- Rīm Bassīyūnī (1973 – , Egypt) – Mārīyū wa Abū al-ʿAbbās (2023, English trans. Mario and Abu L- Abbas, 2025). The novel traces the lives of 20th-century Italian architect Mārīyū and the pious Sufi saint and teacher al-ʿAbbās in Egypt, when the former is commissioned to design the mosque of the latter. It reflects on al-ʿAbbās’s life, born in Andalusia but forced to flee following the Reconquista, eventually emigrating to Alexandria. Mārīyū develops a bond with the saint that transcends time and geography, as he, real-time architect of the mosque and a figure of lasting influence in Islamic architecture, identified with the Saint’s experience of exile and his teaching and beliefs (reference) (also in R: Religion and Sectarianism: Islam: Sufism).
Refrences:
In order of appearance
- Noshin Bokth. 2025. “Mario and Abu L-Abbas: A novel exploring faith, architecture, and a spiritual journey through Egypt’s history.” www.newarab.com, 5 November 2025, https://www.newarab.com/features/mystical-journey-through-egypts-past-mario-and-abu-l-abbas