Afanu Latiću Wins the Prestigious Zaim Azemović Award

The Zaim Azemović Award for this year has been awarded to Afanu Latiću for his collection of stories titled “Pod oštrim uglom”, published by Fokalizator from Podgorica. This recognition, facilitated by the Center for Culture in Rožaje, celebrates Latiću’s literary contributions and the impact of his storytelling.

According to Dr. Melida Travančić, a notable Bosnian-Herzegovinian writer and critic, Latiću’s work “merges the past and present, hinting at the future and shaping a new world.” She emphasizes that storytelling is a powerful medium through which individuals can perceive and explore reality in a different light, enriching both the author and the reader’s understanding of their surroundings.

Latiću was born in Berane in 1983 and completed his elementary education at the “Hajro Šahmanović” school in Plav. He later enrolled in the “Gazi Husrev-beg Madrasa” in Sarajevo. Following his secondary education, he pursued studies in Oriental Philology, focusing on Arabic and Turkish languages and literature. After completing his studies, he returned to Montenegro and began his career as an Arabic language professor at the “Mehmed Fatih” Madrasa in Podgorica.

In addition to teaching, Latiću is involved in translating works from Arabic and has a passion for writing both poetry and prose. His literary endeavors reflect a deep engagement with cultural narratives and a commitment to enriching the literary landscape of the region.

The Zaim Azemović Award highlights the importance of cultural contributions within the Balkans and serves as a platform to recognize emerging talents in literature. As Latiću continues to explore themes of identity and reality in his work, he stands as a significant figure in contemporary literature, inspiring both readers and aspiring writers alike.

This award reinforces the notion that storytelling is an essential part of cultural expression, allowing voices like Latiću’s to resonate and inspire future generations.