National Novel Prize Honors Algerian Literature, President’s Patronage

The 8th edition of Algeria's premier novel prize took place on 17 October 2026, at the Abdelatif-Rahal International Conference Centre in Algiers. The prestigious event, themed "In Memory, the Roots of Tomorrow," recognized literary works in Arabic, Tamazight, and French. Organized by the National Publishing and Advertising Agency (ANEP) under the high patronage of President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Grand Prix honors Assia Djebar, a prominent figure in Algerian Literature, by celebrating novels in these three national languages.

Nine novels, with three finalists per language, reached the competition's final stage. A ten-member jury, chaired by poet Hakim Miloud and including novelist Maïssa Bey and Cherif Meribai, president of the Algerian Academy of the Arabic Language, selected the laureates. The ceremony saw the presence of significant state figures, including Minister of Communication Mohamed Bouslimani and Abdelouahab Boukrouh, an advisor at the Presidency's Communication Directorate. Also attending were the leaders of the High Council of the Arabic Language and the High Commission for Amazighity, alongside a distinguished assembly of authors, academics, and literary critics.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Sarah Mohamed Maariche was awarded the Arabic-language prize for her novel "Sirat El Djabal El Oustouri," describing the recognition as a privilege reflecting its weight. Farida Sahoui received the Tamazight honor for "Aggus," viewing it as encouragement for her future literary endeavors. The French-language prize was presented to Hosni Kitouni for "Ce que la mort m'a pris de toi," with Kitouni dedicating his award to Algerians who endured suffering during the Revolution. This national prize underscores Algeria's dedication to fostering and celebrating its diverse literary heritage and national memory. (Reporting by Wissem Chergui.)