World

Palestinian Author Wins International Prize For Arabic Fiction While Imprisoned In Israel

Basim Khandaqji, a Palestinian writer imprisoned in Israel 20 years ago, won a prestigious prize for Arabic fiction on Sunday for his novel ‘A Mask, the Colour of the Sky’.

The 2024 International Prize for Arabic Fiction was announced during an event in Abu Dhabi.

Rana Idriss, owner of Dar al-Adab, the book’s publisher based in Lebanon, accepted the prize on Khandaqji’s behalf.

Khandaqji was born in Nablus, an Israeli-occupied West Bank city, in 1983, and wrote short tales until his detention in 2004 at the age of 21.

He was convicted and imprisoned on accusations related to a deadly bombing in Tel Aviv and completed his university studies from within the prison through the web.

The mask in the novel’s title refers to the blue identity card that Nur, an archaeologist living in a Ramallah refugee camp, discovers in the pocket of an ancient Israeli coat.

Khandaqji’s novel was selected from 133 pieces submitted to the competition.

The jury’s chair, Nabil Suleiman, stated, “The work dissects a complex, bitter reality of family fragmentation, displacement, genocide, and racism”.

Since his imprisonment, Khandaqji has published poetry collections such as ‘Rituals of the First Time’ and ‘The Breath of a Nocturnal Poem’.

Basim Khandaqji has previously published three novels.

Also read: Antony Blinken Supports Peace Moves In Azerbaijan, Armenia

Spriha Rai

Recent Posts

How US Presidential Election Is Conducted – Explained

The US presidential election is a complex, multi-step process that involves both voters and an…

16 mins ago

Mumbai Police Uncover Connections & Weapons In Baba Siddiqui Murder Investigation

The Mumbai Police disclosed that the firearms used to assassinate late NCP leader Baba Siddiqui…

1 hour ago

Mumbai Police Investigate New Death Threat Against Salman Khan Linked To Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi

Mumbai Police is investigating a threatening message directed at actor Salman Khan, allegedly originating from…

1 hour ago

Uttar Pradesh Government To Tighten Control Over DGP Appointment Before By-Elections

Ahead of the by-elections, CM Yogi Adityanath's government in Uttar Pradesh will take greater control…

2 hours ago

Somy Ali Opens Up About Her Past With Salman Khan, Says “Being Known As His Ex Is A Curse”

Somy Ali, the former Bollywood actress and dedicated social worker, has shared her feelings about…

2 hours ago

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Raises Alarm Over Attack On Hindu Temple In Canada

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed grave concerns regarding the recent violent incident at a…

3 hours ago