Dr. Ibrahim Ghuloom, 71, a prominent Bahraini critic, writer, and academic, passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023 after battling a prolonged illness.
In addition to short story criticism, theatre, the novel, heritage, and cultural and intellectual studies, Dr Ghuloom made significant contributions in the 1970s. Ghuloom was immersed in writing from an early age. In various fields, he has published essential studies, essays, and critiques since the 1970s.
Ghuloom earned an international doctorate from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Tunisia in 1983. He was the former Dean of the College of Arts at the University of Bahrain and founded its Arabic Language Department. A professor specializing in modern criticism, he also taught Gulf and Arabian literature at Kuwait University as a visiting professor in 1986.
Culture and education were important to Dr Ghuloom throughout his career. Many theaters, cultural associations, and local and Arab unions were founded by him. Furthermore, he served as editor-in-chief of several intellectual and cultural magazines. There was no denying the significance of his contributions to the fields of literature and culture.
As well as the Bahrain Book Award in modern criticism, he received the Order of Efficiency of the First Class from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain in 2012.
Dr Ghuloom's passing has been deeply regretted by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, who noted that his extensive contributions to literature and culture would serve as a valuable reference for researchers, writers, and readers alike.
A statement from Abdul Hamid Ahmed, Secretary General of the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, expressed condolences about the death of Dr Ibrahim Abdullah Ghuloom, a luminous figure in Gulf and Arab culture. We will always remember his critical contributions, intellectual engagements, and participatory dialogues."
" Dr Ghuloom was known for his significant contributions to Arab criticism, his deep and diligent research, and his careful examination of texts. Aside from his professional acumen, he was also admired for his gentle personality and openness within cultural circles. Our time with him included engaging seminars and discussions characteristic of the 1980s, a time when the elite gathered to discuss Arab culture and literature. Abdul Hamid said his legacy continues to influence and inspire the fields of literature and culture in the Arab world.
The Arab literary and academic community has also mourned Dr Ghuloom's passing and paid tribute to his enduring legacy. Dr Abdullah Al Ghamami, Omani poet Saif Al Rahbi, and Qatari academic Dr. Talib Al Rifai are among the notable figures. His lasting impact on Bahraini culture and intellectual life and the Arab world was celebrated by Ahmed Abdulmalik, who shared his condolences.
Dr Ghuloom's passing is indeed a great loss to his family, friends, students, and the global community of thinkers and writers who admired and respected him. He leaves behind a legacy of intellectual depth and cultural depth that will inspire and guide future generations of writers, critics, and scholars in Bahrain and beyond.