Tunisian poet, essayist, translator, and academic Abdelaziz Kacem has received the 2026 International Poetry Prize "Ciudad de Cartago" in the Arabic literature category. The prize, organized by the Faculty of Letters, Arts, and Humanities at the University of La Manouba and the Tunisian Association of Hispanists, aims to promote cultural dialogue and recognize authors whose work transcends borders.
The jury, presided over by Ridha Mami, a professor at the University of La Manouba, praised Kacem's body of work for fostering a dialogue between Arabic and Hispanic cultures. Kacem's poetry and essays have been influenced by his bilingual background in Arabic and French, and he has taught at various institutions in Tunisia and abroad, including the University of La Manouba and the École normale supérieure de Tunis.
Kacem's literary contributions include poetry collections such as "Nawbat hubb fî 'asr al-karâhiyya", which won the Ibn Zaydoun Prize from the Hispano-Arab Institute of Culture in Madrid, and "Zajals". His essays explore the relationships between the Arab and Western worlds, including "Culture arabe / Culture française" (2002), "Al-Andalus : vestiges d'une utopie" (2013), and "L'Occident et nous, et vice versa" (2016).
The "Ciudad de Cartago" prize also recognizes Kacem's commitment to cultural exchange and his role as a bridge between different literary traditions. He has given lectures and conferences at various institutions, including the Académie royale de Belgique and the Parlement européen, and has been honored with several awards, including the Commandeur de l'Ordre du mérite culturel tunisien and Officier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres en France.
The prize is part of the International Tunisian-Spanish and Hispanic-American Encounters of Intellectuals and Writers, which aims to promote cultural exchange and recognize literary achievements. Previous winners of the prize include Luis Eduardo Aute, José María Paz Gago, and Andrés Aberasturi, demonstrating the prestige of the award.
Kacem's recognition by the "Ciudad de Cartago" prize highlights the significance of his work in promoting cross-cultural understanding and exchange. As a poet, essayist, and academic, Kacem has made a significant contribution to the literary landscape of Tunisia and beyond, and his work continues to inspire new generations of writers and readers.
Key points
- Abdelaziz Kacem was awarded the 2026 International Poetry Prize "Ciudad de Cartago" for his contributions to Arabic literature.
- The prize recognizes Kacem's body of work for fostering a dialogue between Arabic and Hispanic cultures.
- Kacem's literary contributions include poetry collections and essays that explore the relationships between the Arab and Western worlds.
