October
An Egyptian weekly political and social magazine published in Cairo by the state-owned Dar Al Maaref group.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
October is an Egyptian political and social magazine published in Arabic from Cairo. It was established in 1976 by Dar Al Maaref, a publishing group owned by the Egyptian government, and its first issue appeared on 31 October of that year. The magazine is issued weekly, traditionally on Saturdays, and its editorial remit combines political coverage with social and public-affairs material. The publication belongs to Egypt's state-owned press sector through its association with Dar Al Maaref. That ownership structure places October within the country's established network of government-linked newspapers, magazines, and publishing institutions. Unlike a commercial consumer brand built around a broad product portfolio, October is primarily a single editorial property whose identity is defined by its periodical issue, its political commentary, and its role in Egyptian public discourse. Anis Mansour, an Egyptian writer, was the magazine's first editor-in-chief and held the position for an extended period. His editorship is associated with a notable period in the magazine's editorial history: between 1979 and 1981, October published articles by Israeli writers. Later editors included Ragab Elbanna, who served from 1994 to 2005, and Ismail Montassar. On 28 June 2014, Hassan Abu Taleb became editor-in-chief. In September 2020, Muhammad Amin Ali Al Sayed was appointed to the role. The magazine had a reported circulation of 120,000 copies in 2000, indicating substantial reach in Egypt at that time. No reliable current circulation figure is provided in the available reference material. October also maintains an official website, although the available sources do not provide enough information to assess the extent of its current digital publishing, subscription, or commercial activities. October's principal offering is its weekly magazine issue. Its subject matter is centered on Egyptian and regional politics, social affairs, public debate, and related commentary. Its historical significance comes from its longevity, its place in Egypt's state-owned publishing system, and the succession of prominent editors who shaped its editorial direction. Information about its current ownership arrangements, present editor-in-chief, financial performance, international distribution, and current operating status is limited in the supplied sources.
History
October was founded in Egypt in 1976 by Dar Al Maaref, a publishing group owned by the Egyptian government. The magazine's first issue was published on 31 October 1976. It developed as a weekly political and social periodical based in Cairo, appearing on Saturdays and addressing public affairs through political reporting, commentary, and social coverage. The magazine's institutional setting is central to its history. Rather than operating as an independent commercial title, October has been part of Egypt's state-owned publishing sector through Dar Al Maaref. This affiliation placed it within the country's government-linked media system and gave it a durable position among Egyptian periodicals. The available sources do not specify the precise corporate structure of the magazine, its editorial budget, or the terms of its relationship with the wider Dar Al Maaref organization. Anis Mansour was October's first editor-in-chief and remained in the position for a long period. Mansour was an Egyptian writer, and his tenure represents the magazine's formative editorial era. Between 1979 and 1981, October published articles by Israeli writers. This was a distinctive feature of the magazine's early history and occurred during a period when Egypt's relationship with Israel was undergoing major political change. The available material identifies the publication of those articles but does not provide details about the individual contributors, the editorial rationale, or the reception of the pieces. The magazine later passed through several editorial administrations. Ragab Elbanna served as editor-in-chief between 1994 and 2005. Ismail Montassar also held the position, although the available source does not provide his dates of service. On 28 June 2014, Hassan Abu Taleb became editor-in-chief. In September 2020, Muhammad Amin Ali Al Sayed was appointed to succeed him. These changes illustrate the continuity of October as an established editorial institution while also marking changes in its leadership. October's circulation reached a reported 120,000 copies in 2000. This figure indicates a significant domestic readership at the beginning of the twenty-first century, although it should not be treated as a current circulation estimate. The supplied sources do not provide later circulation data, revenue, subscription figures, or evidence about the magazine's digital audience. The magazine's core product remains its weekly issue. Its subject areas are politics and society, with the title functioning as a forum for coverage and commentary on Egyptian public life. An official website is associated with the publication, but the available reference material does not describe its publishing schedule, archive, digital products, or current editorial operations. Consequently, details about the magazine's present leadership, current circulation, distribution beyond Egypt, and long-term financial position require further verification.
- 2020
Muhammad Amin Ali Al Sayed appointed editor-in-chief
[1]Muhammad Amin Ali Al Sayed was named editor-in-chief in September 2020.
- 2014
Hassan Abu Taleb becomes editor-in-chief
[1]Hassan Abu Taleb took over as editor-in-chief on 28 June 2014.
- 2000
Reported circulation reaches 120,000 copies
[1]The magazine was reported to have sold 120,000 copies in 2000.
- 1979
Publication of articles by Israeli writers begins
[1]During Anis Mansour's editorship, October began publishing articles by Israeli writers during the 1979–1981 period.
- 1976
October established and first issue published
[1]Dar Al Maaref established October, and the magazine's first issue appeared on 31 October 1976.
Products and positioning
A state-owned Egyptian weekly focused on political coverage, social affairs, and public commentary.
Political and social magazine · 1976
October weekly magazine
The core product is a weekly Arabic-language magazine published from Cairo. Its editorial scope covers Egyptian and regional politics, social affairs, public-interest subjects, and commentary. The magazine is associated with Dar Al Maaref and has historically appeared on Saturdays. It is the principal expression of the October brand in both print and editorial terms.
Recent events
- 2020
Muhammad Amin Ali Al Sayed named editor-in-chief[1]
Leadership change
Muhammad Amin Ali Al Sayed was named editor-in-chief of October in September 2020.
- 2014
Hassan Abu Taleb appointed editor-in-chief of October[1]
Leadership change
Hassan Abu Taleb became editor-in-chief of the Egyptian weekly on 28 June 2014.
Sources2 sources
Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/october · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled