Ayyami Book

Ayyami (My Days) Book is an autobiography first published under the title 'Abu Zamel' in 1954 by its author, Ahmad Suba'i. Suba'i, a Saudi journalist, author, and storyteller from Makkah al-Mukarramah, received the State Appreciation Award for Literature in 1983. The author intended the first two editions to be a symbolic biography representing aspects of his life. Later, in 1970, he republished it under the title 'My Days' as a candid autobiography, incorporating four additional topics.

"My Days" Book is considered the first autobiography published in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a key reference for studying Saudi literature. Researchers have noted that it fulfills the artistic elements of its literary genre, despite being the first Saudi attempt in this field.

The book 'My Days' holds significant historical value, as Suba'i depicted his life in Makkah al-Mukarramah from childhood through various stages of life, providing a portrayal of Saudi society in the twentieth century. The autobiography includes details of social conditions, educational methods, and certain customs and laws that have since disappeared in Saudi Arabia and other countries, such as the water-carrying profession.

In a study conducted by the critic Ibrahim Awad titled 'The Eternal Childhood and the Story of Memories,' he highlighted the book 'My Days' as Suba'i's most significant work, followed by the novel 'Khalati Kadrijan' (My Aunt Kadrijan).

Awad noted that Ahmad Suba'i presented captivating depictions of social conditions from his childhood and youth in both books. That included his portrayal of the Kuttab (traditional Quran schools), its system and teaching methods, its event, its headmaster, and scholar, as well as the books commonly used at the time, the games and sweets enjoyed by him and his peers, and other images.