Tunis: Four Tunisian writers, including three professional authors and a young female author, along with two young Algerian authors, were honored at the 16th edition of the Arab Mustapha Azouz Prize for Children's Literature. The ceremony, which took place at the City of Culture, celebrated the winners on Wednesday afternoon.
According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, the competition for professional authors saw three Tunisian writers emerge victorious. Ichraf Ben Mrad secured the first prize with her work 'Rihlat Nour' (Nour's Journey). Besma Gandouzi followed with the second prize for 'Alwane alhayat' (The Colours of Life), while Ibrahim Riahi took the third prize for 'Al fata dhou al-ayn al kassoula' (The Child with the Lazy Eye).
In the children's literature category for authors aged 9 to 18, Tunisian Islam Majoul won for 'Haythou takounou alhouriatou yakounou alwatan' (Where There Is Freedom, There Is the Homeland). The other winners were Algerian authors Nourcine Charfik from S©tif for 'Boudhour Azzaytoun' (The Seeds of Olive Tree) and Al Motassem Bellah Wathek Midani for 'Linaech bihtiram' (Let's Live in Respect).
This year's jury comprised authors Nafela Dhhab (president), Amel Mokhtar, Mohamed el Kadi, Hedi Khadraoui, and Fathi Ben Maammer. The professional authors' competition offered a total of TND 25,000 in prizes, distributed as TND 12,000 for first, TND 8,000 for second, and TND 5,000 for third place. The children's literature competition awarded TND 3,000 among the winners.
A posthumous tribute was paid to cultural icon Fradj Chouch¨ne, who passed away in December 2024. Writer Jalila Tritar honored his legacy, highlighting his six-decade career as a producer, writer, and playwright in the cultural and audiovisual fields.
The 16th edition saw participation from 117 writers across various Arab nations and the Arab diaspora in France, Sweden, and the USA. The winners were announced at the conclusion of the annual Arab Children's Literature Forum, chaired by Tunisian writer Mohamed Ait Mihoub.
This year's forum, focused on 'Humour, Comedy and Fun in Children's Literature,' delved into literature, psychoanalysis, psychology, and pedagogy. Organized by the Arab Children's Literature Forum with ATB-Tunis and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the competition is open to Arabic-speaking writers for audiences aged 12 to 16, and young people aged 9 to 18.
Instituted in 2003, the prize commemorates Mustapha Azzouz, a prolific writer and poet who addressed societal issues through his work. Over its 22-year history, the prize has been awarded to 47 authors from Arab countries, alongside 30 children and young people receiving encouragement awards.