Algerian author and publisher Rachid Oulebsir has written 15 books, including six novels, six essays, two collections of short stories, and one intimate account of the country's independence war. Five of his works have been published in France. His latest essay explores the life and work of renowned poet Si Mohand U Mhand, who is often misunderstood as a wandering poet struggling with addiction. Oulebsir aims to rehabilitate Si Mohand's image, highlighting his commitment to resisting French colonialism through his poetry.
Oulebsir argues that Si Mohand's poetry was a powerful tool for mobilizing his people against colonialism. He describes the poet as an intellectual who lived his words and spoke his truth, inspiring his community to resist oppression. Si Mohand's work is characterized by its authenticity and its ability to capture the struggles of everyday Algerians. His poetry also played a significant role in reintroducing love poetry into Kabyle culture, which had been suppressed by conservative forces.
The author's own work has been influenced by Si Mohand's legacy. Oulebsir plans to reissue his novel "Le rêve des momies" in Tamazight, a language he believes is essential to preserving Algerian culture. He has already rewritten one of his books, "Ussan n uzemmur deg yidurar n Leqbayel," an essay on olive harvesting myths and practices, which was initially written in French and later translated into Tamazight.
Despite the challenges of promoting literature in Tamazight, Oulebsir remains committed to his work. He notes that the Algerian education system does not encourage reading, and the media does not provide sufficient support for authors. As a result, many of his books have not sold well, but he is determined to continue producing works that showcase Algerian culture and history.
In 2015, Oulebsir founded his own publishing house, which focuses on preserving and promoting Algeria's cultural heritage. He has published several books on local history and memory, including works on Rahmani Slimane, Timri Mahmoud, and Yemma Gouraya. The goal is to provide a platform for authors to share their research and stories, ultimately contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of Algerian history.
Oulebsir also advocates for fair compensation for authors and publishers. He argues that the current publishing industry in Algeria favors commercial interests over creative ones, leaving authors with limited financial support. He believes that a more equitable system would allow authors to focus on producing high-quality work, rather than struggling to make ends meet.
As Oulebsir continues to work on new projects, he remains committed to promoting Algerian culture and history. His efforts to rehabilitate Si Mohand's image and promote literature in Tamazight are part of a broader goal to preserve and celebrate Algeria's rich cultural heritage. Through his writing and publishing work, Oulebsir aims to inspire a new generation of readers and writers to engage with their country's history and culture.
Key points
- Rachid Oulebsir advocates for the rehabilitation of Si Mohand, a renowned Algerian poet who resisted French colonialism through his work.
