Qatar Foundation and the University of Granada have announced the winners of the second cycle of the Radwa Ashour Award - a prestigious accolade recognizing exceptional contributions to Arabic literature.
The recipients of this year's award showcase the creativity and depth of contemporary writing in two categories: '40 and Under' and 'Over 40'.
The winners of the second cycle of the Award are: Aya Mansour from Iraq, honored in the '40 and Under' category for her work 'Women of the Long River' which is a project built on the oral memory of women concerning the war on Iraq and its occupation, while in the 'Over 40' category, the award was given to Gerges Shokry from Egypt for his work 'About a Poet from Troy' noted for the rewriting of the epic of Troy through a series of poetic texts that adopt a different perspective, embodied in "an unknown, historically marginalized Trojan poet," so as to offer "the wisdom of the vanquished" against the Greek victor's narrative, steeped in hubris.
These winners reflect the award's commitment to supporting and celebrating diverse voices within the Arabic literary landscape.
Reflecting on his win, Gerges Shokry said: "Winning an award that bears the name of the writer Radwa Ashour is a source of joy. It is not just an award given to a writer, but a prize tied to the production of a creative work, which sets it apart from other awards. Winning the prize for a project a writer proposes also pushes them to complete it with greater enthusiasm - when the committee selected the project 'A Poet from Troy' from among many submitted projects, I became determined to finish it. Likewise, the residency in Granada, with all the city's history in the Arab imagination, will surely be a source of inspiration."
Speaking about her experience, writer Aya Mansour said: "My project is dedicated to the stories and testimonies of Iraqi women who lived through decades of war, sanctions, violence, and profound social transformations. This award offers a genuine opportunity for these stories to move beyond the boundaries of private memory and enter the public sphere. I am also convinced that this award will give the book the opportunity to reach new readers and open a broader conversation about what women lived through and the lasting impact those years have had on their lives."
Vice-Rector for Outreach, Heritage and Institutional Relations at the University of Granada Margarita Sanchez Romero said: "The Radwa Ashour Award is vital in connecting contemporary Arabic literature with a global audience from the heart of Andalusia. It celebrates the work of writers who embody the spirit of heritage and innovation that Radwa Ashour herself championed, reviving the region's historic role as a bridge between cultures."
Project Expert at Qatar Foundation Vice Chairperson's Office Fatima Mohamed Moussa said: "The Radwa Ashour Award exemplifies our commitment to nurturing exceptional literary talent. Recognizing these writers is vital to enhancing the appreciation of Arabic literature on a global scale."
The Award is part of a partnership between Qatar Foundation and the University of Granada. Through this collaboration, the two institutions are working to strengthen academic and cultural cooperation through initiatives related to the Arabic language and Andalusian heritage.
The Radwa Ashour Award is intended to do more than honor individual writers. It seeks to sustain a living literary conversation across borders and provide recipients with the necessary time and environment in Granada to advance their work. Composed of writers, critics, and scholars with extensive engagement in Arab letters, the award's jury is dedicated to recognizing works that embody these principles.
The Award was launched in 2024 in tribute to the legacy of the late Egyptian novelist, literary critic, and academic Radwa Ashour, commemorating her outstanding contributions to literature.
The inaugural edition concluded with the award being jointly given to Lebanese novelist Mohammad Tarazi and and Egyptian writer Nora Nagi.
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