Al Thaqafa Periodical 1939 – 1971: The Rise and Fall of the Egyptian Nahda from a Historical and Cultural Perspective

Riad, Mustafa

doi:10.21608/tanwir.2024.397792

Al Thaqafa Periodical 1939 – 1971: The Rise and Fall of the Egyptian Nahda from a Historical and Cultural Perspective

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Mustafa Riad

Faculty of Arts, Ain Shams University

10.21608/tanwir.2024.397792

Abstract

The Egyptian periodical Al Thaqafa (1939-1971) emerged as a pivotal platform for intellectual and cultural revival in mid-20th century Egypt, a period known as the Nahda or Renaissance. This paper explores the rise and fall of this Egyptian Nahda through the lens of Al Thaqafa, examining its origins, contributions, and eventual decline. The primary sources for this study are the issues of a single volume of Al Thaqafa (July-December 1945), selected as a representative sample of the periodical's peak during a time of both national and international turmoil. The central hypothesis is that Al Thaqafa embodied the hopes and aspirations of a generation of intellectuals seeking to reconcile their cultural heritage with the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. The periodical's eventual decline reflects the complex interplay of local and global forces that reshaped the intellectual landscape of Egypt. The study employs a combination of historical and cultural analysis. The historical analysis traces the origins of Al Thaqafa within the broader context of the Egyptian Nahda, examining the sociopolitical factors that contributed to its rise and fall. The cultural analysis delves into the content of the selected volume of Al Thaqafa, exploring the diverse range of topics covered, from politics and international relations to science, literature, and heritage.
The study reveals that Al Thaqafa served as a forum for critical debate and discussion, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and engagement. The periodical's content reflects a commitment to nationalism, social justice, modernization, and cultural preservation. The study also highlights the factors that contributed to the decline of Al Thaqafa and the broader Nahda movement, including the rise of identity politics, political suppression, and the resurgence of religious fundamentalism.

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