About
Taha Hussein (1889-1973), a major figure of modern Arabic literature, was born into a modest family in Upper Egypt. Blinded at age two, he studied at al-Azhar and then at Cairo University, where he earned the first doctorate in 1914. He continued his studies in France, obtaining a doctorate from the Sorbonne. Returning to Egypt, he taught Arabic literature and became dean of the Faculty of Arts, then rector of the University of Alexandria. His work, notably his autobiography 'Al-Ayyam' and his controversial essay on pre-Islamic poetry, marked modern thought. As Minister of Education (1950-1952), he democratized education. Nicknamed the 'Dean of Arabic Literature', he received numerous honors.
* 1889-11-14 — † 1973-10-28
Major works
- Al-Ayyam (1929-1967)autobiography
- Fī al-shiʿr al-jāhilī (1926)essay
- Mustaqbal al-thaqāfah fī Miṣr (1938)essay
- Duʿāʾ al-Karawān (1934)novel
- Al-Muʿadhdhibūn (1940)novel
Key milestones
- 1914First doctorate awarded by Cairo University.
- 1926Publication of 'Fī al-shiʿr al-jāhilī' causing a scandal and a trial for apostasy.
- 1950Appointed Minister of Education, he abolished primary school fees.
Themes
Modernity and traditionEducation and emancipationLiterary criticismEgyptian cultural identityBlindness and resilience
Sources: britannica.com · bibalex.org · lccn.loc.gov