Ediciones del Oriente y del Mediterráneo is a publishing firm that was created in 1989 by Fernando García Burillo and Inmaculada Jiménez Morell ”in order to raise awareness about literature and societies on both sides of the Mediterranean Sea.” 

The publishing house, a family-owned business with 37 years of experience, has pioneered the publication of literature in Spanish from the peripheries, thus helping provide access to other realities through literary production in various languages.

The jury for the Friendship Award is acknowledging the publisher’s outstanding work in promoting knowledge and disseminating Arab culture in Spain through by translating and publishing significant works by authors from the Middle East and North Africa, as well as by renowned Spanish and European specialists in the field, across genres that include poetry, fiction and essays. Since 1989, the firm has made a sustained, solid effort with a significant contribution to strengthening mutual understanding and intercultural dialogue.

As winners of the “Friendship Award,” in addition to the prestigious distinction, they will receive a sculpture titled “Orante” (“Person at Prayer”) made by well-known artist Rachid Koraïchi, an artist globally renowned for his works of sculpture, installations, ceramics and textiles. The award consists of a 28-centimeter tall figure made of Corten steel treated with a rust effect, placed on a turquoise rust-colored base bearing the sculptor’s signature, Casa Árabe’s logo and a space for engraving the name of the award-winner and award year. The full size of the piece is 35 x 21 x 4 cms.  

The Casa Árabe “Friendship Award” was created with the purpose of acknowledging the work performed by individuals and entities, both public and private, and foreign or domestic, that have made an outstanding contribution strengthening the bonds of co-existence, harmony and understanding between Arab and Spanish societies.