Imprisoned Palestinian writer Hendekchi wins Arabic fiction award

Palestinian imprisoned writer Basim Hendekchi has been honored with the International Prize for Arabic Fiction, the most prestigious literary prize in the Arab world, for his novel ‘A Mask the Color of the Sky’

Basim Hendekci, a Palestinian prisoner writer, has won the 17th edition of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction, also known as the “Arabic Booker,” for his novel “A Mask in the Color of the Sky.” 

The announcement took place at an event in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, according to the International Prize for Arabic Fiction’s website.

According to the statement, Hendekci’s book was chosen as “the best novel published between July 2022 and June 2023” out of 133 works.

Rana Idriss, founder of Lebanese publisher Dar Al Adab, accepted the award on behalf of Khandaqji, who has been in an Israeli jail for 21 years.

In a written statement released by the Palestinian Prisoners Society, it was revealed that Hendekçi was detained in the city of Nablus in the north of the occupied West Bank on November 2, 2004, and sentenced to three life sentences. It was noted that Hendekçi studied at the Journalism Department at An-Najah University in Nablus before his imprisonment.

The statement also mentioned that Hendekci wrote two books of poetry, several novels, and 250 articles during his imprisonment, some of which were translated into French. 

After Hendekci’s novel was nominated for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction, the Israeli media launched a smear campaign.

Hendekci’s award-winning novel tells the story of Nur, an archaeologist living in a refugee camp in Ramallah. Nur discovers a “blue identity” hidden within an Israeli’s coat, leading to an assimilation with Israelis and involvement in archaeological excavations.

Source: AA