ALECSO Announces Winner of “Ibn Khaldoun–Senghor Translation Prize” and Names “Katara” Arab Opera City
The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) announced during a ceremony at its headquarters in Tunis the winner of the 18th edition of the “Ibn Khaldoun–Senghor Translation Prize” for 2025, and also declared the General Organization of Katara Cultural Village as the Arab Opera City.
The prize was awarded to French translator Stéphanie Dujol for her translation of the Palestinian writer Nasser Abu Surur’s novel Hikayat Jidar (Je suis ma liberté) into French. The jury praised Dujol’s outstanding work, highlighting her ability to convey the narrator’s refined style, quiet strength, and vivid imagery, while accurately reflecting the cultural references and rich lexicon of the Arabic language in French.
The novel Hikayat Jidar, published by Dar Al-Adab in Lebanon in 2022, is an autobiographical account of Palestinian writer Nasser Abu Surur, whose prison cell wall became a close companion, spiritual support, and mirror reflecting his thoughts and reflections. Other finalists for the prize included Moroccan Said Boukrami, French Marianne Babou, Algerian Mohamed Qasimi, and Tunisian Abdelhamid Al-Adhari.
Founded in 2007 in partnership with ALECSO and the International Organization of La Francophonie, the Ibn Khaldoun–Senghor Translation Prize aims to enrich Arab-Francophone cultural exchange and is awarded annually for outstanding translations between Arabic and French, honoring translators’ creativity and contribution to intercultural dialogue.
Katara Named Arab Opera City
During the same ceremony, in the presence of Qatar’s ambassador to Tunisia, Zayed bin Saeed Rashid Al-Khameet Al-Khoory, ALECSO announced the selection of Katara Cultural Village as the Arab Opera City, recognizing its pioneering role in supporting Arab operatic music and enhancing its regional and international presence.
Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Director General of Katara, commented: “Being named Arab Opera City is a tribute to our efforts in supporting musical creativity and preserving Arab cultural identity. This title is a new responsibility, motivating us to continue presenting Arab operatic works that reflect the beauty of our language and culture while strengthening the Arab artistic scene globally.”
Al Sulaiti also revealed that Katara will host the first Arab Opera Festival from December 8-11, in collaboration with ALECSO, featuring 13 Arab opera houses and a selection of Arab artists and creatives, with Cairo Opera House serving as the guest of honor, being the oldest Arab opera house.
The festival will feature numerous activities, including the opening ceremony, honoring the renowned Arab musician Omar Khairat, operatic and musical performances by the Cairo Opera Orchestra and the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, the launch of an online platform for Arab opera houses, artistic workshops on operatic singing and performance techniques, and the unveiling of a monument celebrating Katara as the Arab Opera City.
Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, ALECSO Director General, emphasized that the selection of Katara recognizes its pioneering role in supporting musical arts and promoting Arab opera on regional and international cultural stages. He praised Katara for its exceptional model in hosting fine arts and creating opportunities for Arab talents.
Katara has previously received multiple honors from ALECSO, including being named Arab Novel City for supporting Arab literature and launching the Katara Arab Novel Prize, Arab Cultural Heritage City for Arabian Horses, and the Babylon International Cultural Cities Award in Baghdad, acknowledging its cultural leadership and creative impact in the region.
