Monica Mergiu grew up with cultural diversity as part of her life but never suspected the international career that was to take over, bringing rich and unique experiences as well as a career that exceeded all her expectations.
Born in Romania into a family that originated from Greece, heritage and culture was an influence and driver close to her heart. Living in Germany she took the opportunity to study medicine but deep inside dreamed of the world of journalism and pursuing her passion for cultures. As a medical student she encountered colleagues from Arab countries and through ‘Hands Across Borders’ was able to discover their traditions and customs which fulfilled her need to explore and learn about new cultures.
Her relationship with the Middle East started over 20 years ago when she was invited to Saudi Arabia to write about the Al Driyah and Al Janadriyah Festival. It was to be her opportunity as a career journalist and later the pathway to becoming an international events correspondent. The trip fascinated her on many levels offering encounters with the most talented women of the region – artists, entrepreneurs and intellectuals – including an interview with Her Royal Highness Princess Sara Bint Feisal Al Saud. Returning to Germany her work was published in a national newspaper and she was featured on the cover proudly wearing the tradition Arabic Abya enlightening others about the history and meaning of the garment.
Looking back over her life, experiences in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, and Jordan provided her with the honour of meeting some of the most influential female entrepreneurs of the Middle East but also meeting and later interviewing his esteemed Majesty King Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud in 2004.
Dr Monica’s inspirational books have come to epitomise the Arab women’s’ experiences, giving voice to their feelings on female issues and affirming their role of strong, smart, and passionate contributors to Middle Eastern society and the 21st century.
Today Dr Monica Mergiu talks to us as a successful Physician, and an internationally awarded writer.
The Saudi woman, is there really a clear cut, precisely defined profile of what characterizes a woman of Arabia?
Women are Sisters – the world over. Regarding Saudi women I can say so many great things – I love Saudi Arabia with the heart of a woman and as a woman I love Saudi Arabia with the mind and soul of a poet and writer.
How do you feel about the new promising steps in the woman´s role in Saudi today?
We are living in exciting times – we are witnessing transformations in the Saudi Kingdom not only about the driving license or wearing Abaya but about the vision of an entire female generation being extremely self-confident and very active. My own articles and books are speaking about Saudi, Bahraini, Emirati, Omani and Kuwaiti Women who are my friends, making sisterhoods in art and culture.
Please can you give us some info regarding your recent books?
Between 2014 – 2020 I have published 6 books focused exclusively on Middle Eastern Women, high ranking personalities, each one of them very influential as a driving force in society.
As a member of the ‘United Nations Women Germany’ I do believe in cross cultural communication and the women’s empowerment movement.
I am the Founder of Royal Arts Visions Magazine cooperating with the famous artist of Arabic calligraphy Raouf Meftah, Art Director and exclusive designer of my books.
In 2014 I launched my Women & Art first cross culture volume, interviewing numerous female personalities from the Middle East, Europe, North America and Latin America.
Also in 2014- Sheikha Aysha´s Majills – A lyrics volume with photography representing Ras Al Khaimah´s princess Sheikha Aysha Al Khatery and the history of the Emirates.
In 2015 – Poems of Fatima Lyrics volume and jewelry collection representing Ras Al Khaimah heritage created by Sheikha Fatima Bint Mohammed Bin Saqr Al Qassimi
In 2018 – The Golden Kaftan’s volume of lyrics and fashion collection of Emirate designer Mona Al Mansouri.
In 2020-Roses-Over the Walls book speaks about the most significant authors and artists of UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Also in 2020 – Emirate Women Royals & Artists book about the most visible and influential female personalities of UAE.
How do you foresee the future for Middle Eastern Women?
The new year 2021 will be one where I will follow my dreams. It will bring challenges but also new opportunities and exciting projects. Book launches, fashion collections and art exhibitions are just some of the events involving brilliant women artists in Saudi Arabia, Monaco, Italy, Germany, Dubai and London. I am very confident that we female artists can open new paths in a beautiful and fruitful way to start a prolific cultural exchange.
As a woman and journalist, how do you feel about the cultural changes in Saudi and what do you think will emerge in the year ahead?
Saudi Arabia is especially very important to me. It is my priority and remains my main interest from a cultural point of view. I truly believe that His Majesty King Salman and His Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman are the pillars of a modern Saudi society and supporters of a cultural movement that has many things and ideas to offer for its future. After this world pandemic, art, poetry and an infrastructure for exhibitions and intercultural conferences and now women’s visibility all speak for a new Saudi reality. A modern story is now unfolding about performance, success and co-operation that embraces cultural tourism and world interest in a beautiful country.
The only GLORY we seek is for LOVE – LOVE FOR HUMANITY.
Dear Monica, it was a pleasure for us at Al Sharkiah to interview you. Thank you.
http://www.monicamergiu.com
Text by Suna Ahmed
