Renowned Egyptian novelist Sonallah Ibrahim, a pioneering figure in modern Arabic literature known for his politically charged and historically rich works, has died at the age of 88, state media reported on Wednesday.
Ibrahim passed away in a Cairo hospital after being admitted for pneumonia.
Born in Cairo in 1937, Ibrahim’s literary and political life were deeply intertwined. He studied law but was drawn to journalism and politics, joining the Egyptian Communist organisation “Hadeto.” He was arrested in 1959 and spent five years in prison, an experience that profoundly shaped his writing.
After his release, he worked for the Egyptian News Agency and later for the German News Agency in East Berlin. He also studied cinematography in Moscow before returning to Cairo in 1974 to dedicate himself to writing full-time.
His literary output was characterised by historical documentation and a focus on the political conditions in Egypt and the Arab world, often interwoven with elements of his personal life.
Among his most famous works are the novels “Sharaf” (Honor), “The Committee,” “Zaat,” and “Beirut, Beirut.” Several of his works are considered classics of modern Arabic literature, with some included in the list of the top 100 Arab novels.
Ibrahim was known for his uncompromising political stances, famously refusing the prestigious Arab Novel Award from Egypt’s Supreme Council for Culture in 2003 in protest of government policies. He did, however, accept other significant Arab awards, including the Ibn Rushd Prize for Freedom of Thought in 2004 and the Cavafy Prize for Literature in 2017.
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly mourned the passing of the great writer, offering his condolences to his family and the entire Arab literary community.
Madbouly said Ibrahim’s rich literary legacy would make him an “immortal icon in the journey of Arab creativity and one of the pioneers of contemporary Egyptian literature.”
The prime minister added that Ibrahim’s prolific work, which enriched the Arab literary library, was a “true mirror of society with all its contradictions,” and praised his deep handling of complex societal issues and his ability to create vivid characters.
