أسطورة الجاثوم

Ahmed Khaled Tawfik (1962–2018) is considered one of the most prominent and influential contemporary Arab writers among the younger generation, earning him the titles "Godfather of Arabic Literature" and "Godfather of Horror Literature." This exceptional writer succeeded in reshaping young people's relationship with reading, creating his own unique literary world that blends imagination, horror, fantasy, philosophy, and humanism in a deceptively simple style that resonates with reality and raises profound questions.

Ahmed Khaled Tawfik was born in Tanta and graduated from medical school. Despite his academic and medical career, his true passion lay in literature and writing. He entered the world of publishing with the "Paranormal" series in 1993, which later became one of the most famous Arabic series, achieving unprecedented success among readers. The series' protagonist, Dr. Refaat Ismail, became a cultural icon for an entire generation, thanks to his biting satire and profound human and philosophical insights.

Ahmed Khaled Tawfik didn't limit himself to horror; he expanded his repertoire to include the "Fantasia" and "Safari" series, presenting new worlds that blended suspense and knowledge with an engaging storytelling style that captivated readers from the first page to the last. In fiction, he authored some of the most famous modern Arabic novels, such as "Utopia," which achieved widespread popularity and was translated into several languages, as well as "Al-Sinja," "Like Icarus," and "Shababib," which tackled social and philosophical issues with boldness and depth.

Ahmed Khaled Tawfik was distinguished by his simple and accessible writing style, yet it was imbued with intelligent ideas, social commentary, and dark humor. He consistently portrayed humanity in all its weaknesses, contradictions, and anxieties, which allowed his books to resonate deeply and remain memorable. He was also known for his remarkable humility and close connection with his audience, which contributed to his growing popularity year after year.

His works played a significant role in promoting a culture of reading among young people and helped modernize Arabic literature, bringing it back to the forefront with new styles and accessible, sophisticated language. Ahmed Khaled Tawfik passed away at the age of 55 due to a health crisis, leaving behind a huge legacy that includes hundreds of books, articles, translations and stories, and his influence continues to this day.