El-Sayed Ahmed Abdel-Gawad

El-Sayed Ahmed Abdel-Gawad (Si El-Sayed)

🕌 A fictional character created by the Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz in his famous Cairo Trilogy (Between the Two Palaces, Palace of Desire, Sugar Street). He became an icon representing the traditional Eastern man in the 20th century and was later adapted into films, TV series, theater, and radio productions.

🔹 Personal Information

🇪🇬 Nationality: Egyptian

🏷️ Nickname: Si El-Sayed

🕌 Religion: Muslim

👩‍❤️‍👨 Wife: Amina

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Children: Yassin – Fahmy – Aisha – Khadija – Kamal

🛍️ Occupation: Merchant

🎭 Key Character Traits

🏠 At Home:

✅ Strict and authoritarian, does not allow discussion

✅ Imposes strict restrictions on his wife and children

✅ Deeply committed to Eastern traditions and customs

🍷 Outside Home:

❌ Womanizer with multiple relationships

❌ Frequently visits nightclubs and bars

❌ Leads a double life away from his family

🎬 Notable Artistic Adaptations

📽️ In Cinema: Yehia Shaheen (Between the Two Palaces, Palace of Desire)

📺 On Television: Mahmoud Morsi (Palace of Desire)

🎵 In Music:

🎤 "Si El-Sayed" (Song by Tamer Hosny 🎶 featuring Snoop Dogg 🎧 – 2017)

🏛️ Cultural Impact

🔸 A symbol of traditional patriarchal authority in Egyptian society

🔸 A literary and dramatic reference for a contradictory personality

🔸 The term "Si El-Sayed" has become synonymous with the stereotypical authoritarian Eastern man

❗ Criticism & Analysis

⚖️ Supportive Views:

✔️ Represents authentic Eastern traditions and values

✔️ Highlights the father’s role as the family head in that era

⚠️ Critical Views:

❌ His double standards expose social hypocrisy

❌ Reinforces a dominant patriarchal model in family relationships