Description
The Possessed: A Study of Spirits and Possession in Upper Egypt
The Possessed: A Study of Spirits and Possession is a book written by the young German anthropologist Hans Winkler in the 1930s. It was translated into English by the American University in Cairo a few years ago, and now, for the first time, we present it in Arabic. This book sheds light on an important aspect of life in a small village in Qena, Upper Egypt—specifically, Nag’ El-Higiri in the city of Fuqu.
During his time in the village, the young researcher dedicated himself to studying the phenomenon of spirit possession, exploring cases of jinn possession, exorcisms, and the role of spiritual healers (sheikhs) who mediate between spirits and the afflicted.
The book is filled with fascinating stories, extraordinary characters, and paradoxes that defy logic. Through his in-depth study of the case of Abd El-Radi, Winkler expands his research to examine the broader anthropological dimensions of the phenomenon—an approach that was far ahead of its time. His study provides a cultural and social perspective on the beliefs surrounding spirit possession in Upper Egypt.
Even today, the belief in spirits and possession continues to capture the imagination of many across the Arab world. But what are its historical and religious origins? What are the anthropological, scientific, and psychological explanations for this phenomenon? The people of Nag’ El-Higiri still remember Abd El-Radi, and many others like him exist in Qena and throughout the region. This study offers an insightful look into this age-old belief system, and it is only fitting that we finally have access to it in Arabic.
Praise for the book:
“One of those books that captivates the reader from the very first lines, making it impossible to put down until the very last page. It’s the kind of book you return to time and again, never tiring of rereading it.”
