A beautiful historical novel, among the finest works of our great author, may he rest in peace, Gamal El-Ghitani. It is characterized by a mysterious tone, unfolding in completely hidden and perhaps astonishing worlds. The narrative delves into the world of informers, or what we call today spies, in a mysterious era marked by the fall of one regime or, to put it in the language of that time, a sultanate, and the rise of another on its ruins.
It vividly depicts the end of the Mamluk state with the fall of Cairo into the hands of the Ottomans. Despite the well-known historical facts, the novel introduces an element of doubt from the first pages, suggesting the existence of an unknown factor. The story begins with the observation of a traveler from Venice named Bendakki, witnessing a state of panic, fear, and anticipation gripping the people of Cairo due to the ongoing war between the Mamluk army and the Ottomans. No one wants to imagine the specter of defeat, or admit to themselves the terrifying thought.
The terror here is not only from the invading army but also from a hidden force of informers, today known as spies, who control people’s breaths. At the forefront of this hidden army is a powerful man, Zakariya bin Radi, holding all the strings in his hands, knowing everything about everyone except for one mysterious, enigmatic man named Barakat bin Musa, mentioned only in four lines in Zakariya’s records.
The source of the mystery is not just the lack of information, but because Barakat bribed his way into a position but refused to take it when offered by the Sultan Al-Ghouri, citing fear of God and weeping intensely out of dread of the Day of Judgment. News of this spread quickly, and people clung to him, urging him to accept the position. He insisted on refusing, showing a sense of asceticism and piety. They sought the intervention of a respected sheikh, urging him to pressure Barakat into accepting the position. The sheikh complies reluctantly, and Barakat, yielding to public pressure but with reservations, accepts the role. People see him as a noble figure in a corrupt age.
One of his disciples or followers named Saeed summons him, asking him to accept the position. Barakat agrees, as the righteous sheikh has commanded, unable to refuse. From that day on, his name becomes Zeini Barakat, and he performs remarkable and astonishing deeds, such as inspecting prices, monitoring traders, punishing cheaters and hoarders manipulating prices. His popularity grows, and people love him.
He also saves a Roman slave, where Roman here does not mean from Rome but refers to a Turkish woman, from a man who had purchased her. She screams day and night, seeking help from people of honor to save her from the man who abandoned his work and dedicated himself to her, causing her unbearable suffering. Scholars advised the necessity of her rescue, and Barakat attacked the man’s house, ordering him to free her from his clutches. Many incidents suggest that Barakat has legions of informers, making him aware of everything, but Zakariya does not know any of them.
Adding to his confusion is the fact that Barakat did not seek his help or send for him; rather, he ignored him completely. Zakariya had to correspond with him, and that’s when the chief of informers discovers his house has been breached. Barakat informs him of a secret known only to both of them. When the information reaches the Sultan, Barakat’s inevitable fate is sealed.
Instead of exploiting the situation, Barakat offers cooperation to Zakariya, appointing him as his deputy, teaching him the tricks to endear himself to the people while instilling fear at the same time. The conflict between the two poles ends, each respecting and fearing the other.
The events unfold in a unique conference, gathering the top informers from all corners of the world to exchange experiences. When arrogance convinces Zakariya that he can know everything about everyone, Zeini Barakat disappears. He eventually locates him with difficulty and saves him from certain death, perhaps needing him in a future situation. Barakat repays the favor, and the novel concludes with the well-known historical truth of the Ottoman Empire’s conquest of the sultanate. However, the final surprise surpasses all expectations, and I won’t spoil it as the novel is indeed worth reading, filled with intricate and intertwined events and details that only come together with the last word.
The novel clearly indicates that defeat does not come from external forces but from within when corruption infiltrates the nation’s joints, replacing trust in rulers with fear. Collaborating with rulers is essential for the country’s progress, but when those in charge turn corrupt, stealing from the people and spreading terror instead of protection, they become the reason for the system’s downfall.
The novel is deserving of reading and contemplation for its profound wisdom, eloquent language, bitter truths, and a poignant narrative. It is a story full of emotion, shared for the sake of memory, hoping that the remembrance benefits the believers.
Arabic