The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced Sudanese historian Yusuf Fadl Hasan as ‘Cultural Personality of the Year’ for its upcoming 41st Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2022).
Hasan is being recognized for his contributions to the field of history and documentation of the nation’s developmental journey in political, cultural and scientific fields, in addition to his substantial efforts in promoting the research and documentation movement in Africa and Asia. He also published more than 30 books.
SBA said the selection of Youssef Fadl is part of its vision to honor distinguished figures of thought, literature, and history, whose efforts represented an added value to the Arabic book library in all fields.
It also serves SIBF’s message calling for introducing, pioneering, and influencing figures in the Arabic culture to younger generations.
Ahmed Al Ameri, chairman of SBA, said, “SBA’s efforts echo the vision of Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council member and ruler of Sharjah, of celebrating distinguished intellectual and creative personalities as pillars of sustainable cultural development. The Arab cultural world needs the invaluable work of distinguished figures like Prof. Yusuf Fadl Hasan to advance our realities and build our future.”
“Sudan has constantly enriched Arab culture through leading contributions by prominent individuals in various fields. The history of Arabic cultures is a witness on esteemed Sudanese intellects, researchers, novelists, and poets who enriched the Arabic library,” he added.
“Naming Prof. Yusuf the Cultural Personality of the Year is a tribute to more than 60 years of vital work in research, documentation and studies of the African and Asian continents,” Al Ameri concluded.
Born in Al Mahmiyya, Sudan, in 1932, Fadl received Bachelor degree in General Arts from Khartoum University in 1956, and Bachelor's degree with honors in History from London University in 1959, and PhD in History from the University of London in 1964. He served as a lecturer at the History department at the University of Khartoum.
