Moroccan Authors Shine in 10th Katara Prize for Arabic Fiction Shortlist
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Loading... - Ginevra Ricci
- 14 Aug 2024
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The 10th Katara Prize for Arabic Fiction has announced its shortlist, featuring several Moroccan novels and studies among the top nine contenders in various categories. The prestigious literary award, established in Qatar, received a total of 1,697 submissions from across the Arab world.
Moroccan Representation
Morocco is well-represented in the shortlist, with authors recognized in several categories. In the "Unpublished Novels" category, three Moroccan authors made the cut: Abdelghani Haddadi with "Miraat la taakis dilaha" (A Mirror That Does Not Reflect Its Shadow), Chaimae Rawam with "Aala marri al ljirah" (At the Crossroads of Wounds), and Yassine Kenni with "Al aabat" (The Absurd).
In the "Unpublished YA Novels" category, Morocco is represented by Houria Al Dhal's "Alloujoue ila lkawawkab ramadi" (Refuge on the Gray Planet). Meanwhile, in the "Unpublished Literary Criticism" category, Morocco leads the way with three works: Bouchaib Saouri's "Takhyil Lahwiya fi Riwaya Al Arabiya" (Imagining Identity in Arabic Fiction), Hassan Touil's "Attawil Al Balaghi li Riwaya: Ichkalat wa Tatbiqat" (Rhetorical Analysis of the Novel: Issues and Applications), and Zouhair Soukah's "Arriwaya Al Arabiya wa Addakira Al Jamiya" (Arabic Fiction and Collective Memory).
Other Categories
In the "Historical Novels" category, Morocco is represented by two works: Salah Eddine Aqarqar's "Hajib Assoltan" (The Sultan's Page) and Mohamed Mbarki's "Listibqae fi Diyafat Al Achiqqae" (Survival in the Brothers' Hospitality).
The Katara Prize for Arabic Fiction
The Katara Prize for Arabic Fiction, founded in 2014, is one of the world's most prestigious literary awards. With a total prize pool of $650,000 and a main prize of $200,000, it stands out as one of the richest literary accolades globally. Sponsored in part by UNESCO, the prize also ensures that winning novels are translated into five languages, including French and English.
Cultural Significance
The recognition of Moroccan authors in the Katara Prize shortlist highlights the cultural diversity and richness of Moroccan literature. Morocco's literary scene has a long history of cultural exchange, particularly with the United States, which has led to the translation and editing of many Moroccan works.
The city of Tangier, in particular, has played a significant role in this cultural exchange, attracting expatriate writers from the United States, including Paul Bowles and William S. Burroughs. This exchange has led to the promotion of Moroccan literature globally, making it an important part of the country's cultural heritage.
