Sharjah: H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, attended an insightful session as part of the “Sharjah Cultural Salon” series, organised by the Cultural Office of the Council. The session, titled “Reading the History of the Mamluks through the Novel ‘Awlad Al Nas,'” featured Egyptian author Dr. Reem Bassiouni and was moderated by Dr. Maryam Al Hashimi. It took place on Tuesday, 19th November, at the Al Jawaher Reception and Conference Centre, with the participation of prominent female writers, cultural and historical enthusiasts, and members of the community.
According to Emirates News Agency, at the start of the session, Sheikha Jawaher expressed her pleasure in hosting Dr. Bassiouni, praising her as an esteemed Arab cultural figure. She highlighted the author’s detailed portrayal of Egypt’s rich history through her novel, “Awlad Al Nas,” which vividly depicts Mamluk society, allowing readers to ex
perience its historical depth and beauty. She noted that the novel illuminated Sufi thought, emphasising mercy, tolerance, and acceptance – key aspects of Islamic history.
Sheikha Jawaher also stressed the importance of preserving Arab-Islamic identity and values in a rapidly changing world, advising young people to engage with history and learn from the great figures who contributed to societal progress. She called on the youth to uphold and represent this heritage proudly.
The session delved into Dr. Bassiouni’s process of writing her trilogy, “Awlad Al Nas,” a work that spans over seven hundred pages. She shared insights into balancing academic rigor with creative storytelling, especially when dealing with real historical events and figures. Dr. Bassiouni also discussed the role of women in her work and her dual responsibilities as both an academic and novelist.
Despite her academic background, including a master’s degree and doctorate in sociolinguistics from Oxford University, Dr. Bassiouni remains co
mmitted to using the Arabic language in her literary and academic work, emphasizing the importance of promoting Arab and Islamic culture in the modern world. She also spoke about her novel, which won the Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature in 2019-2020.
