Youssef Ziedan is an Egyptian author and scholar, known for his contributions to literature and philosophy. He was born on January 1, 1958, in Alexandria, Egypt. Ziedan has a background in Islamic studies and has written extensively on the history of Islam and Arab culture. His works often explore themes of identity, spirituality, and the interplay between tradition and modernity. In addition to his literary achievements, Ziedan is recognized for his role as the director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a major cultural center in Egypt. He gained international acclaim for his novel "Azazeel," which won the International Prize for Arabic Fiction in 2009. His writings have sparked discussions on various social and cultural issues in the Arab world.