Khaled Khalifa is a Syrian novelist and screenwriter born in 1964 near Aleppo. He studied law at Aleppo University and co-founded the literary magazine Aleph, which was swiftly shut down by Syrian authorities. Khalifa has since established himself as a prominent voice in contemporary Arabic literature while residing in Damascus, where he also writes for film and television.
Known for his unflinching portrayals of Syrian society, Khalifa's works often explore themes of political oppression, memory, and resilience. His writing career spans novels and screenplays, though he is best recognized for his critically acclaimed literary fiction. Despite facing censorship in his home country, Khalifa continues to produce works that resonate with international audiences.