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Bensalem Himmich

ベンサレム・ヒミッシュ

Bensalem Himmich

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1948-08-13 （Meknes, Morocco）
Nationality
Moroccan
Languages
Arabic, French
Religion
Islam
Residence History
Meknes (birthplace) → Rabat (teaching at Mohammed V University) → Paris (studies)

Career

Occupations
novelist, poet, philosopher, academic, politician (Minister of Culture)
Active Years
1970-
Affiliations
Mohammed V University, Rabat, Socialist Union of Popular Forces (political affiliation)
Nominations
Shortlisted for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction: Mu'adhdhibati (My Torturess)

Education

University of Paris
Philosophy
Degree: PhD
Country: France
PhD in Philosophy (exact year unknown)

Awards

Prize of the Critics
1990
Work: Le Fou du Pouvoir
Category: 小説
Organization: Critics' organizations
Result: 受賞
Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature
2002
Work: Al-'Allamah (The Polymath)
Category: 文学
Organization: American University in Cairo (AUC)
Result: 受賞
UNESCO Sharjah Prize
2003
Organization: UNESCO
Result: 受賞
Grand award of the French Academy of Toulouse
2011
Organization: French Academy of Toulouse
Result: 受賞
Sheikh Zayed Book Award
2019
Category: 文学（Literature Award）
Organization: Sheikh Zayed Book Award
Result: 受賞
Charika Prize of Arab Culture
Organization: Jury composed of UNESCO and literary figures
Result: 受賞

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Al-'Allamah (The Polymath)

2001 Historical/biographical novel / essayistic

A work centered on Ibn Khaldun, developing reflections on history and thought using novelistic techniques. An important book exploring modern Arab thought and historical perspectives.

historical thoughttransmission of knowledgeintellectual history of the Arab-Islamic world
Translations
  • English translation (The Polymath)

Le Fou du Pouvoir

1990 Novel

A novel depicting power and its corruption, conflicts between individuals and institutions. Won the Prize of the Critics in 1990 and was regarded as a significant Arab book.

powerpolitical corruptionsocial critique

Mu'adhdhibati (My Torturess)

Novel

A work dealing with personal and political anguish and relationships. Shortlisted for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction.

sufferinghuman relationshipspolitics and the individual

De la formation idéologique en Islam

Philosophical / religious studies

An academic reflection on ideological formation in Islam and the relationship between religion and the state.

religion and educationsecularismcritical thought

The Self - Between Existence and Creation

Philosophy / essays

Philosophical essays on the self, existence, and creativity, illustrating the author's intellectual side.

selfontologycreativity

Bibliography

  • De la formation idéologique en Islam
  • Le Calife de l'épouvante (Le serpent à plumes)
  • Al-'Allamah (The Polymath)
  • Au pays de nos crises
  • The Self - Between Existence and Creation

Style & Themes

Literary Style
blend of philosophical essay and novelistic narrationvoice of contemporary Arabic literature
Recurring Motifs
power and corruptionhistory and memorytension between religion and secularism

Legacy

Bensalem Himmich is one of Morocco's leading intellectuals and writers, noted for addressing philosophical and political themes. His prolific output in both academic and fictional works has had influence, and his public service as Minister of Culture and international awards form part of his legacy.

Trivia

  • Born in Meknes in 1948.
  • Has published more than 26 books in Arabic and French.
  • Served as Morocco's Minister of Culture from 29 July 2009 to 3 January 2012.
  • Won the Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature for Al-'Allamah (The Polymath).
  • Known as a liberal philosopher advocating separation of religion and state.