Yusuf Sibai Death Anniv.: 3 Works by Arabic Culture Pioneer

Touted as one of the best Arab writers, Yusuf Sibai was a former Egyptian Culture Minister, journalist, short-story writer, poet, and novelist.

Born on June 10, 1917, Sibai's remarkable work in the field of literature has been praised for generations. Famous for his romantic books, he won numerous awards throughout his long-standing career.

After his graduation from the Military Academy in 1973, he started his career in the armed forces.

'Al Atiaf' "Ghosts," his first novel, was written while he was still in the Military Academy.

In 1952, the greatest Arab writer, who is also known as the Pioneer of Arabic Culture, ended up his military career as Director of the Military Museum.

In 1959, he took over a helm as Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Arts and Secretary, and then he became Secretary-General of the Afro- Asian.

Five years later, he took another significant position as Minister of Culture in Anwar Sadat's government.

The legendary writer breathed his last when he was assassinated on the 18th of February, 1978 by an extremist Palestinian group in Nicosia, Cyprus, where he was attending a conference dedicated to peace and security for the nations of the world.

 Here are three of his iconic works one must-read.

Ard al Nefaq (1949)

Ard al Nefaq, a novel published in 1949, exposes all kinds of hypocrisy in the society, at the period just before the 1948 war, when the Egyptian society was in political and social turmoil.

 Bain El Atlal (1959)

Bain El Atlal is a story about Mona a university student who falls in love with her professor, Mahmoud, who is also a gifted writer. Mahmoud proposes to Mona but her mother refuses and Mona marries another man and leave Egypt. After many years, she returns to Egypt, Mona visits a sick Mahmoud in a hospital. At that moment, Mahmoud expresses his love to Mona as he lies in his deathbed.

 Rudda kalbi (1954)

Rudda kalbi is a tale about unconditional love, and the connection made between Ali, a poor officer, and Ingy, a young beautiful princess.

The tale also informs and teaches people about the greatness of selflessness, humility, and love that is found in all humans of all classes and backgrounds.