In a historic announcement made in Khabarovsk, Egyptian writer Salwa Bakr has been awarded the first-ever BRICS Literature Award. Known as a leading figure in contemporary Arabic prose, Bakr is the author of seven short-story collections, seven novels, and a play, with her work translated into numerous European languages.
The announcement took place at the Khabarovsk City Palace of Culture during the BRICS Countries Arts Festival, which ran from November 26 to 30. The event, which marked a significant highlight of the festival, welcomed officials from the Khabarovsk Territory administration, diplomats, authors, and representatives from BRICS nations.
The award ceremony, which will take place at a future date to be announced, includes a prize of 1 million rubles.
During the ceremony, Sergey Stepashin, President of the Russian Book Union, emphasized the award’s historic nature, stating, “This is not merely about announcing a winner—we are laying the groundwork for a shared cultural space among our countries.” He congratulated Bakr on her achievement, noting that her talent reinforces BRICS literature’s emerging voice on the global stage.
Egyptian writer and parliament member Doha Mustafa Assi, who attended the event online, expressed pride in Bakr’s recognition, calling her a “truly special, unconventional Egyptian writer” whose distinctive voice resonates powerfully.
Kumar Karan, Vice-Consul of the Consulate General of India in Vladivostok, highlighted Khabarovsk’s importance as a cultural bridge within the BRICS community. He stated that the award underlines the region’s role in fostering intercultural dialogue and cooperation.
A Special Prize for “Innovation in Literature” was awarded to Indonesian writer Denny JA for his contributions to the poetic essay genre. Sastri Bakry, the National Coordinator of the BRICS Literature Network in Indonesia, expressed pride in both Bakr’s and JA’s achievements, showcasing their commitment to promoting gender equality and contemporary literature.
Dmitry Kuznetsov, a member of the Russian State Duma, described the BRICS Literature Award as an alternative to the traditional Nobel Prize, aiming to foster mutual respect, humanism, and justice in literature. He assured that this award is a collective effort from all BRICS nations to recognize the depth and contribution of writers in shaping global culture.
As the inaugural season of the BRICS Literature Award concludes, Vadim Teryokhin, Co-Chair of the Writers’ Association of the BRICS Literature Network, celebrated Bakr’s win as a pioneering step in a promising new literary future. The award aims to support contemporary literature that reflects the cultural and spiritual values of BRICS nations.
With this significant recognition, Salwa Bakr’s victory marks a new chapter for literary voices in the BRICS community and signifies a commitment to celebrating and promoting diverse literary talents on the global stage.
