Centenary of Idris El Khoury: From the Shock of 'Simple Past' to Questions of Identity

As the literary world prepares to commemorate the centenary of Idris El Khoury's birth (1926-2026), his name is being brought back into focus through a poignant personal testimony by writer and publisher Mustafa Ajmaari. Ajmaari, who accompanied the renowned Moroccan novelist during his visits to Mazagan (El Jadida) in the late 1980s, offers more than just fleeting anecdotes. His account opens a window into the life of a writer who navigated the complex space between Morocco and France, writing from a critical vantage point informed by both his origins and his adopted home.

Through a series of encounters, from limited meetings at the French Institute to more intimate sessions in the alleys of the Portuguese quarter, Ajmaari paints a portrait of El Khoury as a sharp-witted intellectual, sometimes indignant, and often employing biting sarcasm in his observations. Ajmaari recalls his personal interactions with El Khoury in 1986 and 1987, when the author returned to his hometown with his family. El Khoury, a foundational figure in Moroccan literature written in French, harbored a deep affection for Mazagan, a sentiment that permeated his writings. Born in the city in 1926, in a house within the Portuguese quarter, his return after 24 years of self-imposed exile was met with profound emotion, leading him to declare, "Morocco is a paradise."

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Morocco is a paradise.

During one such visit, El Khoury revealed his project for a 45-minute documentary for Moroccan Radio and Television (RTM) titled "Voices from Morocco," a film that, unfortunately, never saw the light of day. Ajmaari also recounts El Khoury's insightful critique of the term "Moroccan literature in French," suggesting it would be more accurate to call it "French literature written by Moroccan pens." This nuanced perspective highlights El Khoury's unique position as a bridge between cultures, embodying a distinctly Moroccan sensibility while engaging with the French literary tradition.

Ajmaari's testimony serves as a vital reminder of El Khoury's significant, yet perhaps underappreciated, legacy. He positions El Khoury as a writer who, despite his profound contributions, remains one of the most overlooked figures in discussions of major literary awards. The article, published by Hespress, underscores the importance of revisiting El Khoury's work and life, particularly in the context of his centenary, to fully grasp his impact on both Moroccan and Francophone literature and to grapple with the enduring questions of identity he so eloquently explored.

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It would be more accurate to call it 'French literature written by Moroccan pens'.