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  • Welcome to ALT Magazine & Press: Hazawi Prize Announces 2023 Shortlist: (Sana'a, Yemen) - The shortlist for the 2023 Hazawi Prize for Yemeni Literature has been revealed, announcing the ten writers who have been selected as finalists for this prestigious award.
  • Now in its second yearly round, the Hazawi Prize recognizes exceptional contributions to fiction in Yemeni literature. Organized by the Hazawi Cultural Foundation, this annual prize aims to promote Yemeni literature and support creative writers.
  • This year's shortlist features both emerging and renowned Yemeni authors. The ten works advancing to the final round of judging are:
  • - Abdullah Faisal shortlisted for his novel, Spirits and Secrets.
  • - Aisha Saleh shortlisted for her novel, Under the Ashes
  • - Farouk Merish shortlisted for his novel, A Dignified Stranger
  • - Ahmed Ashraf shortlisted for his novel, A Painful Belt
  • - Ghassan Khalid shortlisted for his novel, A Sky that Rains Fear
  • - Hosam Adel shortlisted for his novel, The Lord of the Black Dog
  • - Asmaa Abdulrazak shortlisted for her novel, Shrapnels
  • - Abdullah Abdu Muhammad shortlisted for his novel, The Road to Sana'a
  • - Najah Bahkeim shortlisted for her novel, The Final Decision
  • - Samir AbdulFattah shortlisted for her novel, What We Cannot See
  • The winner will be revealed at an award ceremony in Sana'a later where they will receive $1,500 USD. Second and third prizes of $1,000 USD each will also be awarded. All shortlisted works are celebrated for chronicling Yemen's rich culture and wartime experiences. This prestigious prize continues highlighting the nation's thriving literary community.

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Romanticizing Cigarette Smoking, Alcohol, Nudity, and Drug Consumption in Arabic Cinema

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Romanticizing Cigarette Smoking, Alcohol, Nudity, and Drug Consumption in Arabic Cinema by Hatem Al-Shamea   Introduction The romanticization of cigarette smoking, alcohol, and drug consumption in cinema has profound implications for societal norms and values. This phenomenon is particularly notable in Egyptian films, which often depict these behaviors as symbols of sophistication, rebellion, or coping …

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The Mechanic: A Critical Analysis through Postcolonial and Magic Realism Lenses

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The Mechanic: A Critical Analysis through Postcolonial and Magic Realism Lenses by Hatem Al-Shamea   Introduction   “The Mechanic” (“الميكانيكي”) by Sa’eed Al-Hamadi is a compelling short story that delves into the life of a dedicated mechanic who takes pride in his work despite facing various personal and professional challenges. This story is ripe for …

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Unveiling Yemeni Womanhood: A Feminist Critique of Patriarchal Structures in Nadia Al-Kawkabani’s My Sana’a

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Unveiling Yemeni Womanhood: A Feminist Critique of Patriarchal Structures in Nadia Al-Kawkabani’s My Sana’a by Hatem Al-Shamea   Introduction The novel My Sana’a by Nadia Al-Kawkabani provides a rich tapestry for critical analysis through the lens of feminist literary theory. Al-Kawkabani, a prominent Yemeni novelist, explores the complexities of gender, identity, and societal expectations in …

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Tradition and Modernity in Yemeni Literature: A Critical Analysis of Hamid Oqabi’s The Yemeni Stallion

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Tradition and Modernity in Yemeni Literature: A Critical Analysis of Hamid Oqabi’s The Yemeni Stallion by  Hatem Al-Shamea   Introduction The Yemeni Stallion, “الكبش اليماني الفحل” is a contemporary novel written by the Yemeni writer, Hamid Oqabi in 2024. It delves into the cultural and social fabric of a Yemeni village. Through its narrative, the …

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When Pain Slumbers

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When Pain Slumbers   by Eman Al-Saeedi translated by Hatem Al-Shamea   (1) The chemistry of the universe, Bodies of pallor. There, Where the green face of humanity withers Like the veins of an aged wind. (2) In an existence of anxiety, Half of it blood, and half of it whiteness. For the fragility of …

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Rereading the Egyptian Film “Escape to the Top”

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Rereading the Egyptian Film “Escape to the Top” By Hatem Al-Shamea   “Escape to the Top” (الهروب إلى القمة), was released in 1996, directed by Adel al-Aasar and written by Muhammad Safa’ Al-Amir and starring the renowned Egyptian actor Nour El Sharif, offers a bold and incisive critique of corruption and socio-economic despair in Egypt. …

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Melody of Femininity 

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Melody of Femininity by/ Entesar Hasan translated by Hatem Al-Shamea   Melody of Femininity With the melody of my femininity, soothe me For you have caused my clamor Like a storm, you swept through me Oh, the ruin of my realms What is the solution, my love? You have scattered my things! Please, solve my …

