Ali El-Maak - Early Life

Early Life

Ali was born in Omdurman, Sudan. When he was less than six years old he started his primary education in Kottab Wad El-mostaffa, but because his farther moved about as a judge he moved to Arggo in the Northern State, then moved again to El-Fasher in Darfur state (now called North Darfur). When he finished third class the school administration advised that he join the El-woostta, or intermediate school, because of his high marks (at that time in Sudan primary school lasted for four years), but Ali's mother refused, preferring that he finish fourth class. Ali finished the fourth class in the El-Salemeaa primary school when his father transferred again to Meroë (Merowe) in the Northern State, a place which he later wrote much about.

His interest in writing started in El-ammerria intermediate school in 1947. He was also inspired by his father's library, which contained many books of Sharia Law and its interpretation. Ali made his first attempt at writing in Meroë during the summer holiday, where he edited a fortnightly magazine, writing under the pen name Gesimtty Keeda (This Kismet). His interest in music began even earlier when listening to Mohamed Ahmed Sarror, Karoma and Abdallah El-Mahhi. He joined the Wadi Sidenna secondary school in 1951.