Khabarovsk – Egyptian writer Salwa Bakr has been named as the first laureate of the BRICS Literature Award was announced in Khabarovsk, Russia, following an international jury’s vote.
Bakr is one of the leading figures in contemporary Arabic prose and is the author of seven short-story collections, seven novels, and a play.
Her works have been translated into numerous European languages.
The official ceremony announcing the winner was held at the Khabarovsk City Palace of Culture as part of the BRICS Countries Arts Festival, which took place in Khabarovsk from 26 to 30 November and became its key event.
The shortlist included Brazilian writer Ana Maria Gonçalves; Indian writer and poet Sonu Saini; Chinese writer, columnist, and blogger Ma Boyong; Emirati writer, journalist, and cultural researcher Reem Al Kamali; Ethiopian writer, politician, and public figure Abere Adamu; South African writer and poet Ntabiseng JahRose Jafta; Indonesian writer Denny JA; Russian writer and publicist Alexei Varlamov; and Iranian writer and poet Mansour Alimoradi.
Egypt was represented by writer Salwa Bakr.
The small hall of the Palace brought together representatives of the Khabarovsk Territory administration, diplomats, writers, publishers, and public figures from BRICS countries and partner states.
President of the Russian Book Union, Chairman of the Association of Lawyers of Russia, and member of the Award Board of Directors from Russia, Sergey Stepashin, emphasised the historic nature of the event and the role of BRICS in the global cultural agenda:
“Today, we are witnessing a truly historic moment. We are not merely announcing a winner – we are laying the cornerstone for a shared cultural space for our countries.
“This award is a powerful signal to the world that the literature of the BRICS countries is an integral and vibrant part of global culture.
“I wholeheartedly congratulate the first winner of the BRICS Literature Award – the talented Egyptian writer Salwa Bakr.”
Stepashin said this victory was a recognition of her outstanding talent and proof that BRICS literature was making itself heard with new, strong voices. Salwa Bakr has become a trailblazer whose work sets a high standard for future laureates.
“I hope this victory will mark the beginning of a long and glorious history of literary recognition – not only within the BRICS framework, but worldwide,” said Stepashin.
“I am confident that the BRICS Literature Award will take its rightful place among leading international distinctions and become a beacon pointing the way to the true gems of world literature”.
Her compatriot, Egyptian writer and member of the Egyptian Parliament Doha Mustafa Assi, who took part in the ceremony online and is one of the founders of the Award as well as a member of the Award’s Board of Directors from Egypt, congratulated her:
“The first BRICS Literature Award – and this year, Egypt is the winner. For us, this is a great joy and very important news. Salwa Bakr is a truly special, unconventional Egyptian writer,” said Stepashin.
“She has her own distinctive voice, unlike anyone else’s.
“We have always felt this while reading her books, and we are very pleased that this is now recognised at such a level.
“I believe this is only the beginning: the first year of the award, the first victory for Egypt, the first BRICS distinction for Salwa Bakr. She has won — and I am sincerely happy”.
The award ceremony for the winner will take place in the near future – the date and venue will be announced later.
The winner will receive a cash prize of one million rubles.
