ANGELA KOSTA INTERVIEWS TAGHRID BOU MERHI
Taghrid Bou Merhi is poet, writer, journalist and translator.
She has authored 18 books and three encyclopedias, a translator of 23 books to date, an author of 56 articles, a presenter of 16 books (five Arabic books and 11 internacional books), and she participated in more than 60 Arabic books and more than 75 anthology internacional. She is an active member of various literary and creative platforms and editor in eight Arab magazines and responsible for the translation department. She is an advisory member among ten internacional poetry consultants chosen by Chinese media giant CCTV. She is advisor to the International Union of Arab Intellectuals, in the Media Authority for Translation Affairs and advisor to the countries Al-Sham literary platform for literary translation. She is internacional embassador for the organization of creativity for peace London. She teaches Arabic to non-speakers, holds a degree in law and political science.
She has received numerous international awards, including the Nizar Sartawi International Creativity Award in 2021, Naji Numan Award in literature in 2023, and the SahityaPata Kazi Nazrul Islam Memorial Award in 2022. Taghrid has been honored for her journalistic excellence and has won primer place prize such as the “Zheng Nian Cup” 2023. International Peace Medal Award, Peace Award, certificate for Hyperpoem Book (a poetry book publishing 2000 poets).
Taghrid has been honored with the International Poet Zhen Xin Award for 2022 and 2023. She received the Journalistic Excellence Shield from the Nile and Euphrates Paper Magazine in 2022 and 2023. Taghrid has also been recognized with honorary certificates as a journalist from Mubadara Magazine, Mirror of International Life Agency, Innovators Magazine, Al-Nil Wal-Furat Magazine, MBC Al-Iraq And Al-Mubdeoun magazine.. Her writings are part of several national and international magazines, newspapers, journals and anthologies. Her poems have been translated into 47 languages. . She speaks five languages.
A. Kosta: Hello Dear Taghrid. We know that she is a great and well-known popularizer of Art and Poetic and Literary Culture in the World. Tell us how you managed to create these cultural bridges.
- Hello, my dear Angela, I would like to thank you first for your noble support for all poets and writers. I also thank you for this enjoyable cultural dialogue, wishing you continued success, generosity, and creativity with much love and appreciation.
Building cultural bridges as a poet and translator requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, establishing a deep understanding and appreciation of various cultures and literary traditions is essential. This involves extensive reading, research, and engagement with diverse communities. Secondly, effective communication skills are vital in conveying the nuances and beauty of poetry and literature across languages and cultures. This may involve not only linguistic translation but also cultural interpretation and adaptation. Thirdly, active participation in cultural exchange programs, literary events, and collaborative projects helps foster connections and mutual understanding between different cultural spheres. In particular, it is loving and appreciating others, and overall, the success in building cultural bridges lies in a combination of passion, expertise, and genuine commitment to promoting cross-cultural dialogue and appreciation for poetic and literary art worldwide.
A. Kosta: What is your creative path?
- As a poet, translator, and journalist, creativity takes various paths in terms of exploring and developing my literary and cultural ideas and projects and creating new works. Firstly, there is the exploration of language and its nuances to craft poems that oscillate between emotion and thought. Secondly, there is the art of translation itself, navigating the intricate balance between fidelity to the original text and the need for poetic expression in the target language. Thirdly, there is continual engagement with diverse literary traditions and cultural contexts, enriching my own creative output. Additionally, there is interaction between writing original poetry and translating the works of others, which enriches and inspires creative growth.
A. Kosta: You are Director and Ambasador of important organizations at the service of culture, art and more. What is the most important perspective in viewing what is useful in society?
- As a Director and Ambassador of important organizations serving culture, art, and more, the most important perspective in viewing what is useful in society is to prioritize inclusivity, accessibility, and diversity. This involves ensuring that cultural and artistic initiatives are accessible to all members of society, regardless of background or socioeconomic status. Additionally, fostering dialogue and collaboration between different communities and perspectives can lead to a more inclusive and cohesive society. Moreover, promoting education and awareness about the value of culture and art can help cultivate a more culturally literate and engaged society. Overall, the most important perspective is to view culture and art as essential components of societal well-being and to strive for their widespread accessibility and appreciation.
A. Kosta,: What inspires your Muse in verse?
- In general, a Muse in verse can be inspired by a variety of sources. These may include personal experiences, emotions, observations of the world, nature, relationships, historical events, literature, art, and even dreams. Essentially, anything that stirs the imagination or evokes a strong emotional response has the potential to inspire poetic expression. Additionally, the interaction between different cultures, languages, and traditions can also serve as a rich source of inspiration for poets, as they explore themes of identity, belonging, and interconnectedness through their work.
However, what most inspires Taghrid Bou Merhi to write is writing about philosophy, existentialism, and contemplation in this marvelous universe that makes us search, think, and sense the greatness of God in everything, even within ourselves. This is very evident in my writings, especially in my book titled "Philosophies on the Edge of the Soul".
