Algeria Honors Asia Jabar Prize Winners in Eighth Edition
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Algiers, Algeria — The eighth edition of the Asia Jabar Prize for Novel was awarded to three winners in a ceremony held at the International Conference Center 'Abd al-Latif Rahal' on October 10, 2023. The event was presided over by the Algerian Minister of Communication, Mohamed Bouslimani.
The winners were announced in three language categories: Arabic, Amazigh, and French. Sara Muhammad Marish won the Arabic category for her novel 'Rafraf.' Fareda Sahwi won the Amazigh category for her novel 'AGGUS.' In the French category, Husni Kituni won for his novel 'Ce que la mort m'a pris de toi.'
Nine novels competed in the shortlist, with three in each language category. The Arabic shortlist included 'A'arash al-Dam' by Hussein Allam, 'Rafraf... Sira al-Jabal al-Asatouri' by Sara Muhammad Marish, and 'Am al-Rahma' by al-Khair Shwar. The Amazigh shortlist featured 'D Asdraf' by Shabha Ben Qana and 'Tigri n Tordt.' The French shortlist included 'La mémoire des pierres' by Ahmed Bouzid, 'Les racines de l'oubli' by Malika Madi, and 'L'ombre du passé' by Samira Belouizdad.
Minister Bouslimani highlighted the significance of the Asia Jabar Prize, noting that it is a high honor to celebrate the prize annually under the patronage of the President of Algeria. He emphasized that Asia Jabar was a figure who dedicated her talents during a time when ideas spread with great force. The minister also mentioned that Jabar's patriotism was not just a slogan but a consistent principle throughout her life. He also noted that Jabar sacrificed her professional future to resist the colonial regime and expose the harsh realities of French colonialism.
Bouslimani also addressed critics who questioned Jabar's legacy, stating that the Algerian state honored her in Germany in 2021. He described the prize as a valuable opportunity for young writers to emulate the giants of the novel genre. The minister also noted that this edition of the prize serves as a reminder of the power of intellectuals to build bridges to a promising future.
The ceremony was attended by several notable figures, including the President of the Supreme Council of the Arabic Language, Saleh Balayed, the Secretary-General of the High Commission for Amazighity, Si El Hachemi Assad, former minister and writer Zhor Wannesi, and various officials and cultural figures.
The Asia Jabar Prize for Novel is an annual literary award established to honor Asia Jabar, a prominent Algerian writer and activist. The prize aims to encourage and recognize literary excellence in Arabic, Amazigh, and French languages, reflecting Algeria's linguistic and cultural diversity. The prize is organized by the Algerian Ministry of Communication and supported by various cultural institutions.
