ADIBF 2024: Intellectuals Reflect On Naguib Mahfouz’s Portrayal Of Society And History

The 33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF 2024) commenced with an enlightening session at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), focusing on the literary contributions of Naguib Mahfouz. This session, titled ‘Naguib Mahfouz: A Mirror of History and Society’, was held at the Memphis Stage, featuring a panel of distinguished scholars and moderated by author Reem Bassiouney. The fair, a significant event in the literary calendar, will continue to welcome book enthusiasts until Sunday, 5 May.

Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of Bibliotheca Alexandrina, highlighted Mahfouz’s unparalleled influence on literature and society. He emphasized Mahfouz’s ability to weave philosophical insights with societal narratives, particularly focusing on the middle class's evolution. Dr. Zayed pointed out that Mahfouz’s trilogy offers a profound understanding of Arab society through its detailed portrayal of this social class’s emergence and development.

Dr. Mohammed Afify, a Professor at Cairo University, delved into Mahfouz’s historical narratives, underscoring the author's obsession with history and its impact on his works. Dr. Afify specifically mentioned ‘Before the Throne’, a novel that spans Egypt's leadership history from the Pharaonic era to Anwar El-Sadat, showcasing Mahfouz’s literary mastery in chronicling historical events.

Dr. Said Bensaid Al Alaoui, Honorary Professor at Mohamed V University, discussed the intersection of novel and history in Mahfouz’s works. He argued that while novels and history are distinct genres, Mahfouz’s literature serves as a bridge connecting both, offering deep insights into society and its historical context. Through his novels, Mahfouz encapsulated various epochs, reflecting Egypt’s comprehensive historical journey.

Dr. Muhsin Al-Musawi from Columbia University shared insights from his study ‘The Unravelling of the Sacred Contract: Arabic Fiction after Mahfouz’. He noted Mahfouz’s critical role in transforming Arabic literature and his unique position as the only Nobel laureate in this field. Dr. Al-Musawi lamented the underappreciation of Mahfouz’s insights into Arab society within academic circles, despite their profound significance.

The session not only paid homage to Naguib Mahfouz’s literary genius but also sparked discussions on his depiction of societal changes and historical narratives. The panelists’ analyses provided attendees with a deeper understanding of Mahfouz’s work and its enduring impact on Arabic literature and society at large.

The ADIBF 2024 continues to host sessions that explore significant literary figures and themes, enriching the cultural landscape of Abu Dhabi and offering invaluable insights into the world of literature.

With inputs from WAM