The 69th Belgrade International Book Fair, held under the theme "The World is Built with Words," welcomed Tunisia as its guest of honor. As part of the event, Tunisian novelist Mohamed Eissa Al-Moadheb delivered a lecture titled "Diversity of Narrative Experiences in Tunisia" on October 29. The lecture took place at the Tunisian pavilion's lecture hall, attended by Dr. Khaled Kshir, director of the 41st Tunis International Book Fair, and several Tunisian creators, writers, thinkers, and intellectuals.

Mohamed Eissa Al-Moadheb, a winner of multiple Tunisian and Arab awards, presented his fifth lecture as part of the Tunisian cultural program prepared by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. During the lecture, he highlighted the distinctiveness of Tunisian novels in recent years, characterized by accumulation, diversity, and variation from one experience to another. The novelist reviewed some narrative experiences, focusing on his project that explores Tunisia's history, reality, and themes of identity and minorities.

Al-Moadheb emphasized that Tunisian novels move within the circles of heritage and experimentation, giving them a unique resonance. He also touched on his novelistic project, which deals with the history of Tunisia and the reality of the country, as well as topics such as identity and minorities or refugees who fled to Tunisia at the beginning of the 20th century. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs published a statement about the lecture, highlighting Al-Moadheb's insights into the Tunisian narrative experience.

The Belgrade International Book Fair, which ran from October 23 to 31, 2026, brought together writers, intellectuals, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world. As part of the event, the Tunisian pavilion hosted various cultural activities, including lectures, readings, and discussions. The presence of Tunisian writers and intellectuals at the fair underscored the country's rich cultural heritage and its contributions to the world of literature.

Dr. Khaled Kshir, director of the 41st Tunis International Book Fair, attended the lecture and expressed his appreciation for Al-Moadheb's work. Kshir highlighted the importance of promoting Tunisian literature and culture globally, citing the country's rich literary history and its potential to inspire new generations of writers and readers. The lecture was well-received by the audience, who engaged in a lively discussion with Al-Moadheb about his work and the state of Tunisian literature.

The honoring of Mohamed Eissa Al-Moadheb at the Belgrade International Book Fair reflects the recognition of Tunisian literature's growing influence globally. The event provided a platform for Tunisian writers and intellectuals to share their work and engage with readers and writers from around the world. As the fair came to a close, participants looked forward to future events that would promote cultural exchange and understanding between nations.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs' efforts to promote Tunisian literature and culture internationally have yielded positive results, with events like the Belgrade International Book Fair showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage. The ministry's program aims to support Tunisian writers and intellectuals in sharing their work globally, fostering greater cultural exchange and cooperation between nations.

Key points

  • Tunisian novelist Mohamed Eissa Al-Moadheb was honored at the 69th Belgrade International Book Fair, delivering a lecture on the diversity of narrative experiences in Tunisia.

Share this story

Written by

SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.