Abdu al-Hamuli

Abdu al-Hamuli

A vocalist and renovator, al-Hamuli's influence has extended to affect Twentieth Century singers.
Date of birth1836, Tanta, Gharbeya
A chance meeting with a senior vocalist catapulted al-Hamuli into studying the fundamentals of music. His reputation was such that he formed his own group and was heard by Khedive Ismail who liked his voice and took him in to become part of his entourage. Hamuli traveled to Turkey, where he had the opportunity to listen to Turkish music. Later he would compose oriental music that appealed to both Egyptians and Turks alike.
His choice of songs was so refined that he would resort to statesmen/poets of the caliber of Mahmoud Sami al-Baroudi, Ismail Sabri Pasha, Abdurrahman Qurr'a (then Egypt's Mufti) and 'Aisha al-Taymouria.
Hamuli composed in keys never-before-used by other Egyptian composers.
He married the renowned singer Sokaina, known as Almaz.
Abdu al-Hamuli died on May 12, 1901

Mahmoud Yassin

Mahmoud Yassin
-->
The notion of art for art’s sake is as repugnant to Mahmoud Yassin as are claims that art is haram (proscribed). “Art, in whatever shape or form it takes, has a sublime message,” says veteran actor Yassin. “Apart from the aesthetic merit and artistic quality of the work, it must have a clear social and humanitarian function.”
With this as his philosophy throughout a career that spans more than five decades, the law school graduate has graced Egyptian cinema in over 150 films and starred in roughly 25 theater productions, as well as scores of radio and television dramas.
His personal experience with war as a child growing up in the small coastal city of Port Said, where he was born in 1941, has engrained in him a deep-seated belief in the need to promote social justice and a compassion for the underprivileged. During the 1956 tripartite aggression on his hometown, he had a first-hand encounter with living in a conflict zone.
Partial filmography
1969: A Touch of Fear
1972: Song on the pathway
1973: Night and rods
1974: Where is my mind?
1977: Sonya and the madman
1977: Mouths and rabbits
1979: Conqueror of the dark 1979:
1980: Attention, gentlemen
1981: Traveling without a road
1982: The Trial
1985: The pickpocket
1986: In-camera session
1987: The amulet
1988: Man against the law
1990: Return of the fugitive
1991: License to kill
1992: The scandal
1995: The assassination of Faten Tawfiq
1999: Girl from Israel
On September 29, 2004, Mahmoud Yassin was appointed by the World Food Program as ambassador against hunger, the first Arab to grace the position.

Mohammad Metwali al-Shaarawi

Date of birth
April 5, 1917; Daqahliyah; Egypt
Mini-biography
Memorized the Holy Quran as well as numerous poems as a youngster 1937: Joined Faculty of Arabic Language, Azhar University and shown interest in fighting British occupation, which put him jail more than once
1940: Graduated from Faculty of Arabic Language, Azhar University
1943: Obtained his teaching license
History of employment
Worked at Azhar institutes in Tanta (Gharbiyah), Zagazig (Sharqiyah) and Alexandria
1950: Moved to Saudi Arabia to work as professor of Sharia in Umm al-Qura University
1976: Appointed Minister of Awqaf (Islamic Endowments) and Azhar Affairs (until 1978)
Was the one who issued the ministerial decree establishing the first Islamic bank in Egypt
1987: Became Member of the Arabic Language Academy
Awards
Order of Merit – First Class to mark his retirement (1976)
Order of the Republic (1983)
12qState Merit Award (1988)
Honorary doctorate in Arts from the universities of Mansoura and Minufiyah
Published numerous books on interpreting the Quran, the foundations of Islam, Women in Islam, Islam and modern thinking, etc…
Died June 16, 1998

