Jun 05, 2021
Alifa Rifaat's 91st Birthday
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle celebrates the 91st birthday of Egyptian feminist author Fatimah Rifaat, best known by her pen name Alifa Rifaat. Her short stories boldly challenged societal norms by exploring female relationships, sexuality, and emotional battles.
Born on this day in 1930 in Cairo, Fatimah Rifaat penned her first short story—a tale centered around the village her family frequented in the summers—at only nine years old. Although her older sister reprimanded her for her writing, she continued her dreams of becoming a writer through English studies at the University of Cairo in the late 40s.
Her sibling wasn’t the only person close to her that attempted to silence her voice. Even though she published many stories under her pseudonym from 1955 to 1960, Rifaat’s husband disapproved of her art and kept her from releasing her work for more than a decade. In the early 1970s, she finally began to write short stories again, a collection of which she released in 1983 under the title “Distant View of Minaret.” This uncensored selection of 15 fiction narratives takes readers into the emotional world of inter-marriage conflict, bravely confronting forbidden subjects in hopes that more women like herself were encouraged to speak their truth.
In 1984, the Modern Literature Assembly honored Rifaat with the Excellency Award in honor of her over 100 published works, many of which have been translated into numerous languages and read on major international media outlets.
Happy birthday, Alifa Rifaat! Thank you for not being afraid to share your truth and inspiring others to do the same.
Where this Doodle appeared
Discover more Doodles by color
Did you know?
The very first Doodle launched as an “out of office” message of sorts when company founders Larry and Sergey went on vacation.
Learn MoreDid you know?
The first Doodle launched in 1998, before Google was officially incorporated.
Learn MoreDid you know?
The first same day Doodle was created in 2009 when water was discovered on the moon.
Learn MoreDid you know?
Doodle for Google student contest winners have gone on to become professional artists
Learn MoreDid you know?
The time it takes from sketch to launch for a Doodle varies widely: some have taken years and others just a few hours!
Learn MoreDid you know?
Hundreds of Doodles launch around the world every year. Often, several different ones are live in different places at the same time!
Learn MoreDid you know?
Our most frequently recurring Doodle character is Momo the Cat - named after a real-life team pet!
Learn More