Call for Submissions: The 5th Edition of the Asia Literary Contest – 2025

The 5th edition of the Asia Literary Contest – 2025 is now open for submissions! This special edition is dedicated to commemorating 560 years since the founding of the Kazakh Khanate—the birth of the Kazakh state in 1465.

Kazakh iconic writer and translator Bakytk Rustemov founded the contest organized by the General International Assembly of the Diplomacy of the Peoples of the World (AP IMDP), this international literary competition aims to foster intercultural dialogue and celebrate literary excellence across the Asian continent and beyond.

Contest Categories:

Participants are invited to submit their entries in Arabic (among many other languages with different jury committees) under the following categories:

• Poetry: Up to three poems, with a maximum combined length of 80 lines.

• Short Fiction: A maximum of two stories, each not exceeding 1,000 words (excluding spaces).

Submissions should be in Arabic, formatted in Word (font size 14, single-spaced).

Submission Period:

March 16 to August 25, 2025

Awards:

• Grand Prix: ICPD Medal

• Certificates of Distinction: First, Second, and Third Place

• Honorary Titles: Poet of the Year, Writer of the Year, Journalist of the Year, Media Personality of the Year, Blogger of the Year

• Additional Recognitions: Diplomas, Certificates of Appreciation, and Official Letters of Gratitude

Submissions should be sent to:
📧 ioanna_1994_94@mail.ru

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Meet the Jury Panel for Arabic Submissions

Head of Jury

Ashraf Aboul-Yazid (Ashraf Dali) – Egypt
A prolific writer and journalist with over 30 years of experience in cultural journalism. Author and translator of 45 books, he has served as a jury member for international literary and film festivals and is currently the Editor-in-Chief of The Silk Road Today. His numerous accolades include the Manhae Prize (Korea), Arab Journalism Award (UAE), and Sawiris Cultural Award (Egypt).
📧 ashraf_dali@yahoo.com

Jury Members

(1) Hamid Nazarkhah Alisaraei (Adonis Dodestani) – Iran
A poet, storyteller, and cultural researcher known for his work in folk traditions. He has chaired previous editions of the Asia Literary Contest and has received international honors in Italy, China, India, and Kazakhstan.
📧 jaayezealisaraayi@gmail.com

(2) Dr. Usama M. A. – India
An academic specializing in Arabic language and literature, with expertise in translation, linguistic studies, and pedagogy. He has published and presented research in the UAE, Kuwait, and India.
📧 usama.ca@live.com, usama.ca@ruacollege.ac.in

(3) Mohamed Okasha – Egypt
Award-winning poet, short story writer, and visual artist, recognized by global literary bodies in Nigeria, Kazakhstan, and Egypt. His works span genres and are translated into multiple languages.
📧 okasha_a2002@yahoo.com

(4) Khaled Soliman Khaled – Egypt/Tunisia
Short story writer, theater critic, and cultural journalist. He contributes to major literary journals and international media, including the AsiaN News Network and the Conference of African Journalists.
📧 khaled.khaledsoliman.khaled@gmail.com

The contest warmly welcomes all Arabic-speaking writers and poets to take part in this unique literary celebration. Let your voice resonate across Asia and the world!