Nigar Kocharli

The National Book Award, which aims to develop Azerbaijani literature, was launched today. Is this prize modelled on other international literary awards?

Every country has its own literary prizes. For example, Britain has the prestigious Booker Prize, which can be granted to any resident of the Commonwealth or Ireland for a novel written in English. The prize brings fame and 50,000 pounds. The Prix Goncourt in France is awarded to the author of the best novel or collection of short stories in French, though the author does not have to live in France, and the Renaudot Prize, established by journalists, anticipates the decision of the Goncourt jury. The prize is a dinner in honor of the winner a year after the award ceremony.

Spain has the Cervantes Prize, awarded annually by King Juan Carlos. As you can see, each country has its own traditions. In creating the Azerbaijan National Book Award, we used the experience of different countries but tried to create a simple, affordable and functional concept.

How do you plan to raise the prestige of the award?

Many people are mistaken when they believe that the prestige of an award lies in its sum. Of course, it's very good that writers have a financial stimulus to create. For example, the Nobel Prize last year was 1.3m dollars, and the Astrid Lindgren International Literary Prize is 500,000 euros. But, on the other hand, the Prix Goncourt is 10 euros, and this award is among the most prestigious in the world. Therefore, I think, the prestige and inspiration of the National Book Award should depend not only on the cash prize, which is not so small, but on such factors as the support of state bodies, and the jury, which includes very influential and respected writers of Azerbaijan, public figures and academics.

Do you think the West has an idea about Azerbaijan, its culture and literature?

Azerbaijan is a country with a rich literary and cultural heritage.  But, unfortunately, the names of our cultural giants are not always known beyond the borders of Azerbaijan. I hope that the National Book Award will open up new names and do much to ensure that Azerbaijani writers become famous in the West. Europe has long seen high demand for eastern literature. Works by Iranian, Afghan, and Turkish authors top the bestseller lists. I would really like to see our authors popular abroad. 

Which young Azerbaijani authors do you think could interest Western readers?

We have very interesting young writers. This year our publishing house has released an anthology of works by 13 young Azerbaijani authors. I am happy that the anthology has become a bestseller. Currently we are negotiating over distribution of the anthology in Russia and we have also received a proposal from France to translate the book into French.

And the last question. It's no secret that English is gradually replacing Russian as Azerbaijan's leading foreign language. When do you think the English language will be as common as the Russian language is now?

English already affects most areas in our everyday lives. It is widely used in business correspondence and even in everyday life. As a bookseller, I can say that the demand for literature in English is high and many Azerbaijanis read books in their original language. As a founder of the National Book Award, I can say that works in English are also eligible for submission and I am sure that the number of candidates will not be low. I am happy with this process as Azerbaijan is rapidly integrating into the world community, while English is important both for business contacts and culture.

Akper Hasanov
News.Az