Sharjah: “The desert is the cradle of civilisation, and it played a pivotal role in shaping my personality,”
stated Ibrahim Al-Koni, the Libyan-born novelist who has been named the Cultural Personality
of the Year at the ongoing 42nd Sharjah International Book Fair, running at Sharjah Expo
Centre from November 1-12, carrying the theme ‘We Speak Books’.
Al-Koni, who was born in the Tuareg Desert and spent his childhood there before migrating to
Europe, drew inspiration from myth, magical worlds, and passion for the Tuareg life, which is
rich in customs and is considered the unique product of the desert. “The desert told me its own
stories,” said the journalist-turned-author who said he had got lost in the biggest desert in the
world for 36 hours when he was five. The experience brought a metaphysical transformation for
Al-Koni, who later went to Russia to study journalism and established an Arabic newspaper in
the country.
The novelist, who has spent half his lifetime in Europe, termed every immigrant a seeker of
freedom. All prophets from Prophet Adam to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) were emigrants, he
noted, calling Adam a migrant from heaven to earth and Prophet Mohammed a genius who
migrated twice – one for business and one a spiritual journey.
Regarding happiness, Al Koni observed that the readiness to sacrifice oneself for ultimate
happiness is important. “You can never get it if you think you can get it for free,” said the great
writer who has authored 81 books in 40 languages.
The Sharjah Book Authority has honoured Al Koni as the SIBF 2023 Cultural Personality of the
Year in recognition of his profound impact on both the Arab and global cultural and literary
spheres and his invaluable contributions.
Sharjah International Book Fair’s cultural programme is led by an elite group of authors,
intellectuals, and artists from 33 countries, with engaging panel discussions, exciting workshops
and stimulating reading sessions taking place throughout the prestigious 12-day festival.
