑Islamic civilization frequently appear in his poetry. Such references enhance the symbolic depth of poetic imagery and connect the poet’s personal experience with collective historical memory.Furthermore, rhetorical devices play a significant role in shaping artistic imagery in his poetry. The poet skillfully employs metaphor, simile, and other figures of speech to construct complex and aesthetically appealing images. These rhetorical techniques allow him to convey emotional intensity and intellectual depth simultaneously.
Conclusion
  The study concludes that artistic imagery constitutes a fundamental component of the poetic structure in the dīwān of Sheikh Ṣāliḥ al‑Kawwāz al‑Ḥillī. His imagery is shaped by multiple sources, most notably the natural environment and historical heritage, in addition to the rich rhetorical tradition of Arabic poetry. Through the creative integration of these elements, the poet succeeds in producing vivid and expressive poetic images that reflect both personal experience and collective cultural identity. The findings of this study highlight the aesthetic value of al‑Kawwāz’s poetry and demonstrate the importance of artistic imagery in understanding.