Reem Bassiouni, the Egyptian writer, novelist and professor at the American University, has a literary biography full of achievements, which has made her a place in the front ranks among the most prominent writers and writers of her country .
Bassiouni, who has always praised the role of the Emirates in contributing to literary and cultural life, received many honors in her life, in recognition of her literary career, she is the winner of many awards, including: Award Sawiris for Culture for her novel “Doctor Hanaa,” and the award for the best translated work in the United States for her novel “The Pistachio Seller” and the Naguib Mahfouz Award for Literature from the High Council of Culture for her novel “Children of the People. ” The Mamluk trilogy.
These achievements were crowned with the Sheikh Zayed Book Award in 2024 for her novel “Al-Halwani.” The Fatimid Trilogy.
Labsiouni, whom Al Bayan met in an exclusive interview, when she expressed the importance of recently receiving the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, published many important novels, including: “The Smell of the Sea,” ” Love in the Arab Style,” and “Strange things.” And “traveler,” and “the way of the drowned.” The road and the sea,” and “The herds. Ibn Tulun Trilogy” and “Mario and Abu Abbas”.
Bassiouni began her speech by highlighting the important role that the UAE plays in cultural life, and emphasizing that it is multifaceted, covering a wide range of cultural and artistic sectors, especially in the areas that support Arabic literature and its translation. through valuable prizes, and the popular interest in the Arabic language and celebrating it through special initiatives.
Bassiouni, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in the Department of English at the University of Alexandria and a Masters and Doctorate from the University of Oxford in Great Britain, confirms that the UAE is leading major efforts to establish a literate Arab generation with knowledge.
She continued that the UAE has exceeded all expectations in its efforts to promote Arab culture, through initiatives and innovative solutions, especially regarding the Arab book (book fairs) and the reading crisis in it the Arab societies.
Bassiouni explains that the UAE’s efforts, which are betting on reading to restart Arab-Islamic civilization, are leading to the establishment of a literate Arab generation armed with knowledge.
In this context, she stops at the “Arabic Reading Challenge”, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, in the year 2015. , affirming that by directing it to students in the Arab world, it provides Arab culture and creativity encouraging young blood, encouraging interest in the language motherhood, and increasing cultural identity among the new generations.
Reem Bassiouni, whose works have been translated into English by the translator of Naguib Mahfouz’s novels, Roger Allen, talks at length about her regular visits to the Emirates, expressing her delight in what she saw attracted her attention in the country, its landmarks and scenery. way of life, especially the preservation of heritage, pride in customs and traditions, and the values of diversity Tolerance, acceptance of new things, and keeping up with the times.
Promoting culture
Bassiouni, who spoke to Al-Bayan, recalled her happiness when she won the Sheikh Zayed Prize for the year 2024, saying that the prize represents a great value, not only for her as a winning writer, but also for because of the great value it represents to him. Arab culture, and in delivering Arabic books to the world.
Therefore, she confirms that receiving this prestigious award is a great honor and a great responsibility, which encourages her to write, scientific research, and commit to the noble message that the award conveys.
In her interview with Al-Bayan, Bassiouni stops with the interest of many reading enthusiasts with the situation that the Arabic novel has reached, especially after technological development has come to the fore, and their questions as to whether it has increased with such development or not. She says that the Arabic novel is very, and still is… mixed, characterized by innovation and innovation along with creativity.
