Tawfiq Al Hakim was born in 1903 in Alexandria. He settled in Cairo until he obtained his Bachelor in Law in 1925. When the 1919 Revolution broke out, he joined the students' demonstrations, and he published complete texts of famous plays performed in French and European theatres. He translated, into Arabic, a French comedy and called it "Al Areess", (The Groom).
In 1925, Al Hakim travelled to France to obtain PhD. in Law from Paris University. There, he had a better chance to satisfy his artistic and literary interests. He left his studies in Law and concentrated on drama, novel and classical music.
During his stay in Paris, he wrote a number of novels and plays. In 1926 he wrote the first tragedy "Amam Sheebak Al Tazaker", (Before the Ticket Office) in French, then translated it into Arabic in 1935, and was published among a group of autobiographical plays in 1937. in 1927, he wrote a group of short stories, published in 1934 under the title "Al Awalm". In 1928, he wrote the play "Awdet Al Rouh", (The Return of the Spirit).
After his return from France, he balanced his job and writing. He worked as a deputy prosecutor in mixed courts in Alexandria. He settled in Alexandria and pursued his writings and meditations in a coffee shop in Al Raml Square.
In 1929, he moved to civil courts and worked in many cities among which were Tanta, Darmanhour and Dessouk. Therefore, he strengthened his connections with the Egyptian society and its problems which he depicted in his writings, such as " Yowniiat Naa'b Fi Al Ariaf", ( The Diary of a Prosecuter in Rural Areas) and " Zekriat Fi Al Fan Wa Al Adala", ( Memories in Art and Justice), which were greatly appreciated and brought about his literary fame.
Tawfiq Al Hakim worked as a journalist in Akhbar Al Yom, then as a manager of the Egyptian National Library in 1951. In 1954, He was chosen as a member of the Arabic Language Academy.
In 1956, he became a permanent member of the Higher Council for Arts and Literature. He worked, for one year, as a resident representative of his country to the UNESCO in Paris till 1960, then returned to the membership of the Higher Council for Arts and Literature. In 1961, he was granted the State Merit award.
Details:
DOB: 1903.
Country: Egypt
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