Mohamed Baraka publishes a novel that monitors people’s relationship with the religious authority in Egypt
Welcome to our cultural program. Today our guest is the Egyptian novelist Mohamed Barki, who will be talking about his latest novel "Throne on Water." The novel revolves around two controversial characters, a religious preacher and a sheikh in Cairo. Mohamed Barki has written three novels in less than five years, each exploring different worlds. The common thread among these works is the theme of removing sanctity, apparent in his depiction of the famous singer Umm Kulthum in "Night of the Six" and his portrayal of the afterlife in "Throne on Water." The character of the religious preacher, who wears traditional Islamic attire, uses his spiritual authority for personal gain, showing a contrast between his moral corruption and religious zeal. Barki's novels delve into societal transformations in Egypt over the past half-century, examining the rise of extremist ideologies and the decline of tolerance. Through the character of Sheikh Mashur Al-Wahsh in "Throne on Water," Barki explores how an individual can evolve from a young man in religious garb to a symbol of societal conservatism. Barki's works reflect on the changing dynamics in Egyptian society and the erosion of traditional values, leading to radical ideologies. He emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting artistic and literary expression as tools for challenging extremist beliefs.