«The world needs more honesty and courage in confronting political hypocrisy.»

Egyptian writer Salwa Bakr

1. Dear Mrs. Bakr, how did you react to the news that you were included in the longlist of
nominees for the BRICS Literature Award?
Answer: First and foremost, I am glad there is an economical alliance between a group of states
to combat the greed of capitalism which makes the underprivileged with even more privileges
and the privileged a lot more privileged. And I am happy because this economic alliance has a
cultural interest which shows in this award which I am longlisted in and this is something that
makes me happy.
2. In your opinion, how can such initiatives contribute to mutual understanding among BRICS
countries and to increasing interest in the literature of the Global South?
Answer: It is important to have an understanding of the cultural context of the BRICS countries
and literature is one of the most important means of getting to know the cultures of nations.
For example: I was made aware of the Russian society through a lot of its phases and
developments through the readings of Nikolai Gogol, Leo Tolostoy, Mikhail Lermontov, Anton
Chekhov, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Anna Akhmatova, Maxim Gorky and all the great writers that
introduced us to Russia and how we touched through them the spirit of Russia. And this is the
same for the writers of South America, China, India and all the other nations of the global
south. Without literature, we cannot understand one another.
3. The main goal of the award is “to return the richness of our cultures to each other”. What
would you name as the main “richness” of Egyptian literature that you would like to present to
the world?
Answer: Egypt is an ancient country that has a rich civilization extending to thousands of years.
And the authors of Egypt enjoy a civil specialty that was reflected in their works. This specialty is
rich with humane spirit that loves kindness and peace but unfortunately what was translated
from this great literature is very few and this cultural exchange between BRICS countries might
be one of the reasons why the world would be introduced to this literature.
4. Do you feel that literature today is becoming a new language of diplomacy — a tool through
which nations begin to understand each other better?
Answer: I think diplomacy with its current definition needs to be reviewed given that the world
today needs more honesty and brave confrontation to the prevalent political hypocrisy which is
very common under the umbrella of diplomacy. We need diplomacy that reflects the true
causes of nations. Diplomacy that rejects dominance and conflict that is based on power. We
need more humane justice and dealing with mother earth as a place where we all can live
together in peace and stop destroying it.
5. Your protagonists are women who have found themselves on the margins of life: convicted,
lonely, rejected. Why did this “from below” perspective become central to your work?
Answer: I live in a region which is full of conflicts, violence and wars where women pay the
biggest price from it. When I introduce my protagonists, they represent the majority of women
in this region, which is why, in addition to the archaic values that work against women especially
those marginalized and underprivileged and I care for such women.
6. Is it true that in Egypt, literary prizes are more often awarded to men and those "close to
power"? In this situation, what helps a writer maintain independence?
Answer: Most of the prizes are awarded to men. Regardless of how distant or close they are to
power. They seldom go to women. This situation changed slightly in the recent years, but we
have to take into consideration that there are multiple powers and not just one power working
within the cultural sphere in a country where culture is not a priority for most people.
7. In one interview, you mentioned that you published your first collection at your own expense.
Has the situation changed for writers today — is it easier now to succeed without support from
publishers and patrons?
Answer: Yes, the situation has changed because literature is being commodified and
complicated which made publishing easier, but it is distorted by a lot of sheer commercialization
where artistic and creative value is degraded.
8. In your opinion, what difficulties prevent Arab authors from reaching the international level
— language barrier, lack of translators, publishing policy?
Answer: First off, lack of translators from Arabic to other languages. secondly, publishing
policies. and the absence of the promotion of Arabic literature and agents.
9. What do you think about the idea of establishing a unified literary agency under the BRICS
Literature Award to help authors find publishers abroad?
Answer: This is a great idea that might be very helpful.
10. What is more important for you: recognition at home or international attention and
opportunities that come with such an award?
Answer: My priority is to be known on the Arab level but this does not change the fact that it
would be nice to be recognized internationally. Nevertheless, my work is translated into
multiple languages which is good. Furthermore, prizes shed a light on authors and their works
which is amazing.