Malak is an Arabic gender-neutral name that holds a profound meaning of "Angelic" and "Messenger." Derived from the Semitic word for "angel," the name Malak is widely used in Arabic and Turkish cultures, for both males and females. In Arabic, the plural form of Malak is "malaa`ikah," while in Hebrew and Ge'ez, it is "malakim" and "mala`ikt," respectively. This name has been carried by various influential figures, including Malak al-Kashif, an Egyptian transgender activist, and Malak Karsh, a renowned Canadian photographer. The Turkish variation of the name is Melek. Overall, Malak is a name steeped in spiritual significance and has been embraced by diverse individuals across different cultures and backgrounds.
Malak al-Kashif, born on November 1, 1999, is a prominent Egyptian human rights and LGBT rights activist. Notably, she is recognized as the first openly transgender Egyptian to have been arrested for political reasons. Raised in a religious household in Cairo, al-Kashif faced significant challenges as a transgender individual, enduring violence and discrimination from a young age. Despite the difficulties, she embarked on a path of activism, striving to advocate for the rights of transgender people and individuals facing political repression.Al-Kashif's journey into activism began in 2015, as she delved into politics, feminism, and LGBT rights. Her determination to improve her own life and the lives of other transgender individuals led her to become politically active. She gained public attention in 2017 through her social media posts about her transition, subsequently experiencing brief detentions in 2017 and 2018 due to her political activities.In a significant turn of events, al-Kashif was arrested by Egyptian security forces on March 6, 2019, following her participation in a protest. Subsequently, she faced imprisonment and endured difficult conditions, including alleged sexual assault and solitary confinement. Her arrest sparked widespread concern and support on social media, with numerous users expressing solidarity with her.Despite the challenges she faced, al-Kashif persevered, and she was eventually released from prison on July 16, 2019. Her bravery and resilience have made her a symbol of strength for
Malak El-Nasser, born on January 19, 1954, is a renowned Syrian Olympic athlete. She made history by becoming the first Syrian woman to participate in the Olympics, representing her country in the 1972 Summer Olympics held in Munich. At the age of 18 years and 225 days, El-Nasser was the youngest and sole female participant from Syria in the tournament. She competed in the Athletics – Women's 800 metres – Round One event, unfortunately failing to qualify for the semi-finals and finishing last in her heat. Despite the outcome, her groundbreaking participation paved the way for future female athletes in Syria. Malak El-Nasser's remarkable journey as a trailblazing Olympian continues to inspire many.
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