Today Marks Yusuf Idris' 32nd Death Anniversary

Today, August 1st, marks the 32nd anniversary of the death of Yusuf Idris, one of Egypt's most gifted writers. 

Idris was a playwright, philosopher, and doctor, having written over 90 books across various genres, including stories, short novels, and works on science, philosophy, society, and romance.

Born in 1927 in Faqous, a small town in the Delta, Idris earned his degree from Cairo University's faculty of medicine. In addition to being a doctor, he wrote regularly for the famous daily newspaper Al-Ahram.

Despite initially welcoming the July 1952 Revolution that ousted the monarchy in Egypt, Idris was soon disillusioned with the country's new leaders' apparent inability to fulfill their promises, particularly in terms of political participation and economic development.

In the 1960s, the renowned writer sought to create a distinctively Egyptian dramatic form using colloquial language and elements of traditional folk drama and shadow theater.

Idris is well-known for his notable works, including "Did You Have to Turn the Light on Li-Li?" from the 1970 collection House of Flesh, "The Shame" from the 1960 collection of the same name, and "Al-Sheikh Sheikha," known as "The Freak," from the 1966 collection The Ends of the Earth.

Throughout his career, Idris won numerous awards, including the 1997 Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature for his novel City of Love and Ashes.

He was married to Raja al-Refai, and they had three children, including Basma, who is also a published writer. 

Although the Egyptian novelist passed away 32 years ago in 1991, his witty satires and sharp critique of Egypt's socioeconomic development issues in the 20th century continue to captivate audiences both in print and on screen.