Learning to Rise Above Cultural Grievances

The journey of literary creativity is embodied in the life of Jordanian poet and novelist Jalal Burgis, who has mastered the art of rising above the grievances of the cultural milieu. Through his participation in the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, Burgis reflects his profound vision and the warmth of his human experience. His literary stature extends beyond the awards he has received; it serves as a beacon illuminating the path for a new generation of writers and creatives. Burgis invites everyone to celebrate literature as a means of deep communication that touches the souls of people across cultural boundaries.

The Cultural Platform

Jalal Burgis emphasized the importance of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, noting its diverse events and high quality. He described the festival as “one of the important cultural festivals,” providing opportunities for encounters between writers, translators, and literary agents. Burgis considers his participation in this festival an invaluable chance “to gain insights from different experiences and opinions in the realm of literature and culture.”

Experiences of New Writers

Burgis spoke about his role as a literary mentor in the “My Friend’s Fellowship for Writers,” which runs from 2023 to 2025, expressing his admiration for the initiative and its positive impact. He pointed out that this fellowship has contributed to discovering new voices that will carve their way into the literary world. He explained that “young Emirati writers possess innate talent and great passion,” which aids in the emergence of these writers on the Arab and global stages.

Literary Challenges

In discussing the challenges facing writers, Burgis noted that many aspire to achieve both local and global success. He concluded that Emirati novels are increasingly focusing on local culture as a means of reaching a global audience, highlighting the necessity for professional publishing houses that creatively embrace literary issues. He emphasized that “human pain is a common ground among peoples, facilitating the process of communication through sincere writing.”

Awards and Their Impact on the Writer

Burgis addressed the experience of literary awards, stressing that “the writer himself creates the curse of awards.” He explained how he tried to shield himself from this curse after winning the Arab Booker Prize, admitting that writing should stem from “the inner emotional realm shaped by his experiences.” He summarized his experience of rising above cultural grievances as a key to maintaining the purity of his art and literary honesty.

He also expressed his desire to explore deep human dimensions in his novels, affirming that his literary project continues to address human issues. He indicated that writing style is a crucial element that helps influence the hearts of readers, which is what he aims to achieve through his upcoming works.

Burgis stands as a living example of a creative individual who has learned to leap over the grievances of the cultural scene, dedicating his efforts to enhancing literature and the arts in the Arab world.

Jalal Burgis: “I write about the street from its depths, not through the window of the writing room.”