Taha Hussein

Taha Hussein (Arabic: ?? ???? )

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(November 14, 1889—October 28, 1973) was an Egyptian writer and Arabic literary scholar. He was a figurehead for the modernist movement in Egypt.

Related Topics:
November 14 - 1889 - October 28 - 1973 - Egypt - Writer - Modernist

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He contracted an eye infection as a child, and faulty treatment rendered him blind at the age of three. He went to a kuttab (traditional teacher), and then was sent to Al-Azhar University, where he was educated in religion and Arabic literature. He resented the narrow thinking of his teachers.

Related Topics:
Al-Azhar University - Arabic literature

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When the secular Cairo University was founded in 1908, he was keen to enter, and despite being blind and poor he earned a place. He was the first graduate to receive a Ph.D., and he went on to become a professor of Arabic literature. Additionally, he was founding Rector of the University of Alexandria. He wrote many novels and essays, though in the West he is best known for his autobiography, Al-Ayyam. It was published in English as An Egyptian Childhood (1932) and The Stream of Days (1943).

Related Topics:
Cairo University - 1908 - Ph.D. - Rector - University of Alexandria - 1932 - 1943

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He met Suzanne, his wife, while studying in France, where he obtained a B.A. from University of Montpellier and a second PhD from the Sorbonne. She read to him as not all of his references were available in Braille. After Taha died, she published Ma'ak (With You), which chronicled their life together.

Related Topics:
France - University of Montpellier - Sorbonne - Braille

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He was a strong proponent of the 1952 Egyptian Revolution, and he insisted that education remained free, claiming that is was a basic right for every human being, announcing "knowledge is like water and air." He became Minister of Education in 1950, and the new government subsequently made primary education ex gratia, which is still in effect today.

Related Topics:
1952 - 1950 - Ex gratia

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