A. Kosta: How do you manage to reconcile your time-work between creating models in various magazines, popularizing writing, everyday life and family?
- Oh, let me tell you, it's very exhausting at times, and sometimes it even reaches the point of fatigue. That's why from time to time, I pause all my creative work to catch my breath and recharge, so I can resume creative work anew.
Generally, everything I write, whether it's poetry, stories, articles, translations, or studies and publications, I do it all at night because during the day, I have my work in education, household chores, and taking care of the family.
We are the ones whose days and nights witness work, then more work, and even more work. Our efforts and fatigue can only be truly appreciated when we see ourselves gradually climbing towards the summit. This doesn't come out of nowhere; it's a result of determination, willpower, strength, and effort, as well as love. Because we love what we do and we love being people of contribution and creativity. So, all this exhaustion fades away when we see the fruitful outcome.
A. Kosta: You are an award-winning author.
- What are the main themes in your creativity?
As an award-winning author, my creativity explores a range of themes, including the human experience, identity, memory, love, loss, resilience, and the interplay between past and present. I often delve into philosophical and existential inquiries, exploring questions of existence, purpose, and meaning. Additionally, I am drawn to themes of social justice, cultural heritage, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. Through my writing, I aim to evoke emotional resonance, provoke thought, and offer insights into the complexities of the human condition.
A. Kosta: What do you think of contemporary literature and emerging authors?
- The literary scene is currently undergoing significant transformations due to the rapid spread of social media platforms. These platforms have provided a new platform for writing and literary expression, where individuals can easily and quickly publish their poems, stories, and literary opinions online and interact with them.
On one hand, this proliferation has allowed more writers and poets the opportunity to reach a wider audience and build a strong following for their work. It has also led to greater diversity in content and literary styles, as individuals can freely express their opinions and experiences.
On the other hand, the literary movement may also face challenges, such as the increase in the large volume of content being rapidly published online, making it difficult for prominent literary works to stand out clearly in this vast sea of information.
But aI believe contemporary literature is vibrant and diverse, reflecting the complexities and diversity of the modern world. Emerging authors bring fresh perspectives, innovative storytelling techniques, and unique voices to the literary landscape. Their work often explores pressing social issues, challenges conventions, and pushes boundaries. As a result, contemporary literature continues to evolve and captivate readers with its richness and relevance. I am always excited to discover new voices and perspectives in the literary world and believe that emerging authors play a crucial role in shaping the future of literature.
A. Kosta: What would you like to say to them to have more visibility and reach the tops?
- To emerging authors, I would say: Keep honing your craft, stay true to your unique voice, and never underestimate the power of perseverance. Build connections within the literary community, whether through workshops, writing groups, or social media platforms. Embrace opportunities for learning and growth, and don't be afraid to take risks and experiment with your writing. Remember that success in the literary world often requires resilience, patience, and continuous self-improvement. Most importantly, never lose sight of why you write and the stories you want to share with the world. Stay passionate, stay dedicated, and keep striving for excellence. Your journey may have its ups and downs, but with persistence and determination, you can reach the top and make your mark in the literary landscape.
A. Kosta: Who are your favorite authors?
- Being of Arab origin, there are many ancient and modern Arab writers and poets who have left a mark on the world of literature and have influenced me. Among them:
Abu al -Tayyib al - Mutanabbi, Ahmed Shawqi, Gibran Khalil Gibran and among the modern writers and poets:
Najib Mahfouz, Ghassan Kanafani, Mahmoud Darwish, Nizar Qabbani, Ahmad Matar.
As for the international poets and writers, I have been influenced by many of them.
Ancient Poets and Writers:
William Shakespeare, Dante Alighieri, John Milton, François Villon, William Wordsworth.
Modern Poets and Writers:
George Orwell, Friedrich Nietzsche, George Bernard Shaw, Virginia Woolf, Gabriel García Márquez.
A. Kosta: What are your future projects?
- For my future projects, there's always something new. Currently, I'm working on translating a book by a poet from Malaysia into both Arabic and Italian. Additionally, I'm translating an anthology I've compiled, consisting of poems from poets around the world. This anthology, titled "Birds of Paradise," focuses on the struggles of children in Gaza.
Once I finish these projects, I have plans for a literary project in the form of epistolary literature. This project will involve collaboration with an Egyptian novelist and researcher. Besides, there are translation and publishing projects in journals under my supervision and management. And of course, poetry—the poetry that is dearest to my heart, which serves as the window to the soul and the outlet that fills me with joy and strength to continue.
A. Kosta: Thank you very much Taghrid for the interview. I wish you much success.
- Thanks to you Angela and to all the readers who follow us.
By Angela Kosta Executive Director of MIRIADE Magazine, Academic, journalist, writer, poet, essayist, literary critic, editor, translator, promoter
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