Remembering Yehia Haqqi on His Death Anniv.

Dec. 9, marks the 48th death anniversary of Yahia Haqqi, who is considered the father of the short story and novel in Egypt.

Haqqi was regarded as one of the Arab pioneers of the twentieth century literary movement in Egypt.

Throughout his lifetime, he published many short stories and novels alongside translating numerous foreign language books into Arabic and otherwise.

Among his notable books are "Om Al A'wagiz"(The Mother of the Helpless) "Dimaa we Teen" (Blood and Mud) "Anter and Juliet" " Sah el noom" (wake up) "Ihtigag" (Protest) "Aqrab Affandy" (Mr. Scorpion) "Tanawa'at Al Asbab" (Means vary) "Qessa fi Ard'hal" (A Story in a petition) "Iflass Khatibah" (The bankruptcy of a Match Maker) "Al firash al Shaghir" (The Empty Bed) and " Al Bostagy" (The Postman).

Despite the fact that he wrote many novels and essays, he is actually best known for his (The Lamp of Umm Hashim ), which is regarded as the first fictional work in Arabic to deal with the psychological problems faced by students returning home from Europe after finishing their education.

Further, he was the recipient of numerous awards and nominations for excellence throughout his successful career, including the King Faisal International Prize, in Arabic Language and Literature, Short Novels Category, The Prize is one of the most important events of the King Faisal Foundation (KFF)highest possible award and so many more.

Born in Cairo, in 1905 , he graduated from the Faculty of Law and worked for a short period as a lawyer in Alexandria.

In 1929, he joined the diplomatic corps and served in Jeddah, Rome, Paris, and Ankara.

In 1952, he was appointed Ambassador to Libya.

After that, he was appointed director of arts departments and then a literary advisor to the Egyptian General Book Organization in 1958.

A year later, he resigned his post, and became editor-in-chief of the well-known cultural magazine "al Magalla".

Haqqi effectively contributed to the broad bases of contemporary Egyptian cultural and artistic revival, including the creation of the arts institute, Puppet Theatre, Cairo Symphony Orchestra, operatic chorus and other folkloric arts troupes.

The late writer translated literary works such as: The Chess Player - by Stephen Zweig, The Axe - by Mikhail Sadoviano, Anthony Krugger - by Thomas Mann, Blue Brand - by Meter Linel, and Cairo - by Desmond Stuart.