Greek poet Antonis D. Skiathas receives Open Book International Literary Award in Banja Luka

Greek poet Antonis D. Skiathas, from the city of Patras, has been named this year’s recipient of the Open Book International Literary Award. The prestigious literary recognition was presented to him today at a ceremony in Banja Luka, as part of the International Literary Meetings.

Ranko Pavlović, a member of the award jury, explained that Skiathas was selected for his distinctive poetry, which establishes a dialogue not only with the poet himself but also with the contemporary world and the great Greek poets who preceded him.

Pavlović: Skiathas connects ancient Greek literary traditions with contemporary issues

According to Pavlović, Skiathas’s poetry reflects a profound engagement with the world while maintaining strong connections to the rich heritage of Greek literature.

“In this dialogue, he is highly engaged with the world in which we live. His poetry touches the very nerve of contemporary events, yet at the same time, it is timeless. In doing so, he draws upon the legacy left to us by the greatest Greek poets, from antiquity to the present day,” Pavlović told reporters in Banja Luka.

He emphasized that Skiathas successfully combines the literary traditions of ancient Greece with themes that remain relevant to modern society.

Skiathas: Poetry carries messages of peace, love and friendship

Receiving the award, Skiathas expressed deep emotion and gratitude, explaining that the recognition held particular significance because of the historical ties between Greece and the Serb people.

He recalled that, during his student years, the Greek people provided assistance to the people of this region during difficult times.

Skiathas said receiving an award from a city and a country that had experienced such hardship was especially meaningful to him.

“This award is particularly important to me because poetry carries profound significance. The word poetry dates back to the time of Homer, and to this day, it continues to convey messages of peace, love and friendship among nations and, above all, humanity’s aspiration toward the divine,” Skiathas stated.

Greek Ambassador attends award ceremony

The ceremony in Banja Luka was also attended by Greek Ambassador to BiH Ioanna Efthymiadou, highlighting the cultural connections between Greece and Republika Srpska.

The award was presented as part of the International Literary Meetings, which opened on Sunday evening at the National and University Library of Republika Srpska in Banja Luka.

The literary festival will continue until November 4, featuring presentations by international poets, programs dedicated to Serbian poetry and poetry from Republika Srpska, and authors whose works have been published in Hungarian.

The event brings together writers from different countries and cultural backgrounds, promoting literary cooperation, mutual understanding and the universal values of peace and friendship.

Source: RTRS