Yehia Haqqi was one of the pioneers of the twentieth

Yehia Haqqi (1905-1992
Yehia Haqqi was one of the pioneers of the twentieth centaury literary movement in Egypt. He was a prominent novelist, short story writer and an encyclopedic intellectual that provided a rich tributary of the modern Arabic culture.
BIRTH AND EDUCATION:
• Yehia Haqqi was born on January (7/1/1905) in the popular traditional district of Sayyada Zeinab, Cairo.
• He was graduated from Faculty of Law and he worked for a short period as a lawyer in Alexandria
• In 1929 he joined the diplomatic corps and served in Jeddah, Rome, Paris, and Ankara.
• In 1952 he was appointed Ambassador to Libya.
• In 1953 he was appointed director of arts departments and then a literary advisor to the Egyptian General Book Organization in 1958
• In 1959 he resigned from his post, and became editor-in-chief of the well-known cultural magazine "al Magalla" (1962----1970)
Haqqi effectively contributed to the broad bases of contemporary Egyptian cultural and Artistic revival, including the creation of arts institute, puppet theatre, Cairo symphony orchestra, operatic chores and other folkloric arts troupes.
Haqqi is considered the father of the short story and novel in Egypt. His first short story appeared in 1925 and he established himself as one of the greatest pioneers of contemporary short story writing in the Arab world. His short story conveys attempts to express a certain philosophy in life and advocated to the human will, which he considered the origin of all virtues. He believed that language is not merely a tool of expression or of conveying ideas but rather an integral part of the writing process in all literary norms. His study of law has its impact on his writings, which are characterized by objectivity.
In the field of novel he wrote a number of impressive works such as:
"Qandeel Umm Hashem"(Umm Hasheem Lantern) in 1943, which had its positive impact on the course of Arabic novel, for it was a precious, work in both language and technique. This novel he reviewed the customs prevailing in the Egyptian society and the means of rectifying them through education.
He also wrote "Om Al A'wagiz"(The Mother of the Helpless) "Dimaa we Teen" (Blood and Mud) "Anter and Juliet" " Sah el noom" (wake up) "Ihtigag" (Protest) "Aqrab Affandy" (Mr. Scorpion) "Tanawa'at Al Asbab" (Means vary) "Qessa fi Ard'hal" (A Story in petition) "Iflass Khatibah" (The bankruptcy of a Match Maker) "Al firash al Shaghir" (The Empty Bed) and " Al Postagy" (The Postman) in which he portrayed means of inculcating Egyptian values and principals.
He wrote a number of books on cinematographic art including "Madrast Al Masrah" (Theatre School) "Homom Thakqafia" (Cultural Concerns).
Some of his works were translated into foreign languages. He translated a number of Russian masterpieces and was well acquainted with many foreign literatures such as French, Russian, Italian, and Turkish.
He translated literary works such as:
* The Chess Player - by Stephen Zweig * The Axe - by Mikhail Sadoviano * Anthony Krugger - by Thomas Mann * Blue Brand - by Meter Linel* Cairo - by Desmond Stuart. On Arabic language he wrote "Asheq al Kalima" (world lover) where he discovered some linguistic issues. His book " Khaleeha ala Alah" (Leave it to God) which was the most truthful autobiography of Haqqi, in which he expressed the development of the author's life. In his autobiography Haqqi didn't follow the chronological order, but he opened it with the day he sat for an oral exam in his final year at the faculty of law' His childhood comes in the second part of the autobiography, entitled "shop Wastes" , while his graduation and appointments to governments post are in part one, "Trust in God".
His literary style:
Yehia Haqqi had a characteristically crisp and elegant style with brief and rhythmic phrases. He originated special narrative style of his own, expressing both originality and modernity. He adopted a realistic, and warmly passionate artistic approach in his novels and short stories; he viewed the short story in terms of dramatic structure as an integrated body of poetic images. He firmly believed that the Arabic language is so intensive and extensive that it can easily express all various requirements of our modern age.
In his short stories and novels he honestly embodies the real world with emphasis on the issue of rebellion, hope , sex , and death.
Foremost of the issue addressed by Haqqi he gave supremacy to human resolve, being in his viewpoint the core of all virtues. He also focused on the psychoanalysis and disparities of life such as "Man's Tyranny and weakness at the same time" He also expressed animal feelings in many short stories.
Haqqi in the eyes of the others
SCC Secretary General Gaber Asfour talked about Haqqi as one who always on the look -out for fresh writing talent. He also said that Haqqi was ever willing to lend a hand to young gifted writers by having their works published in the magazine entitled " El Magalla" which he was its editor-in-chief and encouraged them in many ways.
Yehia Haqqi was one of those writers who could strike a balance between Eastern and Western points of view, which is probably due to his experience as a diplomat. Nevertheless, he didn't sever the links with his home country.
Yehia's daughter Noha talked about the traces of Eastern and Western cultures in her father's character saying that despite his long absence overseas he maintained the characteristics of the gallant and pious Egyptian.
In his research on the life of Haqqi author Youssef Al Shourouni said that Haqqi's literary work wasn't isolated from his real life experiences Haqqi saved his critics the trouble of tracing the characteristics of his creation since they could be easily found in his autobiography "Al Sharouni" said adding that Haqqi imagery is unique.
Awards and Prizes
• In 1967 Haqqi was awarded the Recognition Award • In 1968 he won first price for his novel "The Postman" • He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Al Minya University, Egypt. • Order of Merit, Egypt • King Feisal International Prize Saudi ,Arabia • Knight's order in literature, France • Cairo International Cinema Festival Shield (16th session)

