The Asilah Forum Foundation in Morocco has announced the winners of the eighth edition of the Blond El Haidari Prize for Young Arab Poets, set to take place in 2026. The prize has been jointly awarded to Iraqi poet Zain Al-Abidin Al-Marshdi and Moroccan poet Abu Bakr Al-Milati. According to a press statement released by the foundation, the selection was made unanimously by the jury members. The prize aims to recognize and celebrate young Arab poetic talent.
The jury, chaired by Moroccan poet, writer, and media personality Yasin Adnan, consisted of poets, critics, and academics from Tunisia, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, and Morocco. The jury members evaluated nearly 16 young poetic experiences from across the Arab world, discussing their published works and literary merit. The coordination of the jury's work was overseen by Moroccan critic and academic Sharif Al-Din Majdulin.
The jury praised Zain Al-Abidin Al-Marshdi, author of the poetry collection "Child of the Shepherds," for his youthful and skilled approach to poetry. His work combines various Arabic poetic styles with a distinctive use of paradox in exploring themes. Meanwhile, Abu Bakr Al-Milati was commended for the cohesion of his project, which spans two poetry collections: "In Your Eyes, Cafes Exist" and "Loss in a Short Skirt and Long Socks."
The jury noted that Al-Milati successfully constructed a unique poetic experience, adopting a concise linguistic approach based on short sentences and transforming everyday details into original poetry. The shortlisted works represented a diverse range of young poetic voices from Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Tunisia, and Kuwait. The selection aimed to honor two exemplary models of contemporary Arab poetic expression, showcasing their artistic and stylistic diversity.
The Asilah Forum Foundation stated that the prize will be awarded on October 17, as part of the 47th Asilah International Cultural Season, scheduled to take place from October 2 to 18. The Blond El Haidari Prize for Young Arab Poets was officially established in 1997 and has been awarded annually since 2000, recognizing numerous Moroccan and Arab poets.
The prize has become a prominent platform for promoting and celebrating young Arab poetic talent. By acknowledging the work of poets like Al-Marshdi and Al-Milati, the foundation aims to encourage and support the development of Arabic literature. The recognition of these poets is expected to contribute to the growth and diversification of Arabic poetry.
The awarding of the Blond El Haidari Prize is anticipated to draw attention to the rich literary heritage and emerging talent in the Arab world. As the literary scene continues to evolve, such initiatives play a vital role in nurturing and promoting young voices in Arabic poetry.
Key points
- The Blond El Haidari Prize for Young Arab Poets was jointly awarded to Iraqi poet Zain Al-Abidin Al-Marshdi and Moroccan poet Abu Bakr Al-Milati.
- The prize aims to recognize and celebrate young Arab poetic talent, with a focus on promoting and supporting the development of Arabic literature.
- The award will be presented on October 17, as part of the 47th Asilah International Cultural Season.
