Quiz: Re-reading History Through Jurji Zaidan’s Eyes
During Egypt’s late 19th/early 20th century nahda, novelist and educator Jurji Zaidan made the historical novel his particular study. In order to move forward with a particularly Arab identity, Zaidan reasoned, it was necessary to re-investigate, and re-invigorate, certain aspects of the past.
Zaidan’s fast-paced novels have remained popular among readers, but, for many years, Arabic historical novels were not considered quite “literary” enough to pique scholars’ or critics’ interest. That’s changing now. In any case, fun things from the Egypt Independent:
Long before Ramadan serials commandeered popular views of history, Jurji Zaidan (1861-1914) was one of the great tellers of Arab and Islamic history. In his 21 historical fictions, he enlivened “golden age” figures through fast-paced tales. Zaidan himself was initially kept from school by his working-class Lebanese father, but grew into an important Cairo-based publisher, educator, and leading member of the early 20th century nahda.
Zaidan felt that, in order for Egypt and the region to move forward, people must grapple with history. His works were neglected in English for nearly a hundred years, but now suddenly six are available in translation, just in time for his 151st birthday on 14 December. How much Zaidan history do you know? Take the quiz.
December 4, 2012 @ 1:52 pm
Clicking on the link, ‘Take this Quiz’ brings up the following message on black screen: “You are reading this message because EGYPT INDEPENDENT objects to continued restrictions on media liberties, especially after hundreds of Egyptians gave their lives for freedom and dignity.”
Surely related to the current crisis. Is censorship being imposed as well?
cheers,
Norbert
December 4, 2012 @ 2:02 pm
Oops, sorry Norbert & everyone. I just saw the email from Lina:
Good morning – we’re on strike:)
December 5, 2012 @ 8:02 am
I wrote about Zaydan’s “Abdul Rahman al-Nasir” for my undergraduate comparative literature thesis just two years ago, and could scarcely find anything in the way of secondary sources, much less a full translation of one of his works. I’m very happy to read that the spotlight is shifting his way. Maybe it’s time to read those other 20 novels…
December 5, 2012 @ 3:03 pm
Things have changed in even just two years — 6 translations, a number of papers, and a growing body of research. I must say George Zaidan (Jurji’s grandson) really jumps into action when he puts his mind to something. It is time to read the other 20 novels!
A Symposium on Jurji Zaydan | Arab Arts Blog
December 5, 2012 @ 8:01 pm
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