Naguib Mahfouz

Date of Birth: December 11, 1911

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: August 30, 2006

Biography

Naguib Mahfouz was an acclaimed Egyptian novelist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in modern Arabic literature. Born in Cairo, Mahfouz began writing at the age of 17 and published his first novel in 1939. Over his long career, he authored more than 30 novels, over 350 short stories, dozens of movie scripts, and five plays. Mahfouz’s work often explored themes such as existentialism, politics, and the human condition, and he is best known for his Cairo Trilogy: “Palace Walk,” “Palace of Desire,” and “Sugar Street.” In 1988, he became the first Arab writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. His writing has had a significant impact on both Arabic and world literature, and his works have been translated into numerous languages. Mahfouz passed away in 2006, but his legacy continues to inspire writers and readers around the globe.

5 Interesting Facts about Naguib Mahfouz

1. Naguib Mahfouz was the first Arab writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, which he received in 1988.

2. He was the author of the Cairo Trilogy, which is considered a cornerstone of modern Arabic literature.

3. Mahfouz was also a prolific screenwriter and contributed to more than 25 Egyptian films.

4. He survived an assassination attempt in 1994 by Islamic extremists who opposed his portrayal of religious themes.

5. Mahfouz worked as a civil servant for much of his life, holding various positions in the Egyptian government.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Naguib Mahfouz

1. “You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether a man is wise by his questions.”

2. “Home is not where you were born; home is where all your attempts to escape cease.”

3. “Events at home, at work, in the street – these are the bases for a story.”

4. “Fear does not prevent death, it prevents life.”

5. “The writer interweaves a story with his own doubts, questions, and values. That is art.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Naguib Mahfouz’s highest net worth achieved is not precisely documented, but his Nobel Prize win and prolific career as a writer would have afforded him considerable recognition and financial stability.