The sixth edition of the Abdelwaheb Ben Ayed Prize, a prestigious literary award in Tunisia, has announced its 2026 winners. The jury, chaired by Samia Kassab Charfi, has awarded two prizes ex aequo in both the Arabic and French literature categories. This annual prize, organized by the Abdelwaheb Ben Ayed Foundation (FABA), aims to support and promote Tunisian literary production in various genres and languages.
The prizes were awarded in several categories, including article, novel, short story, and children's literature. The winning works were announced during an official ceremony attended by prominent figures from the literary and cultural worlds. The prizes in the Arabic category were awarded to Sofien Rjab for his book "Koumidia al-janaez" (The Comedy of Funerals) and to Mohamed Issa Almouaddab for "Al Qilada Arroussia" (The Colovrat Necklace), both published by Miskiliani editions.
In the French literature category, the prizes ex aequo were awarded to Soufiane Ben Farhat for his book "Abba Abba – La pierre de convoitise" (Éditions Arcadia) and to Zouhair Ben Amor for "La Maison qui parle" (Contraste Éditions). Each of the four winners will receive a prize of 10,000 Tunisian dinars. The selection process had been narrowed down to six works, comprising three novels in Arabic and three in French.
The Abdelwaheb Ben Ayed Prize is a significant recognition of Tunisian literary talent, offering support and encouragement to writers in both Arabic and French. By promoting literature in multiple languages, the prize highlights the diversity and richness of Tunisian cultural production. The award ceremony celebrated the contributions of these writers to the country's vibrant literary scene.
The winners' works reflect the diversity of themes and styles in contemporary Tunisian literature. Sofien Rjab's "Koumidia al-janaez" and Mohamed Issa Almouaddab's "Al Qilada Arroussia" showcase the creativity and innovation of Arabic literature in Tunisia. Similarly, Soufiane Ben Farhat's "Abba Abba – La pierre de convoitise" and Zouhair Ben Amor's "La Maison qui parle" demonstrate the range and depth of French-language literature in the country.
The Abdelwaheb Ben Ayed Prize has become an essential part of Tunisia's literary landscape, providing a platform for writers to gain recognition and acclaim. The prize's focus on promoting literary production in both Arabic and French underscores the country's commitment to cultural diversity and exchange. As the Tunisian literary scene continues to evolve, the Abdelwaheb Ben Ayed Prize remains a vital institution in supporting and celebrating local talent.
The 2026 edition of the Abdelwaheb Ben Ayed Prize is a testament to the enduring importance of literature in Tunisian culture. As the country looks to the future, the prize serves as a reminder of the power of literature to inspire, educate, and unite communities. With its emphasis on promoting literary excellence and diversity, the Abdelwaheb Ben Ayed Prize will continue to play a vital role in shaping the country's cultural landscape.
Key points
- The 2026 Abdelwaheb Ben Ayed Prize awards four winners in Arabic and French literature categories.
- The prize aims to support and promote Tunisian literary production in various genres and languages.
- Each of the four winners will receive a prize of 10,000 Tunisian dinars.
