Two Algerian Authors Shortlisted for Prestigious Canadian Arabic Literary Award
Two Algerian authors have been named to the shortlist for the 2026-2027 Arabic Literature Prize in Canada, a significant recognition of their literary contributions. The prize, led by President Riham Taima, recently announced 13 shortlisted works, selected from 62 submissions by authors residing in Canada. Among these distinguished works are "Amoudou" by Ebtisam Saleh Rehbani, an Algerian author residing in Quebec, featured in the unpublished manuscript category, and "The Canaanite Night" by Salah Chakirow, also an Algerian author living in Quebec, included in the published works category.
Authors from six Arab countries, including Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Palestine, and Algeria, residing across four Canadian provinces—Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec—are represented on the shortlist. The selected works are divided into two categories, comprising seven unpublished manuscripts and six published works. This broad representation underscores the prize's role in celebrating the rich tapestry of Arabic literature globally, with Algerian talent prominently featured.
The winners of the 2026-2027 Arabic Literature Prize in Canada are scheduled to be announced in early January 2027 by a judging panel that includes renowned writers Waciny Laredj and Ashraf El-Ashmawy. The rigorous selection process, overseen by Ms. Taima, included stringent verification of manuscript originality using specialized software and a strict prohibition against the use of artificial intelligence in submitted works. These measures ensured the authenticity and integrity of the literary creations, contributing to the prize's esteemed reputation.
