The Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature (Arabic: جائزة نجيب محفوظ, romanized: Jāʼizat Najīb Maḥfūẓ) is a literary award for Arabic literature.[1][2] It is given to the best contemporary novel written in Arabic, but not available in English translation.[2] The winning book is then translated into English, and published by American University in Cairo Press.[2] It was first awarded in 1996 and is presented annually on December 11, the birthday of Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz, by the President of the American University in Cairo.[2]
2011 was a unique year for the award because of the 2011 Egyptian revolution. The campuses of the American University in Cairo were operationally impacted and instead of presenting no award, AUCP gave the award to "the revolutionary creativity of the Egyptian people during the popular uprising that began on 25 January 2011."[3]
^"Palestinian female novelist granted Naguib Mahfouz medal in Cairo." Xinhua News Agency. (Dec. 11, 2006). GaleA155758476. Last accessed October 8, 2012.
^"Syrian writer wins naguib mahfouz medal for literature." (2009, Dec 14). Daily News Egypt. ProQuest430675528. Last accessed October 8, 2012.
^"Professor receives naguib mahfouz medal for literature" (2010, Dec 13). Targeted News Service [Washington, D.C]. ProQuest817419218. Last accessed October 8, 2012.
