The Egyptian Ministry of Culture is set to celebrate the legacy of Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz on April 16 through a comprehensive cultural initiative titled “Mahfouz in Our Hearts”—the third installment in a national series of tributes following earlier commemorations of filmmaker Shady Abdel Salam and poet Salah Jahin.
Organized under the patronage of Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Fouad Heno and spearheaded by the General Authority for Cultural Palaces, the initiative spans Cairo and governorates across Egypt. The day-long event is designed to honor Mahfouz’s enduring impact on literature, national identity, and storytelling.
A Nationwide Celebration of Literary Legacy
“Mahfouz in Our Hearts” (Arabic: Mahfouz Fi El Alb) is intended not only to celebrate Mahfouz’s literary achievements but also to reintroduce his work to new generations. Activities include scholarly lectures, film screenings, panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions—all highlighting the depth and diversity of Mahfouz’s contributions to Egyptian culture.
Lectures are scheduled at key cultural institutions, such as Heliopolis Culture Palace, where a session titled “Formations of the Egyptian Alley in the Novels of Naguib Mahfouz” will be held. In Alexandria, Anfoushi Palace will examine the relationship between Mahfouz’s literary texts and their cinematic adaptations.
Additional discussions in cities such as Sohag, Luxor, and Suez will explore topics ranging from Mahfouz’s poetic language to his portrayal of historical narratives and his personal character. These diverse themes underscore the relevance of his work in both academic and everyday contexts.
Engaging the Public Through Art, Film, and Storytelling
Beyond formal lectures, the initiative offers a range of interactive events designed to engage the public. These include creative design workshops for book covers and portraits, storytelling sessions for children, and theatrical training programs. Documentary films, such as “Naguib Mahfouz: The Conscience of His Time,” will also be screened.
A key highlight is a cinematic showcase dedicated to adaptations of Mahfouz’s novels, offering attendees a multimedia experience that blends literature with visual storytelling.
Leading Thinkers Reflect on Mahfouz’s Cultural Impact
The Egyptian Opera House will host a series of academic panels featuring prominent intellectuals, including Dr. Khairy Doma, Dr. Hussein Hamouda, and novelist Youssef El-Qa’eed. Topics will include Mahfouz’s narrative techniques, his depiction of Egyptian society, and his influence on contemporary literature.
A parallel book exhibition will showcase Mahfouz’s published works alongside critical studies that reflect on his literary influence both in Egypt and abroad.
Supporting Emerging Writers Through a Literary Competition
In conjunction with the celebrations, the Ministry of Culture has announced the launch of the Mahfouz in Our Hearts Novel Competition. The contest invites submissions of novels published in 2023 or 2024 by Egyptian and Arab authors, with two top prizes of EGP 75,000 each. The submission window opens on April 16 and closes on July 15.
The competition seeks to honor Mahfouz’s legacy by encouraging new voices in literature and promoting Arabic storytelling on the global stage.
Free Museum Access and Public Video Campaign
To further broaden public engagement, the Naguib Mahfouz Museum in Cairo will offer free admission to visitors on April 16. The museum houses manuscripts, personal belongings, and photographs that offer insight into the writer’s life and work.
Additionally, a tribute video featuring interviews, archival footage, and highlights from the event will be aired across Light Rail Transit (LRT) trains and metro stations. The video campaign aims to make Mahfouz’s legacy accessible to everyday commuters and reinforce his relevance in modern Egyptian life.
A Living Legacy
Through lectures, performances, visual art, and public outreach, “Mahfouz in Our Hearts” reaffirms the lasting significance of Naguib Mahfouz’s work. More than a nostalgic tribute, the initiative seeks to integrate his legacy into contemporary cultural discourse and inspire a new generation of readers, writers, and thinkers.
Mahfouz remains not only preserved in memory—but alive in the cultural heartbeat of Egypt.
