The 8th edition of the Assia Djebar Novel Prize took place on Saturday at the Abdelatif Rahal International Conference Center in Algiers. Farida Sahoui secured the award in the Tamazight language category for her novel "Aghous" (The Belt). Talsa Editions published the work. This recognition notes the contribution of Farida Sahoui to the Tamazight literary landscape through her winning novel.
Honoring Excellence in Literature
Sarah Mohamed Meriche received the Arabic language category award for her novel "Al-Rafraf" (The Mythical Mountain Biography). The National Printing Arts Foundation (ENAG) published this winning entry. The selection of "Al-Rafraf" for the Arabic language category shows the commitment of the National Printing Arts Foundation (ENAG) to promoting high-quality literature within the region.
Hosni Kitouni earned the French language category prize for his work "Ce que la mort m’a pris de toi" (What Death Took From You). Casbah Editions served as the publisher for this title. The recognition of Hosni Kitouni by the jury committee demonstrates the continued influence of French-language creative writing in the contemporary Algerian literary scene, supported by the editorial work of Casbah Editions.
Mohamed Bouslimani, Minister of Communication, spoke during the event regarding the significance of the competition for emerging writers. "The prize constitutes an opportunity for young and obscure pens to enter the world of the Algerian novel and elevate national creativity towards globalization," he said. The ceremony recognized these authors alongside other category winners at the Abdelatif Rahal International Conference Center. These awards reflect the current state of literary production across the three language categories represented in the competition. The gathering of authors, publishers, and officials at the Abdelatif Rahal International Conference Center served to highlight the diverse linguistic traditions currently flourishing in the nation.
Legacy of Assia Djebar
Organizers held the ceremony under the theme 'In Memory, Roots of Tomorrow'. The National Publishing and Advertising Agency (ANEP) managed the event logistics for the 8th edition of the competition. By adopting the theme 'In Memory, Roots of Tomorrow', the National Publishing and Advertising Agency (ANEP) aimed to link the past literary achievements of the country with the future aspirations of its contemporary novelists.
Officials established the prize in 2015 to commemorate the life and work of Assia Djebar. Born in 1936, the late author maintained a career that spanned until her death in 2015. The establishment of the award in 2015 ensures that the intellectual and creative legacy of Assia Djebar continues to influence new generations of writers who participate in the competition each year.
Mohamed Bouslimani, Minister of Communication, linked the current recognition of novelists to the historical contributions of the namesake writer. "The prize represents a tribute to the efforts of Algerian creators and loyalty to the late writer Assia Djebar, who dedicated her talent to defending the national cause and conveying the struggles of the Algerian people and their civilizational depth to the world," he stated. This statement frames the annual competition as a vital cultural endeavor that honors the enduring impact of Assia Djebar on the national identity.