Naguib Mahfouz's powerful novella, 'Al-Karnak,' plunges readers into the tense atmosphere of Cairo during the volatile years following the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. Set primarily within the confines of a popular café, the narrative unfolds through the intertwined lives of a group of intellectuals and students, revealing the pervasive fear, political disillusionment, and moral compromises exacted by the authoritarian regime. Mahfouz masterfully explores themes of freedom, justice, and the devastating impact of state repression on individual lives, making 'Al-Karnak' a profound commentary on power, resistance, and the enduring human spirit in the face of tyranny. This compelling work remains a crucial examination of a pivotal period in Egyptian history.