Zayni Barakat

Name: Zayni Barakat
SKU: 9789774248726
Availability: InStock

EGP400.00

From one of Egypt’s greatest contemporary writers, a historical novel which “succeeds brilliantly” (Robert Irwin, Times Literary Supplement)

“In the course of my long travels I have never seen a city so devastated. After a long time I ventured out into the streets. Death, cold and heavy, hung in the air. Walls have no value here, doors have been eliminated. No one is certain that they will see another day.”

This historical novel, first published in Arabic in 1974, is set in early-seventeenth century Mamluk Cairo. It traces the career of Zayni Barakat ibn Mousa as Cairo’s puritanically moral and ruthless governor, who employs several corps of spies and informers to rule the city. Gamal al-Ghitani uses various narrative devices including diary extracts, police reports, legal decrees, first-person narratives, and religious discourses, which, together with oblique references to the Cairo of Nasser, give the novel the dimensions of a powerful political and historical fable.

SKU: 9789774248726 Categories: Books, E Arabic Literature in Translation, English Books, Literature &Fiction

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Zayni Barakat

Zayni Barakat Book Description

Readers will discover Zayni Barakat in a vivid English translation offered by Kalimat Bookstore Online. This historical novel transports you to early‑seventeenth‑century Mamluk Cairo, a city struggling under war, disease, and political intrigue. Fans of rich, atmospheric storytelling will enjoy a narrative that blends personal drama with the larger forces that shape a capital on the brink of collapse.

Key Features of Zayni Barakat

The story follows Zayni Barakat ibn Mousa, a strict and ruthless governor who rules through a network of spies and informers. Meanwhile, author Gamal al‑Ghitani layers diary entries, police reports, legal decrees, and first‑person testimonies to create a textured portrait of power. Additionally, subtle references to Nasser‑era Cairo give the novel a timeless political resonance.

Throughout the book, readers can experience vivid scenes of devastation: “Death, cold and heavy, hung in the air,” the narrator writes. Moreover, the narrative’s shifting viewpoints keep the plot dynamic and engaging, making each chapter feel fresh and urgent.

Why Read This Book?

Because the novel offers more than a historical setting, it explores themes of authority, morality, and survival. The protagonist’s moral rigidity clashes with the chaotic streets, prompting readers to question the cost of order. Furthermore, al‑Ghitani’s use of multiple document forms enriches the reading experience, allowing you to piece together the city’s hidden stories.

Fans of political fables will appreciate how the novel mirrors contemporary power struggles while staying rooted in its 17th‑century context. Therefore, the book serves both as an immersive adventure and a thoughtful reflection on governance and human resilience.

About This Book

First published in Arabic in 1974, this acclaimed work has been praised by the Times Literary Supplement as “a historical novel which succeeds brilliantly.” More detail about the book and its author can be found on Goodreads. Also discover the best English books online in our store through this link.