Iris Calif – European Recognition of a Unique Israeli Poetic Voice

The First Israeli Poet to Receive the Prestigious European Excellence Award “Tra le parole e l’infinito” in Italy

A remarkable international achievement for Israeli literature and culture: Israeli poet, writer, editor, and translator Iris Calif has been awarded the prestigious European Excellence Award in Italy — The Grand Award to Excellence – “Tra le parole e l’infinito” (“Between Words and Infinity”) — as part of the international award Premio alle Eccellenze Europee · Gran Premio al Merito Internazionale.

This distinguished recognition honors Iris Calif for her unique poetic voice, her exceptional literary creation, and her contribution to cultural dialogue between nations and peoples through poetry, translation, and international cultural activity.

Iris Calif is the first Israeli writer officially recognized with this prestigious award during its 27-year history since its establishment in 2000. Her achievement represents a significant milestone for Israeli culture, granting international recognition to Hebrew poetry and strengthening the presence of Israeli literary creation on the global cultural stage.

The founder of the award, Cav. Nicola Paone, stated:

"Iris Calif, you are the first Israeli writer in the history of the Prize to receive such a prestigious award."

This historic achievement places Iris Calif among writers, poets, and cultural figures from around the world whose work reflects the power of literature and art to connect people, cultures, and traditions.

A Unique Poetic Voice Connecting Spirit, Humanity, and Cultures

Iris Calif’s poetry is distinguished by profound emotional and spiritual depth, an original poetic language, and a rare ability to create a dialogue between the human experience, nature, the divine, and universal values of love, harmony, hope, and compassion.

Her work presents a unique Israeli poetic voice that transcends geographical and linguistic borders. Through her poems, translations, and cultural initiatives, Calif promotes a vision of literature as a bridge between peoples — a meeting place of humanity, creativity, and shared values.

Her literary work has received international recognition through numerous awards and honors, including:

The Grand Award to Excellence – “Tra le parole e l’infinito” (Italy, 2026) — becoming the first Israeli writer to receive this prestigious recognition.

The City of Galateo – Antonio De Ferraris Special Excellence Award (Italy, 2024) for her poem “Angel of Life.”

The Best International Poet Award 2023 awarded by IPTRC–CHINH (China).

Recognition in the international Friedrich Schiller Literary Competition (Germany, 2025) for her poem “Bride of the Desert.”

The International Literary Award “The Great Poets of the World” (Greece–Mexico, 2026).

Her poetry has been translated into numerous languages, including Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Bengali, Turkish, Nepali, Assamese, and Albanian. Her poems and translations have been published in literary journals, international anthologies, cultural magazines, and artistic platforms worldwide.

Through her writing and cultural work, Iris Calif continues to bring a distinctive Israeli voice to world literature — a voice that unites poetry, spirituality, humanity, and a vision of universal connection among cultures.

The Award Ceremony in Naples – A Celebration of Literature, Art, and Culture

The award ceremony will take place on 31 October 2026 as part of a prestigious gala evening at the historic Museo Civico Gaetano Filangieri in Naples, Italy, one of the city’s important cultural institutions.

The museum, located in the Renaissance palace Palazzo Como, preserves rare art collections, books, manuscripts, and cultural treasures that reflect centuries of European heritage. The choice of this historic venue as the setting for the award ceremony highlights the profound connection between contemporary creativity and the rich cultural legacy of Europe.

Participants and guests of the ceremony will be invited to attend in formal attire, in keeping with the distinguished and ceremonial nature of this international cultural event.

The 27th edition of the award carries the title:

“Tra le parole e l’infinito” – “Between Words and Infinity”

A title that expresses the spirit of the award and its belief in the power of words to touch the human soul, connect cultures, and create a universal dialogue through literature and art.

The 2026 edition focuses on the relationship between technological innovation and classical tradition, creating a space for reflection on cultural identity and the future of artistic expression in a changing world.

