Tehran – Iran introduced three writers to represent the country at the first BRICS Literary Award, a newly established global event.
Reza Amirkhani, Majid Gheisari and Mansour Alimoradi are Iranian candidates whose names have been placed on the long list of events, SNN reported.
The BRICS Literary Award was established last November by BRICS member states. The award aims to strengthen cultural relations between member states and honor traditional values and literary diversity.
Eligible works, whether in their original language or in new translations, must reflect cultural heritage and people’s experiences. The final winner will receive not only a diploma and special medal, but also a million Russian rubles awards.
From the beginning, Iran’s Islamic Republic has played an active role in this international event. According to award regulations, each BRICS member state can nominate three writers for competition. In its first edition, Iran proposed three prominent literary scholars.
The Iranian Books and Literary House, in collaboration with the office of cultural counselors in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Russia, collected and submitted works that were nominated for the BRICS Awards Secretariat. The initiative has become part of a broader effort to support the translation and international publication of Iranian literature.
52-year-old Reza Amirkhani is a modern-day Iranian novelist. “His Ego” is one of Amilhani’s most famous works and is on 38 spins. It has also been translated into Arabic, Russian and Turkish.
Amilkani is a bestselling novelist in her hometown. His book, Salvation, was selected as the best novel in 2018 at the 11th Jalal Al-E Ahmad Literary Award, Iran’s most favorable literary award.
Majid Gheisari, 58, is an Iranian writer and novelist. He won the International Eurasian Award from Russia in 2018 for his premier novel “Three Priests.” Majid Geisali served as a judge at various literary festivals in Iran.
Mansour Alimoradi is a writer, poet and cultural scholar. He conducted extensive research into Carman State, the local culture of his birthplace. His other works include a collection of short stories, poetry collections, and several novels. He has won numerous awards at national festivals for over 15 years.
Additionally, Masoud Ahmadvand, director of the Cultural Centre at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Russian Federation, is taking part in the board of directors of the event.
The board of directors is the main text of the strategic management of the award, which determines the composition of the national expert council and ju-jury, and forms the secretariat of operations and management.
The BRICS Literary Award goes beyond merely a literary event. It serves as a platform for cultural diplomacy. By nominating a well-known writer, Iran introduced its literary culture and identity into the global community, creating new opportunities for the translation and dissemination of Iranian works, and contributing to strengthening cultural ties between the BRICS countries.
The new award celebrates works that showcase the traditions and cultural diversity of BRICS countries. The award is intended to help BRICS countries deepen mutual understanding by introducing history and traditions through literature.
A short list of finalists will be released in October, with winners announced in Moscow in November.
Photo: From left: Mansour Alimoradi, Reza Amirkhani, Majid Gheisari
SS/SAB