A Voice of Transition: Maḥmûd Taymûr and the Evolution of Arabic Short Fiction

Abstract

This research paper explores the pivotal role of Maḥmûd Taymûr (1894–1973) in the evolution of modern Arabic short fiction, positioning him as a transitional figure between traditional Arabic narrative forms and the modern short story genre, shaped under the influence of European models. As one of the foremost representatives of al-Madrasa al-Ḥadîtha (The New School), Taymûr imbued his stories with realism, psychological depth, and social critique, transforming Arabic prose from moralistic tales and maqâmât into structured narratives that addressed the complexities of modern life.

The paper examines Taymûr’s literary background, moulded by his father’s extensive library and his exposure to Western literature during his travels in Europe. His works embody a synthesis of local Egyptian realities and international literary techniques, influenced by Maupassant, Tolstoy, Turgenev, and Chekhov. Themes such as hypocrisy, social inequality, the condition of women, and the tensions between tradition and modernity dominate his short stories, whilst his innovative use of dialogue, irony, and satire bestowed upon Arabic prose a new artistic dimension.

Through an analysis of Taymûr’s short stories and critical writings, this paper contends that he acted as a “voice of transition”, bridging heritage and modernity and paving the way for later Arabic writers such as Yûsuf Idrîs and Naguib Mahfouz. His contributions established the short story as one of the most dynamic genres within Arabic literature, securing its role as a medium of both artistic expression and social reform.