29 September 2023
The Bahrain Culture Authority Mourns the Death of Celebrated Prominent Bahraini critic writer, and academic, Dr. Ibrahim Ghuloom.
The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities has mourned the death of prominent Bahraini critic, writer and academic, Dr. Ibrahim Ghuloom who passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023, at the age of 71 after struggling with a prolonged illness. BACA reiterated the deceased distinguished academic and literary journey and his significant contributions to the intellectual scene here in Bahrain. With a literary career that began in the 1970s, Dr Ghuloom made significant contributions to short story criticism, theatre, the novel, heritage, and cultural and intellectual studies. From an early age, Ghuloom was immersed in the world of writing. Since the 1970s, he published various essential studies, essays, and critiques in various fields. The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities expressed its deep sorrow at the passing of Dr Ghuloom, noting that his extensive contributions to literature and culture would leave an indelible mark on the Arab library, serving as a valuable reference for researchers, writers, and readers alike.
Educated at the University of Tunisia, where he earned an international doctorate from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities in 1983, Ghuloom was a respected figure in academia. He served as the former Dean of the College of Arts at the University of Bahrain and founded the Arabic Language Department there. As a professor, he specialized in modern criticism, not only contributing to the University of Bahrain but also as a visiting professor at Kuwait University, focusing on Gulf and Arabian Literature in 1986. Throughout his career, Dr Ghuloom was committed to fostering culture and education. He founded numerous theatres, cultural associations, and local and Arab unions. Besides, he took on the role of editor-in-chief for various intellectual and cultural magazines. His significant contributions to the literary and cultural field did not go unnoticed.
In 2012, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain honoured him with the Order of Efficiency of the First Class, and he received the Medal of Honoring Creators from the GCC countries, as well as the Bahrain Book Award in modern criticism in 2013. Late Dr. Ibrahim Ghuloom won the prize with his book entitled “Distance and Critical Awareness Production: Ahmed Al-Mannai and the New Literary Movement” by Bahrain’s Culture Ministry of the time.
In addition, Bahrain Culture Authority stressed that that Dr Ghuloom’s passing is indeed a profound loss for his family, friends, students, and the global community of thinkers and writers who admired and respected his work. His lifelong dedication to literature and criticism leaves behind a legacy of intellectual richness and cultural depth that will undoubtedly continue to inspire and guide future generations of writers, critics, and scholars in Bahrain and beyond.
