Ali Douagi

Ali ben Salah Douagi (or ed-Du'aji; ; January 4, 1909 – May 27, 1949) was a Tunisian literary and cultural icon who is considered to be one of the pioneers of modern Tunisian literature. He is best remembered as "the father of the modern Tunisian short story". Douagi was also known for his versatility as a sketch artist, songwriter, playwright, and journalist. However, Douagi decided to embark upon a project to educate himself by reading French literature and culture. When he made the acquaintance of Ali el-Jandubi, a prominent literary scholar, he discovered the medieval and modern Arabic history, literature and cultural studies. Douagi often depicted and fantasised romanticised strokes of eastern-western encounters. Hence, his stories depicted a peaceful coexistence in which differing cultures and religions coexist; this philosophical stance regarding east–west encounters dominated from his earliest writings. the personal and professional relationship between them was one that embraced a vast spectrum of contemporary politics, arts, and ideological currents that electrified the cultural scene in Tunisia during the 1930s. They shared a passion for journalism, for the freedom of the press to lash out at social injustices, religious hypocrisy, and economic inequalities. On May 27, 1949, Douagi died of tuberculosis. According to many accounts, he was abandoned by many of his friends and harboured bitter disappointment for not being recognised for his work.

The Ali Douagi Prize (Prix Ali Douagi) for a novel is awarded at the Tunis International Book Festival (Foire internationale du Livre de Tunis). The Derja Association also awards an Ali Douagi Prize for the best work written in Tunisian Arabic ("derja"), in reference to Ali Douagi's use of vernacular in his plays and the dialogues of his short stories. This has caused confusion and some have criticized the Derja Association for choosing the same name as the more prominent prize.

Selected works Shirtu minhu el-lyeli (Sleepless Nights) Jeri (My neighbour) Maotou El Am Békhir (The death of the Uncle Bekhir) Nozha Raïka (Luxurious walk) Omm Hawwa (Eve's Mother)