Doha: 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'.
According to Qatar News Agency, 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. 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 remarked on the significance of receiving an award named after writer Radwa Ashour, emphasizing the motivation it provides to complete creative projects. Shokry highlighted the inspirational potential of the residency in Granada, a city steeped in historical significance for Arab culture.
Speaking about her experience, writer Aya Mansour expressed that her project is dedicated to sharing the stories of Iraqi women who endured decades of war and profound social changes. She emphasized the award's role in bringing these personal narratives into the public domain, hoping it would foster a broader conversation about the impact of those years on women's lives.
Vice-Rector for Outreach, Heritage and Institutional Relations at the University of Granada, Margarita Sanchez Romero, stressed the award's importance in connecting Arabic literature with a global audience, celebrating writers who embody heritage and innovation. Fatima Mohamed Moussa, Project Expert at Qatar Foundation Vice Chairperson's Office, reiterated the foundation's commitment to nurturing literary talent and enhancing the appreciation of Arabic literature worldwide.
The Award is part of a partnership between Qatar Foundation and the University of Granada, aimed at strengthening academic and cultural cooperation through initiatives related to the Arabic language and Andalusian heritage. The Radwa Ashour Award seeks to sustain a living literary conversation across borders, providing recipients with the necessary environment in Granada to advance their work. The award's jury, composed of writers, critics, and scholars, is dedicated to recognizing works that embody these ideals.
Launched in 2024, the Award commemorates the legacy of the late Egyptian novelist, literary critic, and academic Radwa Ashour. The inaugural edition concluded with the award being jointly given to Lebanese novelist Mohammad Tarazi and Egyptian writer Nora Nagi.