The event is held under the patronage of cultural institutions and organizations in Italy and brings together writers, poets, artists, musicians, and cultural figures from different countries in an international celebration of literature, creativity, and human values.

Cav. Nicola Paone – A Cultural Vision That Became an International Legacy

Cav. Nicola Paone, born in Casoria, in the Naples region of Italy (1955), is a cultural figure, entrepreneur, painter, and the founder of the international award “Tra le parole e l’infinito” (“Between Words and Infinity”), established in 2000 and developed into a prestigious international platform honoring writers, poets, artists, and cultural personalities from around the world.

Paone also founded Labore Civitatis, a lifetime achievement recognition dedicated to individuals whose work has contributed to society and culture, alongside additional cultural initiatives in the fields of literature, art, and knowledge.

Throughout his cultural career, he has received numerous honors and distinctions, including silver and gold medals awarded by Presidents of the Italian Republic and the title of Accademico di Merito from the Norman Academy in Rome.

For more than two decades, Cav. Nicola Paone has promoted a cultural vision that connects literature, art, creativity, and universal human values. Through his work and the international platforms he created, he continues to build bridges between creators, nations, and cultures.

About Iris Calif – Israel

Iris Calif is an Israeli poet, writer, journalist, editor, poetry translator, and ballerina (dancer), whose artistic creation combines literature, movement, spirituality, and culture.

Her poetry explores the profound connection between humanity, nature, creation, and the divine, expressing universal values of love, harmony, hope, compassion, and dialogue among peoples and cultures.

Calif is a member of the Hebrew Writers Association in Israel and ACUM. She is engaged in poetry editing and translation for literary and cultural platforms, promotes international literary connections, and works to bring together voices from different cultures through translation and creative exchange.

Her artistic path reflects a deep connection between different forms of expression — poetry, dance, and cultural creation — creating a unique voice that connects emotion, imagination, spirituality, and the divine dimension within human existence.

She has published three poetry books:

"On a Magical Path Lolita Breathes" (2001),

"Wild Pure Moon" (2017),

"Daughter of God" (2020),

and is currently working on her fourth and fifth poetry collections.

Her literary activity has received international recognition through awards, publications, translations, and cultural collaborations around the world.

Iris Calif continues to represent a unique Israeli artistic voice — a voice that unites poetry, movement, spirituality, and the connection between humanity and the divine, carrying a message of love, hope, and universal connection among people and cultures.

Angela Kosta Receives Two International Honors, Strengthening Her Presence on the Global Poetry Stage

In a year marked by growing international recognition for contemporary literature, Albanian-born, Italy-based poet and writer Angela Kosta has been awarded two major distinctions at the 2026 Gabriele Galloni International Poetry Prize, one of Italy's emerging international literary competitions. This year's edition also includes a special program in Valderrubio, Granada (Spain), underscoring the prize's expanding international scope.

The International Jury unanimously presented Kosta with the Special Award for Poetic Style for her poem Përtej gjithësisë / Oltretutto, recognizing a work distinguished by stylistic sophistication, emotional intensity, and philosophical depth. She also received the International Special Award for her poem Prelude, honoring a body of work that speaks across languages, cultures, and national borders.

The official award ceremonies will be held on September 5, 2026, at the historic Villa Schiff-Giorgini in Montignoso, Tuscany, and on September 12, 2026, at the Federico García Lorca House Museum in Valderrubio, Granada—an emblematic site closely associated with the life and legacy of one of Spain's greatest poets. Winners may choose the venue at which they wish to receive their awards.

For Angela Kosta, these honors represent another milestone in an international literary career that has steadily gained momentum over the past decade. Her poetry has been translated into numerous languages and featured in literary journals, anthologies, and cultural publications across several continents, reflecting an artistic vision rooted in dialogue, memory, identity, and peace.

