The Abdelwaheb Ben Ayed Foundation celebrated, on Saturday, November 29, the fifth edition of the Abdelwaheb Ben Ayed Literature Prize, an event that has become a key annual gathering in the Tunisian literary scene.
Authors, publishers, academics, journalists, and book enthusiasts gathered in an elegant atmosphere to honor national literary creativity and pay tribute to the vision of the founder, Abdelwaheb Ben Ayed.
A rigorous charter elevating Tunisian literature
At the opening of the ceremony, the Foundation recalled the spirit of the Prize, which is built on a strict charter ensuring rigor, fairness, and transparency.
Only works meeting the following conditions are eligible:
• Published between June 2024 and June 2025
• Published exclusively in Tunisia
• Never previously published
This philosophy reflects the vision of the late Abdelwaheb Ben Ayed, committed to supporting Tunisian literature and encouraging original, high-quality works distinguished by creativity and excellence.
The jury’s work: five months of reading and evaluation
The Foundation dedicated part of the ceremony to acknowledging the substantial effort made by the jury over more than five months of reading, analysis, and deliberation.
The Foundation reaffirmed the high quality and literary richness of the works submitted for this edition.
As customary, no numerical data or details about the deliberations were disclosed before the ceremony, ensuring full transparency of the process.
An evening enriched with announcements and literary tributes
The ceremony included the presentation of the jury, the announcement of the 2025 shortlists, a musical interlude, and a literary tribute delivered by the 2024 Poetry Prize laureate.
The jury also announced that no Poetry Prize would be awarded this year, in line with the high artistic standards that the Prize upholds.
Shortlists & Winners – 5th Edition
Category: Article – Arabic and French
Shortlist:
Hichem Abdessamad – La Gloire et la puissance
Abdelwahed Makni – كلمات تونسيّة من البايليك إلى وسلات
Jomaa Soussi – Imaginons des profs heureux
Winner: Hichem Abdessamad
Title: La Gloire et la puissance
Publisher: AC Editions
Prize Value: 20,000 TND
Category: Youth & Young Readers Literature
Shortlist:
Fathia Chweikha Abichou – بوح الفراخ
Tarek Lammouchi – اللّعبة
Nada Dagdoug – Yeza
Winner 1: Fathia Chweikha Abichou
Title: بوح الفراخ
Publisher: Dar Yos Publishing
Prize Value: 5,000 TND
Winner 2: Nada Dagdoug
Title: Yeza
Publisher: La Voix du Livre
Prize Value: 5,000 TND
Category: Novel & Short Stories – French
Shortlist:
Houcine Hannachi – Dans les méandres de la vie
Hela Msellati – La vie en sauce
Lassaâd Ben Abdallah – Le Citronnier malade
Winner: Hela Msellati
Title: La vie en sauce
Publisher: Hkeyat Editions
Prize Value: 20,000 TND
Category: Novel & Short Stories – Arabic
Shortlist:
Maher Abdelrahman – فتاة القبر البيضاء
Ziad Bouchoucha – الدفتر الوردي
Mouldi Farrouj – حكاية وشم
Winner: Ziad Bouchoucha
Title: الدفتر الوردي
Publisher: POP Libris
Prize Value: 20,000 TND
Closing the evening: connection and cultural impact
The ceremony concluded with official photographs, followed by a reception that brought together finalists, jury members, publishers, academics, and cultural actors.
The Foundation extended its gratitude to the jury for their dedication, to publishers for their essential role, to authors for the quality of their works, to the press for its support, and to all partners who contributed to the success of this edition.
The Abdelwaheb Ben Ayed Foundation reaffirms its commitment to supporting emerging talents and promoting a vibrant, authentic, and ambitious Tunisian literature.