And the Arab Culture Award Goes To…

By Sara Elghobashy

February 1, 2010

The Emirates are known for their larger than life buildings and excessive lifestyle, but they’re also big on preserving Arab culture through educational, foundational and award-based initiatives. One such initiative is the UN-backed Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture, which has been awarded annually since 2003. Set up by Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohamed Al-Qassimi of the Emirate of Sharjah, the prize recognizes exceptional work in promoting and developing Arab culture throughout the world.

Of the 28 nominations received from 21 UNESCO member states, this year’s prize will be awarded to Ghani Alani and Anna Parzymies. Ghani Alani is one of the greatest calligraphers of our time and is best known for introducing Arabic and Islamic calligraphy to the West. The Iraqi poet’s work has been displayed all over the world, including the British Museum.

Anna Parzymies is the director of a publishing house that is devoted to preserving Arab culture and has published over 80 books on a variety of topics of interest to the Arab world. She also serves as one of the founders of the Department for European Islam Studies at the University of Warsaw. She receives this award primarily for her effort to promote Arab culture in Poland.

The Arab Culture award will be presented to both recipients on February 9th in Paris at the UNESCO headquarters, where each laureate will receive a $30,000 prize.

Source: United Nations