Iran Shines at Inaugural BRICS Literary Award with Three Talented Authors

Iran is making its mark on the international literary stage with the nomination of three distinguished writers for the inaugural BRICS Literary Award. This newly established global event aims to celebrate literary diversity and strengthen cultural ties among BRICS member nations.

The three Iranian nominees are:

• Reza Amirkhani
• Majid Gheisari
• Mansour Alimoradi

According to SNN, these authors have made it to the long list of nominees for this prestigious award. Established by BRICS member states in November, the award’s primary goal is to honor the traditional values and rich literary heritage of its member countries.

Works eligible for the award must reflect the cultural heritage and lived experiences of their peoples, whether in their original language or in new translations. The ultimate winner will receive a diploma, a special medal, and a cash prize of one million Russian rubles.

From the outset, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been proactive in its participation in this international event. Each BRICS member nation is allowed to nominate three writers for the competition, and Iran has chosen to highlight three of its most prominent literary figures.

The Iran Book and Literature House, in collaboration with the Cultural Counsellor’s Office of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Russia, undertook the responsibility of collecting and submitting the nominated works to the BRICS Award Secretariat. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote the translation and international publication of Iranian literature.

Here’s a closer look at the nominated writers:

Reza Amirkhani

At 52, Reza Amirkhani stands out as a contemporary Iranian novelist. His highly acclaimed work, “His Ego,” has been reprinted an impressive 38 times and translated into Arabic, Russian, and Turkish. Amirkhani is recognized as a bestselling novelist in Iran, with his book “Salvation” being awarded the best novel in 2018 at the prestigious Jalal Al-e Ahmad Literary Awards, which is Iran’s most lucrative literary prize.

Majid Gheisari

Next on the list is Majid Gheisari, aged 58, who is an acclaimed writer and novelist. His premier novel, “Three Priests,” won the International Eurasia Award from Russia in 2018. In addition to his writing accolades, Gheisari has also served as a referee at various literary festivals across Iran.

Mansour Alimoradi

Mansour Alimoradi is not only a writer but also a poet and cultural researcher. He has devoted significant research to the local culture of his birthplace, Kerman Province. Alimoradi’s body of work includes a short story collection, a poetry collection, and several novels, earning him numerous awards at domestic literary festivals over the past 15 years.

Furthermore, Masoud Ahmadvand, the head of the Cultural Center at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Russian Federation, serves on the board of directors of the BRICS Literary Award. This board is responsible for the strategic management of the award, determining the composition of national expert councils and juries, and managing the operational aspects of the event.

The BRICS Literary Award transcends the realm of literature; it functions as a vital platform for cultural diplomacy. By nominating these distinguished writers, Iran is not only showcasing its literary culture and identity but also forging new opportunities for the translation and dissemination of Iranian works. This initiative contributes significantly to the strengthening of cultural ties among the BRICS nations.

The award celebrates authors whose works reflect the traditions and cultural diversity of BRICS countries, aiming to deepen mutual understanding through literature. The finalists’ shortlist will be released in October, with the winner set to be announced in November in Moscow.

In conclusion, the BRICS Literary Award represents a significant opportunity for Iranian authors to gain international recognition while promoting the rich literary traditions of their homeland. As the literary world awaits the announcement of the finalists and winner, it is clear that this initiative will play a crucial role in fostering cultural exchange and understanding among member nations.

Photo: From left: Mansour Alimoradi, Reza Amirkhani, and Majid Gheisari