Hommage à Alger à Kaddour M’Hamsadji, doyen des écrivains algériens
Tribute to Kaddour M’Hamsadji: A Luminary of Algerian Literature
On Tuesday, the Union of Algerian Writers honored Kaddour M’Hamsadji, the venerable figure in Algerian literature, in a ceremony held in Algiers. The event celebrated M’Hamsadji’s extensive and diverse literary contributions, which have enriched Algeria’s cultural discourse.
The homage drew numerous attendees, including writers, journalists, literary figures, and friends, all gathered to pay tribute to the esteemed writer. Youcef Chegra, president of the Union of Algerian Writers, regarded M’Hamsadji as a symbol of Algeria. He highlighted M’Hamsadji’s dual legacy as both a writer and a freedom fighter (moudjahid) and noted that he was among the founders of the first Union of Algerian Writers in 1963. Chegra emphasized that M’Hamsadji deserves high honors for his literary work encompassing various genres, including novels, poetry, short stories, and theater.
Amin Zaoui, a noted writer and novelist, echoed this sentiment, characterizing M’Hamsadji as a "prolific writer" known for his "simple" yet "elegant" writing style. He cited M’Hamsadji’s significant works—among them "La Dévoilée," "Le Silence des Cendres," and "La Quatrième Épouse"—as reflections of Algerian culture and history, showcased through multiple essays on the nation’s heritage and popular culture.
Other speakers at the tribute shared their experiences with M’Hamsadji, applauding his "noble human values" and his relentless engagement in cultural debates that embrace a broad array of themes.
At 92, M’Hamsadji expressed heartfelt gratitude toward those who organized the tribute and attended, although he opted not to speak extensively due to health challenges that included visual impairment.
Born in 1933 in Sour El Ghozlane, Bouira, M’Hamsadji completed his secondary education in Blida and pursued university studies in Algiers. As a founding member of the Union of Algerian Writers established in October 1963, he mingled with significant literary figures in Algeria.
M’Hamsadji is celebrated for his prolific authorship, spanning various literary forms. His major works include the novels "La Dévoilée" (1959), "Le Silence des Cendres" (1965)—which has been translated into Chinese— as well as "El Qasba Ezeman" (2007), and "Le Juste qui Sommeille," in tribute to Mouloud Mammeri (2017). He also wrote historical essays such as "La Jeunesse de l’Émir Abdelkader" (2005) and his latest publication, "La Poétique de l’Œil," released in 2019.
Beyond fiction, M’Hamsadji has also made his mark as a journalist and columnist, penning numerous cultural articles in various national publications.
In summary, Kaddour M’Hamsadji’s literary contributions and his role in shaping Algerian culture and heritage have made him a pivotal figure in the country’s intellectual landscape. His ongoing legacy continues to inspire future generations of writers and thinkers.
