Postcolonial Flaneur: A Critical Analysis of Spatial-Cultural Narratives in Rizwan Akhtar’s (2017) Lahore, I Am Coming

Abstract

This research, through the critical analysis of Rizwan Akhtar’s (2017) poetry collection Lahore, I Am Coming, employs the subjective interpretations of the postcolonial flâneur to unveil the city’s complex cultural narratives of postcolonial Lahore. In the face of rapid urban transformations, documenting the spatial practices of postcolonial flâneur becomes crucial for investigating the repercussions of colonialism on the cultural fabric of Lahore. The study employs qualitative approach to explore the spatial practices and cultural narratives of postcolonial flâneur prevalent in Akhtar’s (2017) Lahore, I Am Coming. By employing the lens of postcolonial flaneur, the findings of this study reveals the intricate influence of space on its culture that ultimately effects the psyche of the inhabitants of postcolonial space. As the exploration of Pakistani landscapes remains relatively unexplored in the domain of flâneurism. Thereto, future scholarly research should prioritize exploring these landscapes which can unearth nuanced narratives of the pre-colonial past and the repercussions of colonialism on Pakistan's postcolonial spaces. By doing so, future studies can contribute to a broader and more profound understanding of the diverse and complex identities that define the postcolonial experience in South Asia.