When on the 5th of October 1994 I flew to Kuwait in order to become acquainted with Thurayya Al-Baqsami I did not expect to meet a woman relatively young, full of vigour who had such a huge artistic and literary output behind her. I was to shortly become convinced of her remarkable character, sincerity, and exceptional sense of humour. Her smiling eyes, way of behaviour, spontaneous, interesting and colourful utterances meant that I was always hungry for more after every moment spent with her. When I got to know Thurayya and her marvellous family my stay in Kuwait became exceptionally interesting for I could meet the interesting people who surrounded Thurayya and her husband Muhammad Al-Qadiri – a former Kuwaiti diplomat. It is important to here note that Thurayya enjoys enormous popularity and occupies an important place in artistic, literary and diplomatic circles.

Thurayya Al-Baqsami appears to rise above the prose of life and does not set foot upon the deserted earth burnt by the sun and the rich streets vibrating with ostentation in this oil state. Thurayya releases an unmet directness and sense of solidarity with everyone whose fate has been dominated by injustice and suffering. It has not stopped her curiosity about life and people, as equally it has not been a barrier to her fantasy – lively, full of colours and courage – inseparable features of her artistic and literary work. She is an exceptionally sensitive compassionate and rebellious witness of the reality around.