Jawaher praises famed Egyptian author Reem Bassiouney's work
- Last updated: November 20, 2024 | 14:53 ..
Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, attended an enriching session as part of the Sharjah Cultural Salon series organised by the Cultural Office.
The session titled "A Journey Through Mamluk History: Insights from Sons of the People" featured the renowned Egyptian author Dr. Reem Bassiouney in an inspiring discussion moderated by Dr. Mariam Al-Hashmi.
The event took place on Tuesday, November 19, at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, attracting a diverse audience of distinguished female authors, cultural enthusiasts, and prominent members of the community.
In her opening remarks, Her Highness expressed her delight in hosting the notable author, stating: "Dr. Reem Bassiouney is a remarkable cultural figure whose work deserves widespread acclaim. She vividly portrays our beloved Egypt, a land we’ve explored with admiration, often unaware of the depth of its history. Through Sons of the People, she brings the Mamluk society to life, immersing us in a world steeped in historical depth and cultural allure.”
She continued: "Dr. Bassiouney also delves deeply into the essence of Sufism, a cornerstone of Islamic history often misunderstood. Her writings remind us of its rich message of compassion, tolerance, and acceptance, inspiring us to reflect on its meanings and appreciate its profound value."
Her Highness further emphasised the enduring relevance of cultural heritage in today’s fast-paced world: "In an era dominated by technological breakthroughs and fleeting trends, we must remember our roots. I encourage young people to explore history and draw inspiration from the great individuals who shaped it. It is our duty to preserve this heritage and represent it with pride."
The session explored the inspiration behind Dr. Bassiouney’s blend of meticulous historical research with storytelling in her trilogy 'Sons of the People,' highlighting its historical depth and cultural impact. Dr. Bassiouney emphasised the responsibility of Arab authors to uphold their cultural heritage through their work. She also discussed the challenges of balancing academic integrity with creative storytelling, the role of women in her novels, and the historical themes explored in her award-winning book.
Despite holding a Ph.D. and M.A. in Sociolinguistics from Oxford University and serving as Chair of the Linguistics Department at the American University in Cairo, Dr. Bassiouney proudly writes in Arabic. This reflects her commitment to promoting Arab-Islamic culture and inspiring future generations to value their heritage in an era dominated by globalised influences.
The session spotlighted her award-winning novel 'Sons of the People: A Mamluk Trilogy,' which received the Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature from the Supreme Council for Culture for the best Egyptian novel of 2019–2020.
Dr. Bassiouney explained that the term "Sons of the People" originated in the Mamluk era and referred to the children of Mamluk rulers born on Egyptian soil. Unlike their fathers, these individuals were no longer considered slaves. Regarded as free and highly esteemed members of society, the "Sons of the People" were seen alongside scholars and judges.
However, their identity was defined not by wealth but by an abundance of knowledge, culture, wisdom, and intellect. Through this novel, Dr. Bassiouney offers a captivating narrative that corrects historical misconceptions while honouring the richness of Mamluk heritage.
Earlier, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher affirmed that governmental institutional work is a cherished trust held by every working member of society.
“This responsibility extends beyond mere duty, forming an intrinsic part of a humane nature rooted in giving and a profound desire to serve the community,” she added.
She underscored that dedication and loyalty add noble value to every effort, as each sincere step taken by the organisations contributes to constructing a strong, cohesive society built on bonds of solidarity and compassion.
Every initiative to enhance public services is more than an addition; it is a brick in a lofty mission, elevating the quality of life and offering the best for all individuals and families of Sharjah.
Sheikha Jawaher’s remarks came during her attendance at the fourth edition of Our Forum, a biannual event organised by the Executive Office of Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, held on Thursday at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre.