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‘Ali al-Du‘aji (1909–1949) was a Tunisian novelist, short story writer, playwright, journalist, and painter whose vibrant personality and accessible literary style made him one of the most beloved cultural figures in Tunisia’s early modern literary history. Known for his wit, social engagement, and commitment to everyday people, al-Du‘aji played a significant role in shaping Tunisian literature in the early 20th century.
Early Life and Self-Education
Born in Tunis in 1909, al-Du‘aji was largely self-taught, demonstrating an exceptional ability to work across multiple artistic forms, including poetry, painting, caricature, and fiction. His creativity was not confined to the written word; his paintings and illustrations reflected the same humor and social awareness that infused his literature.
The Taht al-Sur Movement
Al-Du‘aji was one of the founding members of the Taht al-Sur (“By the Wall”) group, an influential collective of writers, artists, and intellectuals active in Tunis during the late 1920s and throughout the 1930s. This group opposed elitism in both art and society, advocating for a literature that was accessible to all social classes, especially the working class.
The Taht al-Sur writers believed that art should speak directly to people’s experiences rather than remain distant and academic. In this spirit, al-Du‘aji embraced simple, colloquial Arabic and relatable subject matter in his writing.
Style, Themes, and Popular Appeal
Al-Du‘aji’s fictional characters often came from the lower classes, reflecting his deep empathy for the struggles and joys of ordinary people. His humorous tone and sharp observational style made his work both entertaining and socially relevant.
Recurring themes in his writings include:
- Everyday struggles of working-class Tunisians
- Social satire and critique of pretension
- Humor as a tool of resistance
- The bohemian spirit of Tunisian cultural life in the 1930s and 1940s
This accessible style contributed greatly to his popularity, ensuring that his work resonated with both educated and non-educated audiences.
Major Works
Although he was a prolific writer, much of al-Du‘aji’s work has been lost or remains inaccessible. The few published works that survive include:
- Sleepless Nights (Sahirtu minhu al-layali) – 1991, translated into English by William Granara and published by Beit al-Hikma. This short story collection showcases his mastery of humor, realism, and sharp social commentary.
- Jawla bayna hanaat al-bahr al-abyaḍ al-mutawassi (“Bar-hopping along the Mediterranean”) – 1973, a lively portrayal of cosmopolitan life along the Mediterranean coast.
- Taht al-Sur (“By the Wall”) – 1973, reflecting the spirit of the literary group he co-founded.
A Bohemian Life and Tragic End
Al-Du‘aji’s bohemian lifestyle—filled with artistic experimentation, socializing in cafés, and immersion in the cultural life of Tunis—was both a source of inspiration and a factor in his early death at the age of 40 in 1949. His life story remains a blend of brilliance and tragedy, echoing the very characters he brought to life in his fiction.
Legacy
‘Ali al-Du‘aji is remembered as the people’s writer of Tunisia, a man who broke down barriers between high art and popular culture. His humor, compassion, and accessibility helped to democratize literature in North Africa. Today, his surviving works remain essential reading for anyone interested in modern Arabic literature, Tunisian cultural history, or the development of socially engaged storytelling in the Arab world.
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