Abdelhamid Benhaddouga (1925-1996)

He is considered the first Arabic-speaking novelist in Algeria. Born on January 29, 1925 in El Mansourah (Bord Bou Arreridj), Benhaddouga followed dual training in his hometown and in Constantine then at “Djamâa Zeitouna” in Tunisia. Playwright, journalist and novelist, he is the author of several theatrical works. “Le Vent du Sud” marks the birth of the Algerian novel in Arabic. This novel was brought to the screen by Slim Riad. In “Djazia and the Dervishes” published in 1983, Benhaddouga gives women a central place, the myth of Djazia takes on a new dimension; the writer has to his credit three collections of short stories, two translations into Arabic and more than 200 radio plays. He was president of the National Cultural Council (1990) and vice-president of the National Consultation Council (1992). He died in 1996 after having enriched the national and international library thanks to his magical and unique style.