Calling All Writers: Enter the 3rd Palestine World Prize for Literature Now!
TEHRAN – The secretariat of the Palestine World Prize for Literature has officially announced the call for entries for its highly anticipated 3rd edition. Established in 2018, this non-governmental initiative aims to honor and recognize exceptional literary works that address themes related to Palestine. The award ceremony is set to occur every two years, in collaboration with various cultural and literary unions and associations from across Islamic countries.
The upcoming 2026 edition of the award will focus on celebrating literary works published globally that highlight the Palestinian narrative. It seeks to honor writers, poets, and publishers who advocate for the struggles of the oppressed Palestinian people through their creative expressions.
A poignant portion of the call emphasizes the ongoing fight for freedom: “The awakened conscience of freedom-loving people around the world bears witness to the heroic resistance of the Palestinian nation, particularly the steadfastness of the people of Gaza over the past eight decades. Today, more than ever, free peoples around the globe are concerned for the people of Palestine.”
The Palestine World Prize for Literature was established in memory of the martyrs of the Palestinian struggle, aiming to support the Palestinian community against the injustices and atrocities committed by the Israeli regime. This award strives to identify and promote outstanding literary works that discuss the resilience of the Palestinian people and the injustices they face. Authors, poets, and publishers around the world are invited to participate in this significant cultural and literary movement, honoring the memory of countless innocent victims, including women and children.
Eligible works for submission must have been published between 2023 and 2026 and can be categorized into various genres, including:
- Children’s stories
- Short story collections
- Novels
- Memoirs
- Published plays
The total prize pool for this prestigious award amounts to $120,000.
Interested participants are required to submit scanned copies of their works in multiple languages, including:
- Persian
- Arabic
- English
- French
- Russian
- Malay
- Urdu
- Turkish
- Spanish
- Chinese
Submissions can be sent as either a PDF or Word file or as two physical copies of the original book. The deadline for submissions is set for the end of May 2026, and entries can be submitted via the official award website at www.palintaward.com or sent to the secretariat offices located in Tehran or Beirut.
Upon registration, participants must also provide a summary of their book in either English or Arabic. The awards ceremony, which will announce the second International Palestine Literary Award, is scheduled for 2026, with specific details regarding the date and location to be announced on the official platform.
The Palestine World Prize for Literature was founded in 2018 in Iran through a collective resolution made by cultural organizations, writers’ unions, and publications from various countries. This biennial award aims to acknowledge the finest works published about Palestine. The inaugural edition of the prize was held in 2022 in Beirut, followed by the second edition in 2024 in Tehran.
This award serves not only as a recognition of literary excellence but also as a platform to amplify the voices of those who advocate for justice and peace in Palestine. By fostering a community of writers and artists committed to these causes, the Palestine World Prize for Literature continues to play a crucial role in the global cultural dialogue surrounding Palestine and its people.
