# Abdulrazak Gurnah

> Tanzanian-born British writer, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature (2021) (born 1948)

**Wikidata**: [Q317877](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q317877)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdulrazak_Gurnah)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/abdulrazak-gurnah

## Summary
Abdulrazak Gurnah is a Tanzanian-born British writer and novelist who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2021. Born in 1948, he is recognized for his work as a university teacher and a prose writer, with a professional career beginning in 1987. He is a member of the Royal Society of Literature and is known for contributions to postcolonial literature, including the novel *Paradise*.

## Biography
- Born: 1948
- Nationality: Tanzanian-born British
- Known for: Postcolonial literature and novels
- Employer(s): University of Kent, University of London, Bayero University, Kano
- Field(s): Literature, prose, academia

## Contributions
Abdulrazak Gurnah has contributed significantly to the field of literature through his work as a novelist and prose writer. His published works include the 1994 novel *Paradise*. He has also served in editorial roles as editing staff. In academia, he has contributed as a university teacher at institutions including the University of Kent, the University of London, and Bayero University, Kano. His writing is classified within the genre of postcolonial literature.

## FAQs
- **What is Abdulrazak Gurnah most famous for?**
  He is most famous for winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2021 and for his career as a novelist and prose writer.
- **Where did Abdulrazak Gurnah teach?**
  Gurnah has taught at the University of Kent and the University of London in the United Kingdom, as well as Bayero University, Kano in Nigeria.
- **What are the primary themes of Abdulrazak Gurnah's writing?**
  His work is categorized as postcolonial literature and is written in prose.
- **Has Abdulrazak Gurnah received any other awards besides the Nobel Prize?**
  Yes, he has received an honorary doctorate, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Lleida.
- **When did Abdulrazak Gurnah start his professional work?**
  His work period began in 1987.

## Why They Matter
Abdulrazak Gurnah holds a significant place in contemporary literature as a Nobel laureate, bringing attention to the experiences and narratives associated with postcolonial literature. His dual role as a creative writer and an academic has allowed him to influence both the literary landscape and students at various universities. His membership in the Royal Society of Literature further cements his status as a leading figure in the arts within the United Kingdom.

## Notable For
- Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature (2021)
- Author of the 1994 novel *Paradise*
- Member of the Royal Society of Literature
- Recipient of an honorary doctorate from the University of Lleida
- Professional work period beginning in 1987
- Affiliations with the University of Kent, University of London, and Bayero University, Kano

## Body

### Identity and Background
Abdulrazak Gurnah is a human being and writer born in 1948. He holds Tanzanian and British nationalities, identifying as a Tanzanian-born British writer. Throughout his career, he has been known by several aliases, including Gurnah, Abdulrazak S. Gurnah, Abdul Razzaq Gurnah, and Abd al-Razzaq Journa.

### Academic Career
Gurnah has worked as a university teacher, sharing his expertise at several institutions. He has been affiliated with the University of Kent, a public research university based in Kent, United Kingdom. Additionally, he has connections to the University of London, a federal research university in London, and Bayero University, Kano, a public university in Nigeria.

### Literary Works and Style
As a novelist and prose writer, Gurnah's work is deeply rooted in postcolonial literature. He utilizes the form of prose to communicate ideas and produce literary works. His professional output began in 1987. One of his notable contributions to the field is the novel *Paradise*, published in 1994. He has also taken on editorial tasks as editing staff within the media.

### Affiliations and Recognition
Gurnah is a member of the Royal Society of Literature, a literature society founded in London in 1820. In recognition of his literary achievements, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2021. He has also received academic honors, including an honorary doctorate, specifically an honorary doctorate of the University of Lleida in Spain.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.youm7.com/story/2021/10/7/فوز-التنزانى-عبد-الرزاق-جرنة-بجائزة-نوبل-فى-الأدب-لعام/5487602)
2. BnF authorities
3. Dictionary of African Biography
4. [Source](https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/authors/abdulrazak-gurnah)
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. [Source](https://rsliterature.org/fellows/abdulrazak-gurnah/)
7. [nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/2021/summary/)
8. [Source](https://www5.open.ac.uk/students/ceremonies/sites/www.open.ac.uk.students.ceremonies/files/files/Honorary%20graduate%20cumulative%20list(7).xlsx)
9. [Source](https://www.udl.cat/ca/organs/secretaria/honoris/gurnah/)
10. International Standard Name Identifier
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. CiNii Research
13. [Source](https://rsliterature.org/fellow/abdulrazak-gurnah-3/)
14. Integrated Authority File
15. CONOR.SI
16. MAK
17. Trove
18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
19. [Abdulrazak Gurnah | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL722797A/Abdulrazak_Gurnah)
20. [Source](https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/books/by-the-sea)
21. [Source](https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/books/paradise)
22. [Source](https://www.alarabiya.net/culture-and-art/2021/10/08/-عبدالرزاق-قرنه-ما-قصة-صاحب-نوبل-الجديد-وعلاقة-الأدب-بالجينات؟)
23. [Source](https://www.rcwlitagency.com/authors/gurnah-abdulrazak/)
24. Catalogo of the National Library of India