UAE’s Bodour Al Qasimi makes history as first Gulf woman to win BolognaRagazzi Award
Groundbreaking children’s book House of Wisdom honoured in Bologna’s Farnese Chapel
DUBAI: Emirati publisher, author, and women’s advocate Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi has made history by becoming the first woman from an Arab Gulf state to receive the prestigious BolognaRagazzi Award for Fiction.
This esteemed accolade was bestowed upon her for her groundbreaking children’s book, House of Wisdom, during a ceremony held in the striking Farnese Chapel at Palazzo d'Accursio in Bologna.
Reflecting on her honour, Sheikha Bodour articulated the significance of her win, stating, “For me, this award signals a shift towards a more inclusive children's publishing sector. Amid heightened global tensions, stories like House of Wisdom carry a message that books can occasion unity, progress, and a deeper understanding between cultures.”
Her words highlight the timeless relevance of literature as a bridge to understanding.
House of Wisdom
Sheikha Bodour continued to discuss the historical context of her book, explaining that the House of Wisdom symbolised how knowledge and collaboration across cultures can build sturdy bridges. “Its loss in 1258 is a tragic allegory for the fragility of intellectual freedom – a lesson of undiminished relevance today.” This poignant reflection underscores the pressing need to preserve cultural and intellectual legacies in today’s world.
The BolognaRagazzi Award recognises House of Wisdom for its engaging narrative, which encourages critical thought, scientific curiosity, and compassion among young readers. Illustrated by Majid Zakeri Younesi, the book’s stunning visuals provide a breathtaking complement to Sheikha Bodour’s narrative, enriching the reading experience.
BolognaRagazzi Award
Despite his absence at the award ceremony, Younesi expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Working on House of Wisdom was a unique opportunity to visually capture the spirit of curiosity and innovation that drives humanity’s infinite quest for learning and dialogue.” His sentiments reflect the collaboration that brought this important work to life.
The day after receiving the award, Sheikha Bodour participated in a thought-provoking panel with other BolognaRagazzi Award winners, sharing her insights on the power of storytelling to bridge cultural divides. She also attended a celebratory reception at the Kalimat Group stand, further emphasising Sharjah’s commitment to promoting knowledge and cultural understanding through initiatives such as the creation of its own House of Wisdom.
Before her award ceremony, Sheikha Bodour made a significant contribution to the restoration of the Giannino Stoppani Children’s Bookshop, which was destroyed by fire in 2022. Her generous funding from the Sharjah World Book Capital Office reflects her dedication to preserving the literary heritage of her community.