Author, Literary Critic, and Professor of Arabic Literature, Cairo University

Professor Ahmed Shams Al-Hajjaji (3 December 1935 – 13 February 2024) was a distinguished Egyptian scholar, novelist, and professor of Arabic literature whose intellectual legacy continues to inspire generations of readers and students across the Arab world.

Born in Luxor to a family steeped in education and scholarship, Professor Al-Hajjaji was the son of Sheikh Shams al-Din Al-Hajjaji and the brother of Kamel al-Din Shams al-Din Al-Hajjaji, both of whom graduated from the Faculty of Arabic Language at Al-Azhar University. He began his education in local kuttāb schools before completing his secondary studies and moving to Cairo, where he enrolled in the Arabic Department at the Faculty of Arts, Cairo University in 1955.

During his university years (1955–1959), he studied under some of Egypt’s most prominent literary figures, including Suheir al-Qalamawi, Shawqi Dayf, Muhammad Kamil Hussein, and Shukri Muhammad Ayyad. He received his BA in Arabic Literature in 1959, followed by an MA in 1965 in theatrical criticism, and a PhD in 1973 for his groundbreaking dissertation, Myth in Contemporary Egyptian Theatre.

Professor Al-Hajjaji served as a full professor in the Arabic Department at Cairo University and gained recognition as one of Egypt’s foremost experts in literary criticism, Arabic theatre, and cultural studies. His academic output included numerous books, essays, and scholarly articles that advanced understanding in these fields and influenced generations of students.

In addition to his academic achievements, he was also a creative writer. His novel The Life of Sheikh Nour al-Din (Sīrat al-Shaykh Nūr al-Dīn) was widely acclaimed and selected among the top 100 Arabic novels of the twentieth century. The novel was later adapted into the beloved television series Darb al-Tayyib.

In 2010, he was awarded Egypt’s State Appreciation Award for Literature in recognition of his lifelong contribution to the advancement of Arabic letters and culture.

Professor Ahmed Shams Al-Hajjaji will be remembered not only for his scholarship, but for his humility, clarity of thought, and enduring commitment to Egyptian culture and education. His life and work continue to resonate through the generations he taught, mentored, and inspired.

The Luxor Library bears his name and honors his legacy as a symbol of the deep intellectual heritage of Upper Egypt and the broader Arab world.

Nour El-Hajjaji was a distinguished Egyptian lawyer whose dedication to justice, mentorship, and legal education left an enduring mark on the legal community in Egypt and beyond. Born on April 28, 1985, and a graduate of the Faculty of Law (English Section), Cairo University, Class of 2006, Nour built a legacy grounded in integrity, excellence, and service to others. With over 14 years of experience in complex commercial and civil litigation and arbitration, Nour served as a trusted legal advisor to prominent law firms and major corporations in Egypt. His career spanned both private practice and corporate leadership, including his tenure as Legal Manager at a leading telecommunications company. His work involved advising national and multinational clients, managing legal risks, and drafting critical commercial and legal documentation with precision and insight. Beyond the courtroom and boardroom, Nour was an impassioned educator and mentor. As a certified legal instructor, he dedicated himself to the training of aspiring lawyers, offering instruction in contract drafting, litigation, and dispute resolution at prestigious institutions and legal academies. His teaching style was marked by generosity, clarity, and a genuine commitment to the success of his students. Nour was also the founder of The Legal Paladin, a platform launched in 2018 to share legal knowledge, foster professional growth, and encourage dialogue within the legal field. Above all, Nour El-Hajjaji will be remembered for his humility, kindness, and tireless support for young professionals. He was a beloved husband, devoted father of three, and a guiding light to many in the legal profession. His legacy lives on in the countless individuals he mentored, the clients he served, and the principles of justice he upheld with unwavering dedication.