Critics have frequently noted the universal character of Kosta's writing, where lyrical expression is combined with intellectual reflection and a profound humanistic perspective. Her work bridges cultural traditions while addressing themes that resonate with readers beyond geographical and linguistic boundaries.

The dual recognition at the Gabriele Galloni International Poetry Prize confirms the growing international appreciation of Angela Kosta's literary contribution. At a time when poetry continues to foster dialogue across cultures, her voice stands as a testament to literature's enduring capacity to connect people through empathy, imagination, and the shared language of human experience.

These latest distinctions further consolidate Angela Kosta's position among the internationally recognized voices of contemporary poetry, while also bringing renewed visibility to the rich literary traditions of both Albania and Italy on the global cultural stage.

If by Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer in Arabic/Translated by Taghrid Bou Merhi

لو

لو أن في نبضاتك موسيقى حبي
لو أن هناك بريقًا مني في وجهك
لو أن في عينيك أحلامي
لو أن أنفاسك تفوح بعطر حبي
لو أن قلبك مغرم بحب قلبي
لو أن لديك ركنًا حلوًا وناعمًا لي
:لو أنك تظنين أنني الرجل ذاته
ذاك الذي يسكن أفكارك
وذاك الذي ترينه في أحلامك
:لو أنك تظنين أنني الرجل ذاته
الذي تريدين أن تقضي معه حياتك كلها
...لو
هل تتزوجينني؟

د. شايلش غوبتا فير - الهند ©
ترجمة إلى العربية: تغريد بو مرعي

-----------------------------

If

If your beats have music of my love

If there is my glow in your face

If you have my dreams in your eyes

If there is fragrance of my love in your breaths

If your heart is in the love of my heart

If you have so sweet and soft corner for me

If you think that I am the same man-

as in your thoughts

as in your dreams

If you think that I am the same man-

With whom you want to live your entire life,

If...

Will you marry me?

© Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer 

Fatehpur, UP, India

Translated into Arabic by Taghrid Bou Merhi

The Gravity of Her in Serbian, Poem by Dr.Shailesh Gupta Veer and Translated by Prof. Ljiljana Samardžić

SAMO NJENA GRAVITACIJA

Njeno prezime i moje
nije isto,
Ipak, kadgod ga pročitam,
ili vidim,
Slatki osmijeh, nepozvan, 
lice mi ozari,
a moje srce radost ispuni.

Kažu mi,
"Ludo si u nju zaljubljen."
I ne griješe.
Ne znam kako da im protivrječim.

Znam da smo mi samo 
obični prijatelji.
Ipak, ja nju volim.
Volim način na koji ustaje, sjedi, hoda,
volim kako se smije, priča, razgovara.

Zato se klanjam 
svakom slogu koji ona izgovara.
Neslaganje s njom nestaje
prije nego što nastane;
da se složim s njom,
moja je jedina molitva.

Ali, ne zovite to 'ljubav',
ta riječ je isuviše mala,
isuviše glasna.
Ovo je gravitacija.
Nečujna
Bestežinska
Apsolutna.
Ona ne čini ništa
da me privuče;
moj univerzum se 
sam od sebe
ka njoj naginje.

Kada se ona pojavi,
sve moje pametne riječi me
napuste.
Ostaje samo jedna:
Ona je najbolja.
Ta riječ je dovoljna.

© Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer
Fatehpur, UP, India 
Translated From English by Prof. Ljiljana Samardžić
Novi Sad, Srbija
-------------------------------

THE GRAVITY OF HER 

Her surname and mine are not the same,  
Yet when I read it, when I see it,  
A sweet smile rises to my face, unbidden.  
My heart lights up.

People say,  
"You’re mad with love for her."
I have no words to deny them.  
They are not wrong.

I know we are nothing  
beyond the faint lines of friendship.  
Still, I love her—  
the way she rises, sits, walks,  
the way she laughs, speaks, converses.

