BBC journalist Hamid Ismailov and Index on Censorship board member David McCune at the Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards (photo: Elina Kansikas for Index on Censorship)
Hamid Ismailov
Born in 1954 in Kyrgyzstan, Hamid Ismailov moved to Uzbekistan as a young man. He writes in both Russian and Uzbek and his novels and poetry have been translated into many European languages, including German, French and Spanish. In 1994 he was forced to flee to the UK because of his “unacceptable democratic tendencies”.
He now works for the BBC World Service. His First novel to be published in English, The Railway, appeared in 2006, followed by A Poet and Bin-Laden in 2012. His work is still banned in Uzebkistan today.
Born in 1954 in Kyrgyzstan, Hamid Ismailov moved to Uzbekistan as a young man. He writes in both Russian and Uzbek and his novels and poetry have been translated into many European languages, including German, French and Spanish. In 1994 he was forced to flee to the UK because of his “unacceptable democratic tendencies”.
He now works for the BBC World Service. His First novel to be published in English, The Railway, appeared in 2006, followed by A Poet and Bin-Laden in 2012. His work is still banned in Uzebkistan today.
Watch 2026 Dublin Literary Award winner, Ali Smith, and author Belinda McKeon in conversation, which took place on 22nd May 2026 at the Dublin International Literature Festival
VideoAugust 27 2026
2026 Dublin Literary Award Ceremony
Watch back the 2026 Dublin Literary Award Ceremony which took place on 21st May 2026
NewsMay 21 2026
2026 Dublin Literary Award Winner Revealed
Discover this year's winner!
VideoMay 16 2026
Brigitte Giraud – Live Fast Q&A
Q&A Session with 2026 Dublin Literary Award shortlisted author Brigitte Giraud, author of Live Fast, exploring the inspirations behind her novel.
