Imprisoned Palestinian Writer in Israeli Jail Takes Home Top Arabic Literary Award
Basim Khandaqji, a renowned Palestinian author born in Nablus, West Bank, in 1983, has garnered acclaim for his literary contributions, encompassing poetry and novels. Among his notable works are poetry collections such as “Rituals of the First Time” (2010), “The Breath of a Nocturnal Poem” (2013), and “The Narcissus of Isolation” (2017), along with novels like “The Eclipse of Badr al-Din” (2019), “The Breath of a Woman Let Down” (2020), and “A Mask, the Colour of the Sky” (2023).
Recently, Basim Khandaqji achieved a remarkable feat by clinching the prestigious International Prize for Arabic Fiction for his novel “A Mask, the Color of the Sky.” After spending two decades incarcerated in an Israeli prison, Khandaqji’s literary prowess shone through, earning him recognition and a cash prize of $50,000, along with support for an English translation of his winning work.
The titular “mask” in Khandaqji’s novel metaphorically refers to a blue identity card belonging to an Israeli, stumbled upon by the protagonist, Nur, within the folds of an old coat. Set against a Palestinian refugee camp in Ramallah, the narrative follows Nur, an archaeologist, as he adopts this “mask.” What unfolds is a narrative rich in experimentation and layers, aimed at reclaiming historical and geographical elements through vivid characterization, as the International Prize for Arabic Fiction highlights.
Published by Dar Al-Adab in Lebanon, the novel delves into the intricacies of a harsh reality marked by family fragmentation, displacement, genocide, and racism. Nabil Suleiman, a Syrian writer who chaired the 2024 prize, lauds the narrative’s delicate interweaving of history, myth, and contemporary struggles. He emphasizes the narrative’s pulsating compassion in the face of dehumanization and its fervent plea for liberation from oppression, both on an individual and societal scale.
Basim Khandaqji’s journey as a writer is tinged with personal and political complexities. Born amidst the turmoil of Palestinian territories, Khandaqji’s literary endeavors are juxtaposed against the backdrop of a tumultuous region. Despite facing incarceration linked to a deadly suicide bombing in Tel Aviv’s Camel Market in 2004, Khandaqji’s creative spirit remained indomitable. Serving three life sentences, he continued to channel his thoughts and experiences into literary expressions, including poetry collections and previous novels.
At the award ceremony held at Abu Dhabi’s Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Khandaqji’s absence was palpable. However, his brother, Yousef Khandaqji, was a testament to Basim’s resilience and dedication to his craft. In a poignant moment, Yousef expressed his brother’s heartfelt commitment to the victory of the Palestinian people, underscoring Basim’s enduring presence in their hearts and minds despite physical separation.
The genesis of “A Mask, the Color of the Sky” dates back to 2021 when Khandaqji commenced writing, embarking on a six-month journey to craft the novel. However, the roots of this literary endeavor extend beyond mere months, with years spent in meticulous research. Khandaqji’s time behind bars has fueled his creativity and served as a crucible for introspection and exploration of themes resonating with the Palestinian struggle.
In conclusion, Basim Khandaqji’s triumph in the realm of Arabic fiction stands as a testament to the enduring power of literature to transcend physical and ideological barriers. Through “A Mask, the Color of the Sky,” Khandaqji invites readers on a poignant journey of self-discovery and resilience amid adversity, weaving together threads of history, myth, and contemporary realities in a tapestry of profound human experience.
