Hala Foda is a writer and novelist , a University professor and researcher interested in documenting and reviving the heritage of the Tally.
She is a professor of contemporary French literature and comparative literature at the Faculty of Arts, Ain Shams University, (from 1991 to present). Her first novel "In My Heart is Reda" was published by Dar Al Ain in October 2023. It is a fictional biography that deals with life and the most important historical events and political and social changes in Egypt since the second half of the twentieth century, through the social history of a middle-class family that witnessed and interacted with historical events.
She participated in the book "Cairo - Histories of a City", edited by Dr. Nizar Al-Sayyad, published by Dar Al-Ain (2023), with a chapter entitled "Cairo as a Mirror of the Self and a Refuge from Madness, the City in the Writings of the french writer Gerard de Nerval".
The chapter aims to shed light on the journey of the French writer and poet Gerard de Nerval to Egypt in 1843, his stay in Cairo, his amazing and tolerant views, and his observation of daily life in Cairo, the customs of its people, their rituals and their celebrations of various occasions. It also reflects on how his writing has been influenced by the magic of this city.
Her interest in History and her pride of her Egyptian identity were instilled by her readings and her many travels around the world. She strongly believes that the Egyptian intangible cultural heritage deserves to be known, preserved and revived.
In October 2020 , Hala decided to pursue her growing passion for tally and launch her brand “Tallyna” for contemporary tally. She picked a name that can reflect the concept behind the brand. “Tallyna” means “our tally”, which is different from any other tally.
Her goal wasn’t just to modernize a traditional handcraft from Upper Egypt, but mainly to save this precious heritage from disappearing by documenting its history, motifs and vintage designs. She also believes that, in order to revive the glamour of tally, the community of talented artisans in Sohag needs to be empowered through improving their skills and living standards. Their efforts to maintain their beautiful artwork deserve to be recognized and appreciated.
