Cauro: Ola Abdel Monem Explores Armenian Identity in New Novel

Egyptian writer Ola Abdel Monem presents a powerful exploration of identity, memory, and survival in her latest novel “Taghribat Al-Duduk” (2026), offering a human-centered perspective on the Armenian experience across generations.

In an interview with The Armenian Mirror-Spectator in the United States, Abdel Monem outlined her vision of Armenians not as victims, but as survivors who have managed to preserve their identity despite historical trauma.

“For me, Armenians are not victims, but survivors,” she said.

The novel follows an Armenian family that fled the Armenian genocide and settled in Egypt, tracing their journey through four generations while examining questions of belonging and cultural continuity.

Abdel Monem explained that each generation reflects a different stage of identity formation. “My characters start as pure Armenians, carrying sorrow and longing for the past,” she noted, adding that later generations gradually integrate while maintaining ties to their heritage.

“Finally, the fourth generation is hybrid… they journey through it until the very end, carrying both memory and hope,” she added, describing a recurring cycle of exile and return.

The duduk, a traditional Armenian musical instrument, serves as a central symbol in the novel, representing sorrow and memory. At the same time, Abdel Monem pointed to Armenian resilience and global success as symbols of joy and pride.

“I believe that the success of Armenians in preserving their identity… can serve as a symbol of joy,” she said.

Originally from Assiut, Abdel Monem began writing at an early age and rose to prominence after winning the El Sawy Culturewheel Short Story Award in 2013. Her interest in Armenian history developed through early exposure to Egyptian artists of Armenian descent, later deepening through research into the Armenian genocide.

The novel received a strong reception at the Cairo International Book Fair, particularly among readers interested in history and cultural identity.

“What made me even happier was the positive response from the Armenian community in Egypt,” she said, noting plans to organize a future cultural event with the community.

Abdel Monem also expressed hope that the book will be translated into multiple languages, especially Armenian, to reach a broader international audience.

“I hope it will be translated… so that the story reaches everyone and they can understand how their ancestors survived against all odds,” she said.

Through “Taghribat Al-Duduk”, Abdel Monem delivers a broader message about resilience, emphasizing that memory can be a source of strength and that identity can evolve without being lost.