Museum of Innocence Opens on April 28th in Istanbul

"It was the happiest moment of my life, though I did not know it." The novel's opening line
(Image: Duygu Atlas)

Turkish Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk is finally launching his grand project, the Museum of Innocence, which is based on his best-selling 2008 book by the same title. The book tells the story of wealthy Kemal’s love for his distant cousin Füsun and his ensuing obsession over her once the love is lost, which is reflected in his assiduous collection of objects which remind him of her. The book became an instant hit not only as a result of Pamuk’s brilliant portrayal of the spirit of Istanbul at the time, but also because Kemal’s attachment to objects, a far too familiar condition for many, stroke a similar sentimental chord with many readers. The book has been translated into nearly 60 languages. 

Rise in publications of comic books in Egypt

This article by Rania Khallaf (Al-Ahram Weekly Online, 3-9 Nov. 2011, Issue no. 1071) explores the role of comic magazines in the world of art and journalism in Egypt. It explains how Egyptian cartoonists and writers use comics, cartoons and charicatures in an attempt to convey certain cultural, educational or political messages to the public. Read the article here.


The cover of al-Thawragiya (source: Al-Ahram Weekly Online)
Many new comic books take on social and political issues in a satirical manner. In his article "New wave of comic books flourishes in Egypt", Menna Taher questions whether the rise in publications of comic books is a result of the Arab Spring revolution. (Ahram Online, 24 October 2011)