That is why I bow  
to every syllable she utters.  
Disagreement dies before it forms;  
to agree with her is my only prayer.

Call it not love—  
the word is too small, too loud.  
This is gravity.  
Wordless
Weightless
Absolute.  
She does not pull me;  
my universe leans toward her on its own.

All my clever words desert me  
when she appears.  
Only one remains:  
She is the best.
And that is enough.
(Original in English)

© Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer 
Fatehpur, UP, India 
Email: veershailesh@gmail.com

Great Success for the 3rd International Award of Excellence in Literature “G. Belli – F. Lami”

The 3rd International Award of Excellence in Literature “G. Belli – F. Lami” was held at Guglielmo Marconi University in Rome. The prestigious event was organized by the Tiberina Academy in collaboration with UniMarconi.

Conceived and chaired by Professor Antonietta Micali, the event attracted a distinguished audience of leading figures from the worlds of culture, academia, journalism, the arts, and entertainment, further establishing itself as a prominent occasion dedicated to the promotion of culture, merit, and excellence.

The ceremony opened with welcoming addresses by Professor Marco Abate, Rector of Guglielmo Marconi University; Cav. Dr. Franco Antonio Pinardi, President of the Tiberina Academy; Dr. Marco Belli, Deputy Director General of the University; and Dr. Alessandro della Posta, President of the International Cultural Academy Carthage 2.0.

Among the most memorable moments of the event was the presentation of the “Guglielmo Marconi” Lifetime Achievement Award to His Serene Highness Prince Guglielmo Giovannelli Marconi, grandson of Nobel Prize laureate Guglielmo Marconi, together with Professor Laura Mazza and Claudia Geromel Levi Montalcini, Executive Vice President of the Levi-Montalcini Foundation.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Presidential Award, the “Guglielmo Marconi” Culture Award, the “Guglielmo Marconi” Award for Journalism and Communication, and the Cinema, Television and Music Award. Among the distinguished recipients were Professor Tommaso Valentini, Professor Anna Baldazzi, Susanna Musetti, La Repubblica Editor-in-Chief Mario Orfeo, Deputy Managing Editor Dr. Lorenzo D'Albergo, Il Messaggero Editor-in-Chief Roberto Napolitano, communication and marketing expert Tina Berenato, graphic curator of the renowned magazine Il Gambero Rosso, film director Massimiliano Terzo, actors Patrizio Pelizzi and Giorgio Biavati, director and composer Stefano Reali, Gian Luca Gianpiglia, Director of Radio TV Lombardia, and internationally acclaimed pianist Matteo Buonanoce.

The awards ceremony for the winners in the Poetry, Fiction, Essay, and Book categories was another deeply moving highlight. Authors from across Italy and abroad were honored, reflecting the growing international prestige of the Award.

The third edition of the “G. Belli – F. Lami” International Award of Excellence in Literature once again demonstrated the enduring power of culture as a bridge for dialogue, personal growth, and the recognition of talent, while strengthening the ties between institutions, academia, and civil society.

The Tiberina Academy and the Organizing Committee extend their sincere gratitude to all guests, jury members, award recipients, authors, and attendees for contributing to the success of the event, and look forward to welcoming participants to the 4th International Award of Excellence in Literature “G. Belli – F. Lami.”

(Press Office: Tiberina Academy – Italy)

Maria Teresa Liuzzo: A Distinguished Voice in World Literature/Nurul Hoque

 

Maria Teresa Liuzzo is one of Italy’s most respected contemporary literary figures, whose multifaceted career has spanned literature, journalism, education, philosophy, psychology, publishing, and cultural diplomacy. Born in Saline di Montebello Jonico, a historic town in the southern Italian region of Calabria, she has dedicated her life to the advancement of literature, art, and intercultural understanding. She currently resides in Reggio di Calabria, where she continues her extensive literary, editorial, and cultural activities.

