Collection: Banipal Magazine

Celebrating 20 years publishing contemporary literature from all over the Arab world

2017 was Banipal’s 20th year of publishing. The magazine has translated and published a massive number of works by Arab authors and also compiled special features introducing writers from Morocco, Sudan, Yemen, Egypt, Emirates, Iraq, Tunisia, Jordan, Libya, Palestine, Syria and Algeria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, also special features on Naguib Mahfouz, Mahmoud Darwish, Adonis, Ghaeb T’uma Farman, Ghalib Halasa.

Each issue is themed and well illustrated with author photographs. While much of the Arab world is plunged into chaos with wars and devastation, sectarian divisions, repression and censorship, the Arab literary side of life remains essentially modernist, secular, progressive and enlightened, speaking out for the marginalised – and needing to be heard across the world, taking its place alongside other world literatures.

“Banipal is a laboratory, illuminated by the flashing lights of its initiators. Banipal is a necessary bridge between Arab and Western cultures. Banipal is a valuable gift because it brings the wealth and diversity of Arabic literature to the anglophone world. I wish Banipal has at least twenty more years of energy, recognition and success!” – Joachim Sartorius