Mohmmed Hosni Mubarak

Mohmmed Hosni Mubarak

Date and Place of Birth:
May 4, 1928, Menoufeya Governorate
Qualifications:
•Bachelor of Military Sciences (1948) •BA in Aviation Sciences (1950) Posts:
•Chairman of the G-15 (1998&2000) •Re-elected for a fourth term of office (1999) •Chairman of the Arab Summit since June (1996) •Chairman of the Organization of African Unity "OAU"(1993 - 1994) •Re-elected for a third term of office (1993) •Chairman of the Organization of African Unity "OAU"(1989 - 1990) •Re-elected for a second term of office (1987) •President of the National Democratic Party (1982) •President of the Republic (1981) •Vice-President of the National Democratic Party (NDP) (1979)•Vice-President of the Arab Republic of Egypt (1975) •Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General (1974) •Commander of the Air Force (1972) •Chief of Staff of the Air Force (1969) •Director of the Air Force Academy (1968) •Commander of Cairo West Air Base (1964) •Joined FROUNZ Military Academy, USSR (1964) •Lecturer in Air Force Academy (1952 - 1959)
Marital Status:
Married and has two sons
International Prizes and Medals Awarded to President Mubarak
International Prizes
Name
Date
UN Prize of Population
1994
Prize of Democratic Human Rights, by the Social and Political Studies Center, Paris
(1990)
Decoration from Comptutense University of Madrid
(1989)
Emeritus Certificate of Protection - equivalent to 4 medals, by Mr. Laslo Nagui, Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scouts
(1987)
The Medal of the Astrolab, by His Royal Highness Prince Sultan Ben Salman, first Arab astronaut, on behalf of the Saudi government
(1987)
Prize of "Man of the Year 1984" by the Indian Solidarity Council
(1985)
Prize of "Man of the Year", by an international institution, Paris
(1983)
The Armour of the “Man of Peace” by Mr. Charles Rayen, President of the World Peace Center
(1983)
Foreign medals
State of Medal
Name
Date
Tunisia
Supreme Medal of the 7th of September of the Republic of Tunisia
1990
Kuwait
Medal of Grand Mubarak
1989
Sudan
The Grand Order of Honour
1989
Republic of Columbia
Medal of the Order (Del Congresso) of the Great Extraordinary Cross
1989
Yemen
The Medal of the Republic
1988
Denmark
The Sash of Fint
1986
Sweden
Medal of Sara Fim
1986
Federal Germany
The Great Cross of the German Medal of Merit (Excellent Order)
1985
Spain
The Grand Sash of Isabelle the Catholic
1985
Greece
The Grand Sash of the Medal of Saviour
1984
Zaire
The Grand Sash of the National Medal “La Panthere”
1984
Mali
The Grand Sash of the National Medal of Mali
1984
Central Africa
The Grand Order of the Republic of Central Africa
1984
Brunei
Medal of the Sultan of Brunei (Dar El Salam)
1984
Portugal
The Medal of Henry the Child
1983
Japan
The Grand Sash of the Medal of the Supreme Chrysantheme
1983
Democratic Korea
The Medal of the National Flag (First Order)
1983
Niger
The Grand Sash of the National Medal of the Niger
1983
Italy
The Grand Sash of the Medal of the Great Cross
1982
France
The Grand Sash of the Medal of “Legion d’Honneur”
1982
Nepal
The Medal of Terichaki Pata of the First Order
1981
Spain
The Grand Sash of the Medal of Isabelle the Catholic
1977
Togo
The Great Sash of the Medal of National Merit
1977
Indonesia
The Medal of Indonesia ADIBRADANA
1977
Greece
The Great Decoration of the Medal of Honour
1976
Yemen
The Medal of Ma'areb (Second Class)
1976
Oman
The Medal of Oman (Second Order)
1976
Oman
The Military Medal of Oman (First Order)
1976
Syria
The Medal of Omayad
1976
Kuwait
Medal of Kuwait (Excellent Order)
1975
Austria
The Great Sash of the Golden Order of Honour
1975
France
The Great Sash of the Medal of National Merit
1975
Hungary
The Great Golden Order of Honour
1975
Mexico
Medal PANDA
1975
Saudi Arabia
Medal of King Abdel Aziz of the Excellent Order
1974
Iran
Medal of Hemayone (Second order)
1974
Tunisia
Medal of the Republic of the First Order
1972
National Military and Civilian Decorations and Medals
Military Decorations and Medals
•Medal of the Star of Sinai of the First Order (1983) •Order of the Star of Honour (1964 and 1974) •Military Star Medal •Military Badge of the Republic of the First Order •Military Badge of Courage of the First Order •Military Badge of Duty of the First Order
Civilian Decorations and Medals
Egyptian Civilian and Military Decorations awarded to President Mubarak, under the Republican Decree No. 223/1983:
•The Grand Order of the Nile
•Medal of the Republic (1975)
•Sash of the Nile
•Medal of the Republic of the First Order
•Medal for Merit of the First Order
•Medal of Work of the First Order
•Medal of Sciences and Arts of the First Order
•Medal of Sports of the First Order
•Badge of Merit of the First Order
•Badge of Excellence of the First Order
Honorary Degrees
•Honorary doctorate from George Washington University - 1999
•Honorary doctorate from St. Johns University - 1999
•Honorary doctorate from Beijing University-1999
•Honorary doctorate in acknowledgement of his regional, global role ( Bulgaria )- 1998
•Membership and Decoration "Honoris Causa" for International Law, by the Mexican Academic Council for International Law-1991