2024-04-09 05:06:04
Do you remember the novel “Towards a Bright Tomorrow?” Have you read some or all of it, and have you been moved by the writer’s criticism of some customs and traditions in Libyan society? Perhaps we all do not accept criticism, even though we know that God did not create anyone perfect, as imperfection is an attribute of all creatures.
Today we will remember a Libyan writer who introduced the world to Libyan society, and who introduced the art of the novel to Libya. You may have guessed the name. He is the novelist “Mohamed Farid Siala.”
“Sayala” is considered one of the most prominent men of culture, literature, and journalism in Libya. He is credited with the emergence of the Libyan novel, as he was the first to write a novel in Libya entitled “And Life Changed” in 1957, then it was followed by the novel “Life is a Struggle” in 1959, and after that the third novel. Confessions of a Human Being” in 1962.
“Sayala” criticized the customs and traditions that were prevalent in Libyan society, especially those related to women, and his writings, especially “Confessions of a Human Being,” “Towards a Bright Tomorrow,” and “Life is a Struggle,” caused a great uproar in the Libyan street because of their clear call for “the liberation of Libyan women.”
“Mohamed Farid Siala” grew up in the city of Tripoli and studied in its schools. He joined the Italian school (Principe di Piemonte) in 1937, and studied there until he finished the second grade of primary school, when the Italian occupation authorities closed its doors due to the outbreak of World War II in September 1939.
He joined the teacher training course at the Central School on Mizran Street, organized by the British Military Administration, and obtained a teachers’ diploma in 1949. He entered the teaching profession until 1959 in Bab Tajoura and Old City schools in Tripoli.
He was the editor-in-chief of “Sawt Al-Arabi” magazine, which was issued by the Cultural Committee of the Teachers’ Association in Tripoli, since its first issue, issued in January 1955, for a period of eleven months. In late 1955, he was editor-in-chief of “Al-Liwaa” newspaper, and the authorities at that time closed this newspaper after the publication of its fourth issue for publishing unwanted news.
He was editor-in-chief of “Al-Tali’ah” newspaper during the period from January 1965 until October 1966. He obtained the privilege of issuing a social, sports, and literary newspaper under the name “The Olympics,” the first issue of which was published on August 1, 1966, and its issues continued until March 25, 1968.
In 1958, he published a book entitled “Towards a Bright Tomorrow,” which sparked a major storm of supporters and opponents of the book’s basic idea, which revolves around “the liberation of Libyan women.”
He has a collection of novels, including: Green of Blood, First Love, Towards a Bright Tomorrow, Life is a Struggle, and Confessions of a Man.
Muhammad Farid Siala died in March 2008, at the age of eighty.
Last updated: April 9, 2024 – 03:58
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2024-04-09 05:06:04