Omani wins top prize at prestigious poetry competition in Italy

Speaking to Muscat Daily
, Matrooshi mentioned, “It’s a 25 year old occasion. It is a single of the greatest competitions for poetry in the globe. It’s divided into two sections – Italians and non-Italians.
 “The organisers opened the doors for Arabs for the very first time. I was declared a single of the winners in the non-Italian section with two other Arabs from Kuwait and Bahrain.”

Matrooshi mentioned that the entry criteria is fairly rigorous. “I submitted my works including some poetry in Arabic and English. I participated in a poetry contest titled ‘Al Nasl al Mtrood’. It’s about the struggle of a man and his success in life. The jury comprised Arabs and non-Arabs.”
The competition took spot in the starting of the year and winners had been announced lately. “The organising committee will hold a ceremony to honour winners in Rome in October.”

Talking about his operates, Matrooshi mentioned, “I have five poetry books translated into French. Some of my poems have been translated into Spanish and being taught at few universities in Costa Rica.”

About the honour, he mentioned, “The award is a gift to the Omani people. This will motivate me to continue translating my works into other languages. I thank the Palestinian translator Nizar Sartawi for supporting me and translating my work for participation in this contest. Omani poets must consider themselves as ambassadors of the country. They must strive to translate their works into other languages so that people in other parts of the world benefit from them.”

Information Source: Muscat Daily