As part of the 57th Cairo International Book Fair (21 January - 3 February), the Russian House in Cairo, in cooperation with the Egyptian-Russian Friendship Association, organized a literary evening featuring novelist and writer Anna Matveeva and journalist and poet Maxim Zamshev, editor-in-chief of the literary newspaper Literaturnaya Gazeta, on 21 January. The discussion was moderated by Sherif Gad, secretary-general of the association.
The writers expressed their delight at participating in the Cairo International Book Fair for the first time, describing it as one of the most important book fairs worldwide.
They also said they are eagerly anticipating a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which has received extensive coverage in Russian media in recent months. In this context, the Russian writers’ delegation requested that the organising committee, OGE Publishing House, Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development, and the Federal Agency for International Cooperation include a visit to the museum as part of the Russian programme at the fair.
The event brought together Egyptian writers, translators, academics, and journalists to discuss contemporary Russian literature, translation challenges, and the future of publishing.
The discussion coincides with the increasing use of artificial intelligence tools in writing and translation worldwide, raising concerns among authors and publishers over creativity, authenticity, and intellectual property. The seminar highlighted broader debates over the impact of digital technologies on cultural production and cross-cultural literary exchange.
Matveeva, a two-time winner of Russia’s Big Book Award, said the use of AI in creative writing and literary translation posed “a serious threat” to artistic integrity. She presented a book generated by artificial intelligence as an example of what she described as “poor-quality, uncontrolled use” of the technology.
“Some writers are already relying on AI in their work, and this is a catastrophe,” Matveeva warned, declining to name individuals but noting that new software tools can now detect misuse of AI in literary production.
Zamshev, editor-in-chief of Literaturnaya Gazeta and a renowned Russian poet and journalist, spoke about the vitality of contemporary Russian literature, saying that the country continues to produce a wide range of innovative and influential writers despite political and cultural challenges.
Russian novelist Anna Matveeva presents her latest books. (photo credit of the Russian Cultural Centre)
Vadim Zaychikov, director of the Russian Cultural Centres in Egypt, said such meetings strengthen cultural dialogue between Egypt and Russia, describing modern literature as “an effective form of dialogue on the issues of our time.”
“These events help foster mutual understanding and increase interest in language, culture and the values that support friendship between our two countries,” he added.
Ibrahim Kamel, head of the Egyptian-Russian Friendship Association, welcomed the visiting delegation. He stated that the meeting helps the Egyptian audience become more acquainted with contemporary Russian literature and emerging literary voices.
Russian poet-journalist Maxim Zamshev talks at the seminar about AI and literature
Participants also discussed the growing dominance of e-books over printed books due to rising publishing costs. While acknowledging economic pressures, attendees agreed that printed books have emotional and cultural significance for many readers.
Mohamed Nasr El-Gabali, professor of Russian literature, raised concerns over intellectual property rights for translators. He pointed out that property rights discourage the translation of original works and limit the volume of translated literature available in Arabic.
He called on Russia to adopt a structured program to support translations from Russian into foreign languages. In response, Shady Hussein El-Shafie, head of the Russian Foundation for Culture and Science, expressed readiness to continue supporting translation initiatives.
The talk featured contributions from poets, journalists, and cultural figures, including Yasser Qatamesh, poet and director of planning at Dar Al-Hilal; Ahmed Mahmoud, director of the Dialogue Centre; Ahmed Taher; Larisa Razova, representative of the Russian community; Manal Radwan, a literary critic; and Abdel Nasser El-Banna, a writer.
Russian novelist Anna Matveeva and journalist Maxim Zamshev with members of the Egyptian-Russian Friendship Association
The event concluded with Zamshev and Matveeva presenting their latest works and expressing hope that they would soon be translated into Arabic to reach a wider Arab audience.
The writers also had the opportunity to meet Alexandrian audiences on 22 January through a seminar at the Russian House in Alexandria.
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