Naguib Mahfouz’s ‘The Struggle of Thebes’ Earned Him an Early Literary Prize

Naguib Mahfouz was already an experienced writer in 1943, but literary awards were still new territory for him. His novel “The Struggle of Thebes” helped bring him recognition in a competition organised by the Ministry of Education and the Arabic Language Academy.

Mahfouz entered the contest with the novel, securing a place among its winners. The award marked an early moment of recognition for a writer who had already devoted years to his craft.

Another young writer, Adel Kamel, also entered the competition. His participation placed him alongside Mahfouz in the same literary contest.

The episode highlights a distinction in Mahfouz’s early career: by 1943, he was no newcomer to writing, even as he was only beginning to gain recognition through literary prizes.