The Sheltered Quarter
A Tale of a Boyhood in Mecca

Hamza Bogary (Author), Olive Kenny (Translated by), Jeremy Reed (Translated by), Salma Jayyusi (Introduction by), William Ochsenwald (Introduction by)

9780292727526

Paperback / softback, published 1 October 1991

141 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1 cm, 0.172 kg

Hamza Bogary describes a bygone way of life that has now irreversibly disappeared. He speaks of life in Mecca before the advent of oil. Only partly autobiographical, the memoir is nevertheless rich in remembered detail based on Bogary's early observations of life in Mecca. He has transformed his knowledge into art through his sense of humor, empathy, and remarkable understanding of human nature. This work not only entertains; it also informs its readers about the Arabia of the first half of the twentieth century in a graphic and fascinating way. The narrator, young Muhaisin, deals with various aspects of Arabian culture, including education, pilgrimages, styles of clothing, slavery, public executions, the status of women, and religion. Muhaisin is frank in his language and vivid in his humor. The reader quickly comes to love the charming and mischievous boy in this universal tale.

On the Author
Foreword
Acknowledgments
Introduction
The Sheltered Quarter
Endnotes
Glossary