The Yacoubian Building

Each day, Zaki Bey el Dessouki takes an hour to reach his office in the Yacoubian Building in Cairo because he stops and greets all of his friends on the street. He is one of the oldest residents of Suleiman Basha Street, an almost folkloric figure, and his very particular mode of dress and “celebrated cigar” are a part of the natural scenery. Young men ask him about sex, while other gleefully listen to his “scabrous jokes.” Zaki Bey is the youngest son of Adb el Aal Basha el Dessouki, a former prime minister and—before the Revolution—one of Egypt’s richest men. Zaki Bey studied engineering in France, but his promising career was cut short by the Revolution of 1952 and his obsession with sensual pleasure. He loves every kind of woman, from aristocrats to beggars, and has slept with many. Thus, he believes himself an expert on sex and has many theories on the subject.

One Sunday, Zaki Bey arrives in his office and meets Abaskharon, the office servant, who recognizes subtle hints that suggest Zaki Bey is meeting a new girlfriend. Abaskharon, who had a leg amputated, cleans the office and gives Zaki Bey a vitamin injection, opium, and coffee.