Egyptian Author Salwa Bakr Wins Inaugural BRICS Literary Prize
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Egyptian author Salwa Bakr has been selected as the inaugural winner of the BRICS Literary Prize. Bakr, a well-known figure in contemporary Arab literature, has published seven novels, seven collections of stories, and a play, many of which have been translated into various European languages.
The announcement was made at the BRICS Art Festival held in Khabarovsk from November 26-30. The ceremony took place at the City Culture Palace, attended by officials from the Khabarovsk region, diplomats, writers, publishers, and cultural figures from BRICS member countries and partner nations. The Eurasian Media Group served as the media partner for the event.
Sergey Demensky, BRICS Literary Prize ambassador and CEO of the Eurasian Media Group, noted that Bakr’s selection sends a clear message to publishers and cultural institutions in member countries. He expressed confidence that Bakr’s works would be translated into Russian and become known to a broader audience within the BRICS nations.
Demensky emphasized that Salwa Bakr’s works align perfectly with the spirit of the prize, as they are written in the “language of people’s diplomacy,” fostering understanding and shared values among nations. Bakr herself had previously spoken about this theme.
Organizers announced that an award ceremony will be held soon, with the date and location to be announced separately.
Additionally, a special prize for “Innovation in Literature” was awarded to Indonesian writer Deni JA for creating and developing the “poetic essay” genre, which combines literary prose with documentary material.
Sestri Bakri, the national coordinator of the BRICS Literary Network in Indonesia, highlighted the significance of both winners being from Indonesia and Egypt, calling it an important symbol for the prize’s first edition. “I am proud of Salwa Bakr, a writer who has always spoken for women,” she said. “I am also proud of Deni JA, who is fully deserving of this award and has raised Indonesia’s name higher in the world without even knowing it.”
Kumar Karan, Deputy Consul of India in Vladivostok, stressed that choosing Khabarovsk as the venue for the final stage of the prize demonstrates the region’s importance as Russia’s eastern gateway and a cultural bridge between BRICS countries. “We look to the future with care. The third meeting of BRICS Traditional Values will be held in India, where the long list of the BRICS Literary Prize 2026 will be introduced. This event is a new opportunity to deepen cultural cooperation between members.”
The BRICS Literary Prize, established in November 2024 at the BRICS Traditional Values Forum, supports contemporary writers whose works reflect the cultural and spiritual values of member nations and promotes the translation and publication of works in BRICS languages.
Each country formed a secretariat and jury to nominate candidates who have made significant contributions to their national literature. The long list was initially announced in Brazil, followed by a month-long voting period to determine the final ten. The short list was presented in Jakarta.
Other nominees included Ana Maria Goncalves from Brazil, Indian poet and writer Sono Saini, Chinese writer and columnist Ma Boyong, Emirati writer and researcher Reem Al-Kamali, Ethiopian writer and cultural activist Abere Adamu, South African poet and writer Ntabiseng Japhta, Deni JA from Indonesia, Russian writer Alexei Varlamov, and Iranian writer and poet Mansour Ali Moradi.
