The Sheltered Quarter: A Tale of a Boyhood in Mecca

CMES Modern Middle East Literatures in Translation

by Hamza Bogary, Olive Kenny (Translator), Jeremy Reed (Translator)

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.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

141 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Shahenaz Akemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story about old life style in Mecca... only the end I didnt like.

[Julie]

This book is an evocation of a way of life, a caste of lovable characters, who have been forever obliterated by the coming of oil wealth to Saudi and in particular Mecca. A Tale of Boyhood in Mecca. The characters are by turns naive, hilarious and totally human.

Originally published as Saqifa't al Safa (1983 Riyadh)

[Jayme · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute book with incorporates traditional Meccan traditions with and humour from Muhaisin himself. I was so happy for him that he marries Jameela, I had a feeling in my gut he would. The death of his mother was abrupt and shows how life can take turns in all different directions

[maryam · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book and autobiography I've read by an Arab writer about daily life in Saudi Arabia.The time is not very recent. It is one the first autob. in the Arab world. I enjoyed reading it.