THE LIFE AND LITERARY LEGACY OF JURJI ZAYDAN

Abstract

This article provides a detailed study of the life and literary legacy of Jurji Zaydan, a promi-nent educator and writer of the nineteenth‑century Arab Renaissance (Nahda). It examines his child-hood and youth, education, socio-political activities, and journalistic work. Particular emphasis is placed on Zaydan’s contributions to the development of the press in Egypt, especially his role in founding the influential journal Al‑Hilal.
The article also analyzes his historical novels, focusing on their thematic scope, the sources he employed, and their role in shaping national consciousness among Arab readers. The importance of historical and moral elements in his works is highlighted, as is his realistic narrative style in de-picting historical events.
Additionally, the study considers the translation of Zaydan’s works into Azerbaijani and the reception they have received in the region. The article demonstrates Zaydan’s role not only in the development of the historical novel genre and the Arab enlightenment movement, but also in fostering national and social consciousness. Jurji Zaydan is presented not merely as a writer, but also as an educator, publicist, and an important intellectual figure who made historical events accessible to a broad readership.
Through his life and works, the article confirms Zaydan’s significant ideological and literary position during the Arab Renaissance. His biography and literary heritage offer valuable insight into the development of nineteenth-century Arab intellectual thought and the evolution of the historical novel tradition.
In short, the article provides comprehensive and systematic information on Zaydan’s person-ality, literary activity, and the social impact of his works, emphasizing his distinctive place in Arabic literature.