Modernity and Tradition Portrayed in Mafouz's Midaq Alley

MIDAQ ALLEY
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The mention of Egypt as a country evokes fascinating memories, especially on the historical front. Without a doubt, Egypt has cut a niche for herself in the annals of history. It is well known for its medieval political system that was headed by the revered pharaohs. The country's landmark pyramids have also earned the nation its remarkable fame historically. However, there is a side of the country that is scarcely known about. Very little is known about the multitudes of citizens who live in lower-class and informal settlements. In his novel titled Midaq Alley, Naguib Mahfouz allows readers a vivid glimpse into the day-to-day happenings in such a neighborhood. He paints a clear picture of some of the unconventional means used in such neighborhoods to survive. Through his novel, one can understand how he perceived change in the 20th century.
Midaq Alley is a laid-back and isolated street in the city of Cairo that is characterized by all the trappings of a lower-class neighborhood. According to the author, the street has seen better days; he says, "many things combine to show that Midaq Alley is one of the gems of times gone by…" There are such features that bear testament to this, such as its stone-paved surface. The author describes the street as an ancient relic and a precious one for that. The setting of the story is in the 1940s, a time when the Second World War was raging. However, and interestingly so, the ravages of war have not quite affected life in Midaq Alley in the least. Its inhabitants carry on with life quite unperturbed. However, they live in wretched and squalid conditions, and the presence of lice in Hamida's hair is a testament to this. Mahfouz has effectively used a variety of dimensions to explore the themes of tradition, modernity, and change in the novel.[Mahfouz, Naguib. Midaq Alley. (Anchor Books, 1992), 1] [Ibid., 14]
Traditional practices are represented to be deeply and firmly entrenched in Midaq Alley. For instance, they have maintained their traditional way of dressing; all the male characters mentioned in the book are conveniently described as wearing traditional cloaks and caps. In addition, the people of the alley hold fast to the traditional marriage tenets. When Abbas, the barber, and Hamida get engaged, there takes place the reading of the opening verses of the Qu'ran. They conduct their nuptials per their traditions without the slightest deviation. This goes a long way to show that religious and traditional beliefs are joined at the hip in Midaq Alley. Another traditional practice, which should be regarded as more of a menace, and which has taken root, is domestic violence. This vice cuts across the board and is manifest in several homesteads, including that of Husniya, the bakeress. Her husband, who cannot stop or conceal his daily petty crimes, suffers her painful beatings as a consequence. Converging into coffee shops at the close of the day to get up to speed on curr...