The "Palace of Arts, Culture, and Literature" in Bardo, Tunisia, recently hosted a ceremony to present the 26th Ibn Khaldun Awards for Human and Social Sciences and the 2nd Mahmoud Darwish Poetry Prize. The event took place on September 19, 2026. The Ibn Khaldun Awards, in its 26th edition, and the Mahmoud Darwish Poetry Prize, in its second edition, were presented to distinguished individuals in recognition of their contributions to literature, history, and poetry.
The Ibn Khaldun Award was granted to Tunisian writer and historian Hassine Ben Amo for his novel "The Eternal Sunset" and posthumously to historian Hassan Husseini Abdel Wahab. Abdel Hamid Arqash, head of the Ibn Khaldun Award committee, emphasized that the award aims to celebrate pioneers in culture and thought, integrating their names into the national memory. The award also honored American historian Abraham Udovitch for his contributions to Arabic and Islamic studies.
The selection of Hassine Ben Amo and Hassan Husseini Abdel Wahab for the Ibn Khaldun Award was based on their significant contributions to Tunisian literature and history. Ben Amo's novel "The Eternal Sunset" was praised for reviving historical fiction and making it appealing to a wide audience. Hassan Husseini Abdel Wahab was recognized for his efforts in preserving Tunisia's cultural memory, particularly through his work on historical figures, books, and manuscripts.
Historian Fawzi Mahfouz presented a biography of Hassan Husseini Abdel Wahab, highlighting his extensive work in preserving Tunisia's cultural heritage. Mahfouz noted that Abdel Wahab's autobiography was incomplete due to his numerous accomplishments in Tunisia and abroad. The event also featured a musical performance by Anis Qlibi, inspired by the life and works of Ibn Khaldun.
The Mahmoud Darwish Poetry Prize was awarded posthumously to Tunisian poet Monir Smadjah, who left behind a rich literary legacy, including 12 poetry collections and several literary texts compiled in the book "Shu'un wa Shajun" (Matters and Affairs). The prize was accepted on his behalf by publisher Moncef Chabbi. Mohamed Meziou, a writer and journalist, highlighted Smadjah's significant contribution to Tunisian poetry and his exploration of themes such as love, beauty, and social issues.
The ceremony also noted that the Mahmoud Darwish Poetry Prize has been awarded posthumously for the second consecutive year, following the 2025 award to poet Sghir Ladhm. Abdel Hamid Arqash stated that many Tunisian poets who have passed away deserve recognition for their literary contributions, and the prize will continue to be awarded to poets who have left a lasting impact on Tunisian literature.
The event concluded with a reading of one of Smadjah's poems, titled "Kalimat" (Words), performed by poet Amal Farji. The Ibn Khaldun Awards and the Mahmoud Darwish Poetry Prize aim to promote and celebrate Tunisian and international literary and intellectual achievements. The prizes are a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and its commitment to honoring outstanding contributions to literature and poetry.
Key points
- The 26th Ibn Khaldun Awards and the 2nd Mahmoud Darwish Poetry Prize were presented in a ceremony in Bardo, Tunisia.
- The awards honored Tunisian and international scholars and poets for their contributions to literature, history, and poetry.
- The event celebrated the cultural achievements of individuals such as Hassine Ben Amo, Hassan Husseini Abdel Wahab, Abraham Udovitch, and Monir Smadjah.
