The 2025 International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF) has unveiled its highly anticipated longlist, showcasing 16 exceptional novels from eight countries. This year’s selection highlights the literary prowess of authors from Syria, Egypt, and Lebanon, who dominate the nominations wiht their compelling narratives and diverse themes. The longlist, chosen from 124 submissions, reflects the richness of contemporary Arabic literature and its ability to tackle pressing societal issues with creativity and depth.
A Diverse Literary Landscape
The 2025 IPAF longlist features four novels from Syria, including “Now My Life Begins” by Sumer shehadeh, “Heir of the keys” by Sawsan Jamil Hassan, “The Andalusian Messiah” by Tayseer Khalaf, and “The French Prisoner” by Jean Dost. These works explore themes ranging from personal identity to ancient and political struggles, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of syrian life and culture.
From Egypt, the longlist includes “The Worrying Prayer” by Mohamed Samir nada, “Al-Mashaalji” by Ayman Rajab Taher, “The Stolen Novel” by Hassan Kamal, and “Sweet Dreams” by ahmed Al-Malwani. These novels delve into the intricacies of human relationships, societal norms, and the impact of power on individual lives.
Lebanese authors also make a strong showing with three novels: “Songs for the Dark” by Iman Humaidan, “The Women’s Covenant” by Haneen Al-Sayegh, and “What Zeina Saw and What She Did Not See” by Rashid Al-Daif. These works highlight the struggles of women in patriarchal societies, blending poignant storytelling with sharp social commentary.
A Pan-Arab literary Celebration
The longlist also features novels from across the Arab world, including “Danshmand” by Mauritanian author Ahmed Fal Al-Din, “Valley of the Butterflies” by Iraqi writer Azhar Jarjis, “hawariya” by Algerian author Inam Bayoud, “The Weeping” by Bahraini writer Aqeel Al-Moussawi, and “The Touch of Light” by Emirati author Nadia Al-Najjar. These works collectively underscore the diversity of voices and experiences within the Arabic literary sphere.
Insights from the Jury Chair
Mona Baker, the head of the IPAF 2025 jury, praised the selected novels for their thematic diversity and innovative literary forms. She noted that many of the works address the struggles of women in patriarchal societies,while others explore religious and sectarian conflicts,frequently enough juxtaposing extremism with moments of profound humanity. Baker also highlighted how some authors tackle the theme of brutal power, using both tragic and humorous tones to engage readers and provoke thought.
Key Highlights of the 2025 IPAF Longlist
| Country | Novel | Author |
|——————-|—————————————-|————————|
| Syria | Now My Life Begins | Sumer Shehadeh |
| Syria | Heir of the Keys | Sawsan Jamil Hassan |
| Syria | The Andalusian Messiah | Tayseer Khalaf |
| Syria | The French Prisoner | Jean Dost |
| Egypt | the Worrying Prayer | Mohamed Samir Nada |
| Egypt | Al-Mashaalji | Ayman Rajab Taher |
| Egypt | The Stolen Novel | Hassan Kamal |
| Egypt | Sweet Dreams | Ahmed Al-Malwani |
| Lebanon | Songs for the Dark | Iman Humaidan |
| Lebanon | The Women’s Covenant | Haneen Al-Sayegh |
| Lebanon | What Zeina Saw and What She Did Not See | Rashid Al-Daif |
| Mauritania | Danshmand | Ahmed Fal Al-Din |
| Iraq | valley of the Butterflies | Azhar jarjis |
| Algeria | Hawariya | Inam Bayoud |
| bahrain | The Weeping | Aqeel Al-Moussawi |
| UAE | The Touch of Light | nadia Al-Najjar |
A Call to Explore Arabic Literature
The 2025 IPAF longlist is a testament to the vibrancy and relevance of Arabic fiction in today’s world. Readers are encouraged to explore these works, which not only entertain but also challenge and inspire. For more details about the prize and its history, visit the official International Prize for Arabic Fiction website.
As the literary world eagerly awaits the proclamation of the shortlist and eventual winner, these 16 novels stand as a celebration of the power of storytelling to bridge cultures, provoke thought, and illuminate the human experience.124 Novels Nominated for Prestigious Literary Award: A Celebration of Arabic Literature
The world of Arabic literature is abuzz as 124 novels have been nominated for a prestigious literary award, showcasing the richness and diversity of contemporary storytelling. The long list was meticulously curated by a distinguished five-member jury, led by Egyptian academic Mona Baker. The panel also includes Lebanese academic and researcher Bilal Al-Arfali, Finnish translator Sampsa Peltonen, Moroccan critic Saeed Benkarad, and Emirati academic Maryam Al Hashemi.
This year’s nominations highlight the vibrant literary landscape of the Arab world, with works spanning various genres, themes, and styles. The jury’s selection process was rigorous, reflecting their commitment to recognizing excellence in storytelling and cultural expression.
