Emperor Akbar's Legacy

In the 16th century, the Great Mogul Emperor Akbar decreed that his court embark on a massive effort to bring together the Muslim world through a creative new form of art and storytelling. Over a few decades, the sublime "Hamzanama" was created (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamzanama); a multi-volume, 1400 page illustrated epic relating the exploits of Amir Hamza (inspired by the prophet's uncle). Five hundred years later, this masterpiece has been all but lost to the Muslim world. We seek to revive and expand the "classical" Hamzanama in order to again bring together the world through thoughtful expression and creative harmony. 

Our Story

In memoriam of  Hamza Al Barzinji (1996-2016), the Barzinji Prize Foundation (http://barzinjiprize.org/) was established to revive and promulgate the rich tradition of the classical Hamzanama. Hamza Al Barzinji (whose namesake is the historical figure which the Hamzanama depicts) was an avid fan and creator of comic strips and compelling storytelling. Bringing back to life and creating new contemporary comic-style narratives for the classical hero Amir Hamza, will not only keep the memory of Hamza Al Barzinji alive, but will also reintroduce new generations to a priceless and creative legacy of high artistic expression spanning hundreds of years, a multitude of cultures and traditions and an endorsement of the creative arts as a means to bring about peaceful understanding and reconciliation among the inhabitants of our planet.

It is the intention of this prize to pick up where the classical Hamzanama left off in the year 1577. Starting with volume 15 (in 2018) and each year thereafter, the Barzinji Prize Foundation will publish a new volume of the Hamzanama, containing new stories or retelling of old ones, all done in a contemporary comic-style narrative format. Each volume will contain 10 self-contained stories (adventures) with an average length of 10 pages per story. The 10 comic-style adventures will be selected through a yearly open competition for which various monetary prizes will be awarded to the winners.

Budget

The Barzinji Prize Foundation has already secured approximately $25,000 of the $55,000 needed to launch the first year of the competition. The Funds will be administered as follows:

$10, 000 - Prize money which will be awarded to the top 10 submissions in the competition:

• 1st Place $5,000
• ​2nd Place $2,000
• 3rd Place $1,000
• 4th Place $600
• 5th Place $400
• Five Honorable Mentions  $200 Each

$15,000 - One time cost of commissioning of a 12-page, fully illustrated comic-style origin-story for the contemporary Hamzanama, introducing the Hero and main characters of the saga and their assorted characteristics and powers. This will be available online and serve as a loose template for artists and writers wishing to participate in the contest.

$ 8,000 - Color printing of the 12 page origin story along with contest rules and guidelines and distribution at various comic-cons throughout the United States and abroad. Also printing and distribution of promotional material (posters) for the contest. Also cost of creating various social-media platforms to administer the contest.

$ 3,000 - Advertisements in various trade magazines and media to promote the contest.

$ 5,000 - Honorarium for a panel of 10 industry experts, artists and historians that will be judging the submissions and selecting the winners.

$ 5,000 - Award Ceremony and Banquet for the 2018 winners, which will include transportation and lodging for winners (if within the US). The banquet would also serve to promote the Hamzanama Prize and raise funds for the 2019 contest.

$ 9,000 - Artistic Touch-up, Editing,  and Printing of 500 copies of the 100-page full-color anthology of 2018 winning entries (10 stories at 10 pages each). Some of these will be distributed to donors and some will be sold as fundraising for the 2019 contest. This will constitute volume 15 of the Hamzanama (with volume 14 having been completed in the 16th century).

Timeline

2017 - Incorporation of 501(c)3 Barzinji Prize Foundation, Board of Directors appointed, Bank Account established, Website and social media announcements of Prize, 12 page, fully illustrated comic-style origin-story commissioned

May - November 2019 - Remaining funds necessary for launch are raised ($25,000)

December 2019 - Announcement of Contest rules, publication of origin-story

January - June 2020 - Acceptance of submissions

July 2020 - Selection and announcement of winners, publication of anthology of winning entries

October 2020 - Awards presentation banquet and fundraiser

How You Can Help

1. Visit our website at www.barzinjiprize.org and signup for our updates

2. Spread the word about the Hamzanama Prize and encourage artist and writers to compete

3. Make a tax-deductible monetary contribution through one of the various platforms available (by mail, website, Facebook, LaunchGood). and receive a unique gift depending on the level of giving.