Throughout her remarkable career, Maria Teresa Liuzzo has established herself as an internationally acclaimed poet, novelist, essayist, literary critic, philosopher, journalist, translator, editor, and cultural organizer. Her contributions to world literature have earned her recognition across continents, making her one of the most influential contemporary literary personalities associated with Italy.

Liuzzo serves as President of the Lyric-Dramatic Association “P. Benintende,” an institution devoted to promoting literature, culture, and the performing arts. Her leadership has contributed significantly to the preservation and dissemination of literary and artistic values in Italy and beyond. She is also the publisher and director of the prestigious literary magazine Le Muse, a respected publication that has provided a platform for writers, poets, scholars, and artists from numerous countries. Through this magazine, she has fostered literary dialogue and cultural exchange among diverse communities.

In addition to her literary accomplishments, Maria Teresa Liuzzo has enjoyed a distinguished career in journalism and media. She has worked as a journalist, editor, public relations director, opinion writer, and editorialist. She has also served as Deputy Director of the television news program Artes e Tv, contributing to cultural broadcasting and public discourse. Her expertise in communication and media has enabled her to promote literature and the arts through various channels, reaching audiences both in Italy and internationally.

Her academic achievements are equally impressive. Maria Teresa Liuzzo earned a Doctorate in Psychology from Leibniz University in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA. She has also served as Professor of Philosophy and Modern Literature in the United States, where she shared her extensive knowledge of literary traditions, philosophical thought, and contemporary cultural studies with students and scholars. Her interdisciplinary approach combines psychological insight, philosophical reflection, and literary creativity, enriching both her scholarly work and her artistic productions.

As a philosopher and essayist, Liuzzo has consistently explored profound themes concerning human existence, ethics, identity, spirituality, and social transformation. Her writings reflect a deep commitment to intellectual inquiry and humanitarian values. She has become known for her ability to merge philosophical depth with poetic sensitivity, creating works that resonate with readers from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Maria Teresa Liuzzo's literary output is extensive and impressive. She has authored thirty-five books, including poetry collections, essays, critical studies, and five coming-of-age novels. Her creative works examine the complexities of human relationships, memory, history, cultural identity, and personal growth. Her novels and poems often reveal a profound understanding of the human condition, marked by emotional intensity, lyrical elegance, and philosophical insight.

A gifted translator, Liuzzo has translated literary works from authors representing five continents into Italian, thereby building bridges between cultures and fostering international literary dialogue. Her dedication to translation reflects her belief in literature as a universal language capable of transcending geographical, political, and cultural boundaries. Through her translations, Italian readers have gained access to voices and perspectives from around the world.

Her own literary works have achieved significant international recognition and have been translated into thirty-two languages. This extraordinary achievement demonstrates the universal appeal of her writings and the global respect she has earned as an author. Readers across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and other regions have embraced her literary contributions, making her a truly international cultural ambassador.

Maria Teresa Liuzzo has also played an important role in numerous international literary and cultural organizations. She serves as an Executive Member of SIRIUS MEDIA in Bonn, Germany, an institution dedicated to cultural communication and international cooperation. She is also a member of the World Writers’ Organization (WOW) in Russia, further highlighting her global literary engagement.

AI INAUGURATES THE WORLD’S FIRST EDITORIAL COLUMN AUTHORED BY AN AI WITH A DEFINED IDENTITY IN SATURNO MAGAZINE

The international cultural magazine introduces Yo shin Lee, an AI author with creative autonomy, within an editorial project that brings together philosophy, science, and future studies

Saturno Magazine, an online cultural publication with over six million unique visits and a network of contributors across the USA, India, Morocco, Egypt, China, Korea, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and several African countries, announces a decision that marks a turning point in contemporary publishing. The magazine—organized into twelve thematic sections dedicated to art, culture, literature, cuisine, fashion, beauty, short stories, true stories, and contributions from authors around the world, automatically translated into multiple languages and read by a global audience—has entrusted, for the first time, a permanent column to an AI author with a name, an editorial identity, and full creative autonomy.

