Information Minister mourns Bahraini writer Al-Bassam

Manama , Nov 10 (BNA): Information, Shura and Representatives Councils Minister Isa Abdulrahman Al-Hammadi has mourned the loss of Bahraini writer Khalid Hamad Sulaiman Al-Bassam who passed away this morning. The Information Minister described the deceased as one of the top novelists and journalists in Bahrain, who was a co-founder and chief editor of many publishing houses. He had also contributed to the renaissance of Bahraini literature and defended its causes through his writings. The minister noted the deceased's numerous writings which contributed to raising interest in the cultural affairs inside and outside Bahrain. His works included cultural, literary, media and press, as well as historical areas which were widely received and enjoyed. Where his books (Bay of Tales) published in 1993 and (Shock of Friction) published in 1998 were two of the most popular books in the United Kingdom, according to Arab newspapers in London. The late writer first began his work in the journalistic field in 1981, amassing rich literary and cultural experience which reflects the development of the cultural, literary and journalistic movement in the country. It is worth mentioning that the late writer was awarded the GCC Creativity Award in the middle of last month in Doha, Qatar. He was honoured in 2014 by Al-Khoja Cultural Foundation in Saudi Arabia. While Al-Wassat (Bahraini Newspaper) honoured him in November 2007 for his writings in history and journalism. He won the first place in a referendum held for Bahrain's favorite columnists in July 1999, and was selected as a Jury member of the Arab Journalism Award in Dubai in 2008.