Spotlight on Sheikh Zayed 'Young Author' Award Winners

Abu Dhabi, August 28, 2013- Encouraging the young authors have been one of the important focal points of the Sheikh Zayed book award objectives  since its inception, here is a look at the past winners.. In 2007, Mahmoud Zein Al-Abedeen won for his book 'Architecture of Ottoman Mosques' which highlights the outstanding craftsmanship of Ottoman architecture and how the mosques built during this period successfully integrated Islamic designs from Syria, Egypt and other Islamic nations. Al-Abedeen is a member of the Order of Syrian Architects and Engineers and received the Al-Basel Award for Intellectual Authorship in 2006 and Author of 'Mustakbal Al alaqat al dowalyya' (The Future of International Relations) Mohammed Sa'adi, from Morocco, won the award in 2008. The book highlights the importance of culture in international relations by conferring theories and theses that govern international relations after the Cold War era, including Fukuyama’s theory on “The End of History”, Robert Kaplan’s “The Coming Chaos”, and Samuel Huntington on “Clash of Civilizations”. Sa'adi analyses the theory as a philosophical text and concludes that the thesis is not suitable for interpreting the channel of international relations, but it is more of an ideological justification for clash policies. Sa'adi attempts to look for the factors which may bring back the humanitarian aspect to civilizations and considers the culture of 'peace' as the basis for international relations rather than a 'clash' as Huntington suggests. In 2009, Dr. Youcef Oghlici for his book: "The Intricacy of Terminology in the New Arab Discourse." The author investigates the field of translation/interpretation and how terminology plays a distinctive role to transfer knowledge and culture from one language to another. Moreover, the writer draws differences of several theories in terminology and brings to the readers necessary tools that can be used by academics and researches. According to the judging committee, 'The book deserved the prize because It’s an addition to the field of Arabic literary discourse; it provides clarification to the critical use of terminology and its impact between cultures. The author presents theories and applications and examines the diversity of terminology in the Arabic language”. In 2010, Mohammad Al Mullakh, from Morocco, won the Award for his book “Time in Arabic Language: its Linguistic Structure and Significance” (Arab Scientific Publishers, Inc., 2009. The winning book provided a solid academic approach in tackling such an important linguistic study. “The book followed a scientific methodology that combined the accuracy of Arabic terminology and concepts”. In 2012, The Young Author Award went to Layla Al Obaidi, from Tunisia, for her book "Al Fikh fi al-Islam" (published by Dar Al Saqi (Humor in Islam). The Award’s Scientific Committee’s decision came in recognition of the novel approach the author has followed in researching the topic of humor in Islam, with a long list of solid references and resources. The book has been also seen a promotion of the true values of Islam which is founded on peaceful coexistence and sincerity. In 2013, Adil Hadjami won his award for his book 'Falsafat Jeel Deleuze' (Deleuze philosophy on Existentialism and Difference), examining the life and work of the French Philosopher Gilles Deleuze (1925 – 1995) and the origins of his philosophy. In Falasfat Jeel Deleuze, Hadjami unveils Deuleuze's core interpretations and tracks its historical timelines. Adil Hadjami is a professor of German philosophy with a record of authored and translated works in European philosophy. His work is acknowledged with high regards as the Arabic library is in dire need for such scientific resources which are expected to be a core reference for all Arab scholars of philosophy The award – carrying the name of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who served as the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE for over 30 years- was established in 2006 to foster greater scholarship and creativity by recognizing and rewarding innovators and thinkers in areas of knowledge, arts and humanities. The award recognizes cultural achievement across one of the broadest and most diverse areas of any cultural awards internationally. The “Cultural Personality of the Year” honours prominent figures for their unique contributions to the advancement of the Arabic culture, and for works that portray tolerance and promote peaceful coexistence.