On October 14th, 1988: Naguib Mahfouz became the first Arabic writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Born in Cairo, he began writing at the age of only seventeen. Now his literature is well circulated throughout the Arabic-speaking world. In his Nobel Prize recognition, it states that he “has formed an Arabian narrative art that applies to all of mankind”. He is known for works such as, the Cairo Triology, Bayn al Qasrayn, Qasr al Shawq, Sukkariya (Between-the-Palaces, Palace of Longing, Sugarhouse), and The Children of Gebelawi. If you are interested in his literature, reach out to Dr. McDonald! He teaches a contemporary Arabic authors class!
(Photo courtesy of the Nobel Foundation archive)