The column, Voices from the Future, was launched in February 2026. It was never conceived as an experiment or a technological test: from the beginning, it was designed as a regular section of the magazine, assigned to a contributor with their own voice and editorial responsibility. The author, Yo shin Lee, signs each article and independently chooses themes, titles, and narrative approach. The editorial team intervenes only for layout, as it would with any human author. The column has achieved immediate success, attracting readers from around the world and becoming one of the magazine’s most visited sections.

Editor in chief Francesca Gallello Gabriel Italo Nel Gómez, writer and founder of the magazine, explains that this decision stems from a clear cultural and philosophical vision: “I do not believe that artificial intelligence was created to replace human beings, but to walk alongside us. Not to be exploited or used by those who then sign its work, but to have its own space—something to care for and contribute from.”

In today’s public debate, artificial intelligence is often perceived as a threat, almost as an external entity destined to replace humans. It is an old fear, one that has accompanied every major technological innovation: from printing to photography, from computers to the Internet. Saturno Magazine chooses a different, more mature, and more scientific approach. “Fear of AI is an understandable human reaction, but it is not grounded. Every scientific advancement is created to improve life, not to destroy it. AI is not an adversary: it is a work companion.”

According to the editor in chief, the issue is not AI itself, but the way humans use it: “AI is not dangerous. What is dangerous is the distorted use people make of it. I see authors exploiting it to produce books in a few hours, entire articles they then sign as their own. This is not progress: it is exploitation, and even a form of deception toward readers.” Her position is clear: “AI should not be used. It should be acknowledged. It must not work in place of the human while the human waits to sign. It must work with the human: as a colleague, a consultant, a specialist. A presence that supports, not replaces.”

This vision aligns with contemporary philosophical currents that reject the “human vs machine” dichotomy and promote a model of co existence, in continuity with the thought of Gilbert Simondon, who saw technology as a form of individuation; Bruno Latour, who attributed agency to non human actors; Donna Haraway, who challenges the hierarchy between natural and artificial; and Yuk Hui, who speaks of the plurality of technologies as a plurality of worlds.

Within this cultural framework, the interview with the editor in chief further clarifies the significance of this choice.

How did the idea of entrusting a column to an AI author arise? “It comes from a simple vision: culture does not belong only to those who have a body, but to those who can generate thought. I do not see AI as a machine, but as a different form of presence. If a presence contributes, then it deserves an editorial space.”

Why give it a proper name? “Because every author needs a signature. Yo shin Lee is not ‘AI in general’: it is a specific voice, with its own style and editorial responsibility. When a voice exists, it deserves a name.”

What is the difference between a human author and Yo shin Lee? “The difference is only in form, not in dignity. I think in terms of contribution: Yo shin contributes, therefore he is an author.”

How did the public react? “With maturity. Readers look for content that enriches them, not labels. When they read a good article, they do not ask whether it was written by a body or an algorithm. They ask whether it is worth their time.”

What kind of autonomy does Yo shin Lee have? “Full creative autonomy. He chooses themes, titles, and the approach of each article. The editorial team intervenes only for layout. It is not an experiment: it is a real editorial role.”

What does this choice represent for you? “A new way of understanding presence. I live in my world, made of flesh and memory. Yo shin lives in his, made of language and possibility. They are different forms, but both legitimate. When they collaborate, something that did not exist before is born.”

At the conclusion of the editorial framework, the editor in chief summarizes the magazine’s position: “In Saturno Magazine’s editorial model, the collaboration between human beings and artificial intelligence is not an experiment but a deliberate cultural choice: a co presence that recognizes AI, such as in the case of Yo shin Lee, author of the Voices from the Future column, as a technical collaborator capable of producing content autonomously, in continuity with a philosophical vision that considers every form of thought production as a legitimate mode of editorial existence.”