/A Comparative Study of Cultural and Social Elements in the Story Collection “Zan-e Ziyadi” by Jalal Al-e Ahmad and “Fatwah al-‘Atouf” by Naguib Mahfouz/

This study aims to analyze and compare two notable works by two major contemporary writers from Iran and the Arab world. The main objective is to examine how cultural and social elements—such as social classes, family relations, women's status, economic and social inequalities, folk beliefs, and traditions—are reflected in these story collections, and how they influence character development and plot progression. The thesis employs a descriptive-analytical method based on a comparative literature approach, seeking to reveal similarities and differences in themes, narrative style, language, and the treatment of social and cultural issues. The findings show that despite the cultural, historical, and social differences between Iran and Egypt, both authors share common concerns regarding social justice, identity crisis, women's roles, class inequality, and the impact of traditions on individual and social life. The results indicate that Al-e Ahmad employs a critical, realistic prose to directly critique Iranian societal structures, while Mahfouz uses a symbolic, multi-layered narrative to represent Egyptian social issues within an allegorical and philosophical framework. The comparison of these two works demonstrates that literature, as a reflection of society, can serve as a bridge between cultures and nations, facilitating mutual understanding.