Iconic Arabic language scholar Mahmoud Hegazy dies on Dec. 11

CAIRO - 11 December 2019: Minister of Culture Inas Abdel Dayem and all the distinguished authorities and sectors extended their condolences to the Egyptian people for the sudden death of Mahmoud Fahmy Hegazy, who passed away on the morning of December 11.

“Farewell to one of the most important symbols of Egyptian culture and the pride of scholars and thinkers. The one who has exerted great efforts to serve the Arabic language around the world,” said Abdel Dayem.

“He was also an ambassador for Al-Dhad language and sought for decades to confirm the Egyptian cultural leadership,” resumed the minister.

Mahmoud Fahmy Hegazy was also a member of the Arabic Language Academy and worked as a professor of linguistics at the Faculty of Arts, Cairo University. Additionally, he served as the first head of the National Library and Documentation House from 1994-1997, after it became a separate entity from the General Egyptian Book Organization.

The late iconic writer wrote numerous enriching books, including “Arabic Throughout the Centuries”, “Arabic language: Renewal Issues And Future Prospects”, “Language Political Trends”, “Language And The Contemporary World”, among others.

The late prominent writer also participated in preparing the German-Arabic dictionary. In recognition of his scientific endeavors, he was awarded a number of honors and awards, including the Federal Order of Merit of the first class from the Federal Republic of Germany in 1997, Appreciation Award from Cairo University in Humanities in 1998, State Appreciation Award for Arts in 2000, Honorary Doctorate as a Professor in the International University and International Languages from Kazakhstan in 2004, Presidential Shield from the president of Kazakhstan in 2013 and last but not least, King Faisal’s International Award for Arabic Language and Literature 2019.

Farewell, Mahmoud Fahmy Hegazy.