A Jury of Renowned Experts
The jury, chaired by Mona Baker, brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Baker, a prominent figure in the Egyptian academic community, is known for her contributions to translation studies and cultural research. Joining her is Bilal Al-Arfali, whose work in Lebanese academia has earned him widespread recognition. Sampsa Peltonen, a Finnish translator, adds an international perspective, while Saeed Benkarad’s critical insights and maryam Al Hashemi’s academic prowess round out the panel.Their collective experience ensures that the selection process is both thorough and fair,with a focus on literary merit and cultural significance.
The Significance of the Award
This award is more than just a celebration of individual works; it is indeed a testament to the enduring power of Arabic literature. By spotlighting 124 novels, the award underscores the creativity and resilience of Arab authors, many of whom tackle complex social, political, and cultural issues in their writing.The long list serves as a bridge between readers and writers,offering a curated selection of stories that resonate with audiences across the globe. It also provides a platform for emerging voices, ensuring that new talent is recognized alongside established authors.
A Glimpse into the Nominees
While the full list of nominees has not been disclosed, the sheer number of entries—124 novels—speaks to the vitality of the Arabic literary scene. These works likely span a wide range of genres, from historical fiction and magical realism to contemporary dramas and experimental narratives.
The diversity of the nominees reflects the multifaceted nature of Arab culture,offering readers a chance to explore different perspectives and experiences.
Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Number of Nominees | 124 novels |
| Jury Chair | Mona Baker, Egyptian academic |
| Jury Members | Bilal Al-Arfali, Sampsa Peltonen, Saeed Benkarad, Maryam Al Hashemi |
| Focus | Literary merit, cultural significance, and storytelling excellence |
| Impact | celebrates Arabic literature and provides a platform for emerging voices |
A Call to Explore Arabic Literature
For readers eager to dive into the world of Arabic literature, this award offers a perfect starting point. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer, the long list provides a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered.
As the literary community eagerly awaits the announcement of the shortlist, one thing is clear: Arabic literature continues to thrive, offering profound insights and captivating narratives that resonate far beyond the Arab world.
Engage with the Stories
Take this prospect to explore the nominated works and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Arabic storytelling. share your thoughts on social media using the hashtag #ArabicLitAward and join the conversation about the power of literature to connect, inspire, and transform.
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The text you provided appears to be a list of nominees for the 2025 IPAF (International Prize for Arabic Fiction) longlist, along with some additional details about the jury, the significance of the award, and the vibrant landscape of Arabic literature.Here’s a summary and organized version of the facts:
2025 IPAF Longlist: A Celebration of Arabic Literature
The 2025 IPAF longlist features 16 novels from various Arab countries, showcasing the richness and diversity of contemporary Arabic fiction. This nomination list is a testament to the vibrancy and relevance of Arabic literature in today’s world.
Nominees and Their Works
| Country | Title | Author |
| Syria | The French Prisoner | Jean Dost |
| Egypt | The Worrying Prayer | Mohamed Samir Nada |
| Egypt | Al-Mashaalji | Ayman Rajab Taher |
| Egypt | The Stolen Novel | Hassan Kamal |
| Egypt | Sweet Dreams | Ahmed Al-Malwani |
| lebanon | Songs for the Dark | Iman Humaidan |
| Lebanon | The Women’s Covenant | Haneen Al-Sayegh |
| Lebanon | What Zeina Saw and What She Did Not See| Rashid Al-Daif |
| Mauritania | Danshmand | Ahmed Fal Al-Din |
| Iraq | Valley of the Butterflies | Azhar Jarjis |
| Algeria | Hawariya | Inam Bayoud |
| Bahrain | The Weeping | Aqeel Al-Moussawi |
| UAE | The Touch of Light | Nadia Al-Najjar |
A Call to Explore Arabic Literature
The 2025 IPAF longlist is a celebration of the power of storytelling to bridge cultures, provoke thought, and illuminate the human experiance. Readers are encouraged to explore these works, which not only entertain but also challenge and inspire.
For more details about the prize and its history, visit the official International Prize for Arabic Fiction website.
A Jury of Renowned Experts
The jury for the 2025 IPAF is chaired by Mona Baker, a prominent Egyptian academic known for her contributions to translation studies and cultural research. The panel includes:
- Bilal Al-Arfali: Lebanese academic and researcher
- Sampsa Peltonen: Finnish translator
- Saeed Benkarad: Moroccan critic
- Maryam Al Hashemi: Emirati academic
Their collective expertise ensures a thorough and fair selection process, focusing on literary merit and cultural significance.
The Significance of the Award
The IPAF is more than a celebration of individual works; it is a testament to the enduring power of Arabic literature. By spotlighting 124 novels, the award underscores the creativity and resilience of Arab authors, many of whom tackle complex social, political, and cultural issues in their writing.
The longlist serves as a bridge between readers and writers, offering a curated selection of stories that resonate with audiences across the globe. It also provides a platform for emerging voices, ensuring new talent is recognized alongside established authors.
A Glimpse into the nominees
While the full list of nominees has not been disclosed, the 16 novels featured in the longlist highlight the vibrant literary landscape of the arab world, spanning various genres, themes, and styles.
This information highlights the richness of Arabic literature and the importance of awards like the IPAF in promoting and celebrating diverse storytelling.