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Poem

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**Poem** by/ Nabilah Al-Sheikh translated by Hatem Al-Shamea   Poem Now I hold The soul of the poem Now I can grasp In the surge of poetry That rare essence The poetry will pour forth Without care And I become a vast airport For the seagulls to ascend from me And descend into me I …

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Exile – Nabiha Mahdur

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Exile By Nabiha Mahdur The borders closed, and he found himself trapped, a wanderer on the sidewalk of exile, begging for a homeland. A New Home – Nabila Al-Sheikh – trans. Hatem Al-Shamea

A Critical Review on the short story “Memory” of Entesar Asseri

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A Critical Review on the short story “Memory” of Entesar Asseri Entesar Asseri is widely considered one of Yemen’s most prominent contemporary female writers. In her short story “Memory”, Asseri uses Surrealist techniques to challenge normative gender roles and critique patriarchal power dynamics in Yemeni society. Through the unnamed male protagonist’s loss of memory and …

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Navigating the Poetic Landscape: A Critical Examination of Access to Meaning, Preference, and the Question of Genre

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Navigating the Poetic Landscape: A Critical Examination of Access to Meaning, Preference, and the Question of Genre by Hatem Al-Shamea   Introduction   The realm of Arabic poetry is a rich and diverse tapestry, woven from threads of classical forms and modern innovations. Among these, two prominent genres stand out: the classical Arabic poem (qasidah) …

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Exploring the Complexities of Power, Identity, and Conflict in Al-Gharbi Emran’s”Hisn al-Zaidi”

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Exploring the Complexities of Power, Identity, and Conflict in Al-Gharbi Emran’s “Hisn al-Zaidi” by Hatem Al-Shamea   Introduction   “Hisn al-Zaidi,” a captivating novel by the renowned Yemeni novelist, Al-Gharbi Emran, delves into the intricate dynamics of power, identity, and conflict within the context of a fortress community. Set against the backdrop of the rural …

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Lost Memories and Enduring Struggles: A Critical Analysis of Fatima Wahidi’s “The Second-To-Last Picture”

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Lost Memories and Enduring Struggles: A Critical Analysis of Fatima Wahidi’s “The Second-To-Last Picture” By Hatem Al-Shamea   Introduction Fatima Wahidi’s short story, “The Second-To-Last Picture,” is a poignant narrative that explores themes of obsolescence, dignity, and the relentless march of modernity. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society, the story follows Sabir, …

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Unraveling Mysticism and Identity in Rural Egypt – An Analysis of Majdi Jaafar’s Diaspora

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Unraveling Mysticism and Identity in Rural Egypt – An Analysis of Majdi Jaafar’s Diaspora  by Hatem Al-Shamea   Introduction “Diaspora” (“الشتات”) by the Egyptian novelist Majdi Jaafar is the second part of an ambitious novel project, which began with “On the Edge of a Pit” (“على شفا حفرة”) released in 2011. The novel intertwines themes …

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Media’s Colonization of Culture:  How Decolonizing Perspectives Offer Insight

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  Media’s Colonization of Culture: How Decolonizing Perspectives Offer Insight by Hatem Al-Shamea   Introduction Today’s media landscape wields immense influence over globalized culture by impacting food preferences, consumer behaviors, ideological perspectives, and more. However, its power often stems from colonial legacies distorting indigenous ways of living and thinking that served communities sustainably for centuries. Applying …

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Stripped of Power

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  Stripped of Power by Mohammed Al-Shahat translated by Hatem Al-Shamea     Stripped of Power I resisted my weakness As I watched my eye, Spinning over women’s breasts And charms emerging without restraint From garments that revealed more than they concealed Declaring its desire Raising banners of lust To invade your feelings, to rise …

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In Dawn’s Embrace, Whispers of Love – Abdullah Abdulwahab Naoman

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In Dawn’s Embrace, Whispers of Love   In dawn’s embrace, where zephyrs kiss the dew, I pour my light, my fragrance, and my smile anew. My heartbeat echoes, yearnings intertwine, Embraces tender, blessings yours and mine.   Wherever you may wander, my heart holds you near, In every thought, your presence ever clear. If messages …

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Nadia Al-Kawkabani

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Nadia Yahya Hussein Al-Kawkabani Academic, Writer, and Human Rights and Political Activist.   Biography:   Nadia Yahya Hussein Al-Kokbani is a Yemeni academic, novelist, and human rights and political activist.  She was born on the 20th of October 1968 in Taiz. She has been actively involved in various political meetings, activities, and civil rights training …

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