Mahfouz Abdel Rahman: The Nile Award is a Gift from Heaven

Acclaimed author Mahfouz Abdel Rahman said that he considers his winning the 2013 Nile Award in the arts, the highest accolade given to artists by the state, the best thing that's happened to him in two years. He said in a statement to that he was overjoyed at the news, despite the deep sorrow he feels for Egypt as it passes through this current period of bitter political events.

He also said that the award is a medal for his artistic career, a journey that has spanned forty years. He added that despite the impact of recent political events on his psyche, and trips he's had to take outside Egypt for medical treatment, he considers the prize a gift sent from Heaven to change his life at this point in time.

He added that he was very proud to have received the award, considering the greats that have been bestowed the prize in the past, and closed his statement by saying, "Thank God I received this award while I'm still alive."