thesilkroadtoday
International literary event brings together writers and cultural figures from Russia, Nigeria, and Egypt to celebrate women’s voices, African heritage, and cross-cultural dialogue.
UFA, RUSSIA — October 22, 2026 — A cross-cultural literary conversation and book presentation titled “Women’s Voices from Africa: From Cleopatra to the Present Day” will take place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at City Library No. 37 in Ufa, Russia. Bringing together literary perspectives from Russia, Nigeria, and Egypt, the event will explore the enduring significance of women in African history, literature, and cultural imagination.
The creative session will feature three distinguished participants: Russian author Inna Natcharova, Nigerian author Esther Adelana, and Egyptian writer, translator, and publisher Dr. Ashraf Aboul-Yazid. Through their respective literary experiences and cultural perspectives, the speakers will contribute to a conversation about the representation of women, the power of storytelling, and the role of literature in building bridges between nations and civilizations.
From Cleopatra to Contemporary African Women
The event’s central theme, “Women’s Voices from Africa: From Cleopatra to the Present Day,” invites participants to reflect on the historical and contemporary experiences of African women and their representation in literature.
From the enduring image of Cleopatra, one of history’s most recognizable female figures, to the voices of women shaping contemporary African societies, the discussion will consider how literature preserves cultural memory, reinterprets history, and gives expression to women’s experiences across generations.
The gathering also offers an opportunity to examine the connections between African and international literary traditions, highlighting the importance of translation and intercultural exchange in making stories accessible to readers beyond linguistic and geographical boundaries.
Three Speakers, Three Literary Perspectives
Inna Natcharova (Russia) will participate as the author of I Am Cleopatra, a work whose title resonates directly with the event’s historical starting point. Her participation brings a Russian literary perspective to the exploration of Cleopatra’s enduring place in cultural imagination and the ways women from the past continue to inspire contemporary writing.
Esther Adelana (Nigeria), author of ÌBÁLẸ́: The Broken Pot, represents a contemporary Nigerian literary voice. Her participation will contribute to the conversation about African women, cultural identity, and the possibilities of literature as a means of expressing personal and collective experience.
Dr. Ashraf Aboul-Yazid (Egypt), a writer, translator, journalist, and publisher, will bring an Egyptian and broader international perspective to the gathering. Known for his engagement with literary translation and cultural exchange, he has devoted much of his work to connecting writers, literary traditions, and readers across countries and languages.
As a translator and publisher, Aboul-Yazid’s participation underscores the importance of literary mediation in introducing works to new audiences and encouraging dialogue among cultures. His contribution will also connect the event
