Dr. Hashim Mirghani Wins Katara Prize for Criticism – ARABLIT & ARABLIT QUARTERLY

By Lemya Shammat

OCTOBER 18, 2024 — Dr. Hashim Mirghani Al-Hajj — a distinguished Sudanese writer, critic, and academic — has been awarded the prestigious Katara Novel Prize in the Critical Studies category.

Dr. Mirghani, an Associate Professor of Literature and Criticism, hails from Omdurman, the national city of the tripartite capital. Over the course of his illustrious career, he has taught at universities in Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, making significant contributions to the fields of literary criticism and narrative studies. A prolific scholar, Dr. Mirghani has authored several influential books, published numerous peer-reviewed studies in academic journals, and written extensively for Sudanese newspapers. His criticism spans various creative domains, encompassing narratives, poetry, theatre, cinema, and other artistic expressions.

He is regarded as one of the foremost figures in Sudanese literary criticism, with an ambitious academic project that has been central to his scholarly efforts for many years. Tracing the Tracks: Critical Approaches to Sudanese Storytelling was published by Dar Al-Musawwarat for Publishing and Distribution in Khartoum in its debut edition in 2021. This volume marks Dr. Hashim Mirghani’s third significant publication, released simultaneously with Language, Power, Discourse: Critical Approaches from the same publisher that year. Prior to these works, his landmark book, The Structure of Narrative Discourse in the Short Story, was published by Currency Printing Press in 2008, solidifying his status as a preeminent figure in literary criticism.

Dr. Mirghani’s recognition by the Katara Novel Prize is a timely and meaningful gift to the Sudanese people during a period marked by war, loss, and displacement. His work not only enriches Sudan’s intellectual and cultural heritage but also stands as a beacon of resilience, offering a sense of pride and hope amidst the nation’s current struggles. His contributions continue to shape the broader landscape of literary and artistic studies, both in Sudan and beyond.

Lemya Shammat is a writer, translator, educator, and editor who resides in the UAE. Find more by her in our archives.