beirut39?

Beirut39 inspires a fresh look at modern Arab literature. A collaboration between the Hay Festival and Beirut World Capital of the Book 2009, the project brings together 39 of the best known and loved writers of Arab heritage under 39 years of age.

In Beirut the Orient, the Occident and the Mediterranean combine to produce a unique cultural mix. Beirut39 is a great opportunity to discover new voices in Arab literature.

How were the writers selected?

The 39 writers under 39 years have been chosen by a group of respected Arab writers, academics and journalists.

Nominations were solicited from publishers and literary critics across the Arab world and internationally. You were also invited to nominate.

The judging panel was aided by research and specialist knowledge from Hay Festival and Banipal, the magazine of modern literature.

Criteria for selection

The selected authors must:

•  have at least one piece of work published (fiction or poetry)

•  be born in 1970 or after

•  be of Arab heritage.

Writers’ work can be in any language but the subject must be affiliated with the Arab world.

Timeline...