Modern History of Sudan and its Transformations

Modern History of Sudan and its Transformations
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Modern History of Sudan and its Transformations

Modern History of Sudan and its Transformations

Sudanese novelist Imad Bulayk has released a new novel (Angels in Fars) in collaboration with Willows House Publishing in the Juba city, southern Sudan. His last two works, “Rama” by Cairo-based Dar Said Publishing, and “The Miracle of Buddha” by Kuwait-based Platinum Book Publishing, were published two years ago.

The novel revolves around the story of people displaced from the Wadi Halfa city, northern Sudan, after the construction of the high dam in the early 1960s, and the October Revolution (1964) against the military rule in the country, which caused a forced displacement that many historians overlooked.

In his book, the author talks about a Polish excavation expedition that comes to rescue what survived of the ancient church in the 600-year-old city of Fars before it drowns due to the dam’s flood. The main character is Carlos Giovani, member of the excavation expedition, coming from Athens with a mysterious history and life. He moves from Alexandria to Khartoum and lives in Sudan, where he discovers another world and contributes to the cultural and scientific life until he dies.

In his “surreal journey”, we read about his life as an academic, a cleric, a philosopher, and a human being searching for the truth and the aim of his existence.

Giovani conducts research about the church and Christianity in Sudan, the drowned kingdom in the northern of the country, and the history of the ancient Christian kingdoms that extended to the southern Egyptian borders. Then he fell sick, and although doctors say his case is hopeless, he eventually heels with the power of the places “we love”.

The novel uses Sudan’s modern history, from independence until our present time, as a background for the political and social developments, to reflect the image of the country known for its ethnic, cultural, and artistic diversity, as well as its wars and conflicts. Bulayk dives into the ancient history of Sudan, before Islam and the Arab settlement in the country, starting with the Idolatry and the Nubian kingdom, and explores a history of traditions and rituals that has survived until our days.

Imad Bulayk is a Sudanese novelist and journalist. He studied architecture at the Khartoum University, and wrote literary criticism articles in local newspapers. He worked in journalism in Sudan, Qatar, Oman, and wrote in many Arabic newspapers and websites. He has 26 publications including novels, stories, and books on literary criticism, thought, and political studies. He is currently the editor-in-chief of the London-based Independent Arabia.

He released his two first novels in 2004, “Contaminated Rivers” and “The World of Oday”. Among his other works are “Blood in Khartoum” (2008) and “Shawarma” (2014).



Culture Ministry Launches Saudi Cultural Week in Osaka

The Saudi Ministry of Culture logo
The Saudi Ministry of Culture logo
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Culture Ministry Launches Saudi Cultural Week in Osaka

The Saudi Ministry of Culture logo
The Saudi Ministry of Culture logo

The Saudi Cultural Week in Osaka, Japan, organized by the Ministry of Culture, kicked off on Saturday and will run until July 15 at the Expo 2025 Osaka headquarters.

The events mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan. The Cultural Week highlights the “Year of Handicrafts 2025” initiative as a key element of Saudi cultural identity, emphasizing the strength of the Kingdom’s creative industries and showcasing the craftsmanship of Saudi artisans to Japanese and international audiences through an interactive cultural experience.

Activities include a photography exhibition documenting the history of Saudi-Japanese relations, capturing key historical milestones and the enduring ties between the two nations.

The Heritage Commission is also organizing an exhibition of traditional Saudi crafts in collaboration with the Saudi Artisanal Company. The display features live demonstrations of palm frond weaving, Sadu weaving, and clay pot making by artisans from both countries.

A traditional Saudi majlis will also be held, offering a display of the Kingdom’s renowned hospitality with Saudi coffee and dates, accompanied by a joint musical performance.

The Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 will continue to host more than 700 diverse cultural events, providing visitors with an immersive experience of Saudi Arabia’s cultural diversity and richness.