Writing was never a dream I achieved, but it came as a result of working in a library – says Turkia Loucif, an Algerian writer
Women writers in Algerian society play a significant role in shaping the cultural and literary landscape
[Turkia Loucif, an Algerian writer and journalist speaks about the journey of creativity. Since childhood, she has had a deep interest in oral storytelling. Her creative journey began at the age of 12 when she won a literary competition. She is best known for works such as “Ekinqirroq Tales” and “The Legend of the Squirrel.” Currently, she works as a cultural journalist at Al-Masar Al-Arabi newspaper and has received several international awards for her contributions to literature and journalism.]
Interviewed by: Jakhongir Nomozov | Uzbekistan
—”The Journey of Creativity: From the Squirrel to the World”
—In the world of literature, where words transform into worlds and sail us through a sea of imagination and creativity, the story of the squirrel stands out as a symbol of preparation, diligence, and intelligence.
Through the pages of this book, you’ll find my journey with the squirrel, a journey filled with emotions and human feelings, and a quest for identity and belonging. It’s a story about dreams and hard work, and about turning imagination into reality. I hope you’ll find in these pages what inspires and sparks your thoughts, and that my journey with the squirrel will be a source of inspiration for you in your own journeys.
— Your work, “The Legend of the Squirrel,” has become very popular, and you’ve even received the “Squirrel Statue” award. What does this award mean to you, and how has it inspired your creative work?
— Writing was never a dream I achieved, but it came as a result of working in a library… I was supervising it, and the library was open to students and university students.
Here, I found time to read, and over time, I became inclined to read novels. I thought about studying screenplay for long films, and I did, getting a diploma in screenplay techniques. I had to do this, and from there, my vision became clear, and I decided to embark on the writing experience. I was passionate about fantasy romance films and watched them with my family…
The idea of writing took time, and I wanted my first work to be different and not consumed. I wanted to write something new that would be my mark in creativity. Then, the charming squirrel came without invitation, jumping in front of me, saying, ‘I came to be the hero of your first novel.’ I fell in love with this charming animal, and my friends would ask about my love for this beautiful creature, and the answer was the novel “The Squirrel” published in 2016 in Algeria…
— In your opinion, what is the place of the squirrel image in literature? Why do squirrels appear frequently in your works?
—The image of the squirrel in literature is used for several reasons, including preparation for the future, hard work and diligence, intelligence, and the relationship between humans and the environment. Squirrels are known for their ability to prepare for the future by collecting nuts and seeds, which makes them a symbol of preparation and saving. They are also known for their hard work and diligence in collecting food, which makes them a symbol of effort and perseverance…
—How do you evaluate the role of women writers in Algerian society? What are your thoughts on the status of women and their contribution to literature?
—Women writers in Algerian society play a significant role in shaping the cultural and literary landscape. They contribute greatly to enriching Algerian literature with various genres, from novels to poetry and essays. They have a significant impact on promoting Algerian cultural identity and presenting new perspectives on social and political issues. Women writers in Algeria face challenges such as gender discrimination, social constraints, and cultural pressures, but despite these challenges, they have made significant contributions to Algerian literature…
—What are the unique characteristics that distinguish poetry and prose in your creative work?
—My writings are characterized by several unique features that make me stand out in the Algerian literary scene. I use a poetic language rich in imagery and metaphors, which gives my poems a unique beauty. I also use symbols and allegories to express my ideas and feelings, which adds depth and symbolism to my poems. My prose is characterized by a detailed description of characters and places, which creates vivid images in the reader’s mind…
— What do you think is the future of Algerian literature, especially with the emergence of a new generation of writers?
— I believe that Algerian literature has a bright future, especially with the emergence of a new generation of writers who are passionate about telling their stories and sharing their experiences. This new generation is characterized by its diversity and creativity, and I think that they will contribute to enriching Algerian literature and promoting its presence on the global literary scene.
—Finally, what message would you like to convey to your readers?
— I would like to tell my readers that literature is a powerful tool for change and expression, and I hope that my works will inspire them to think critically and creatively. I also hope that my stories will touch their hearts and minds, and that they will find something that resonates with them in my writing.
—What is the role and mission of Arab Masar newspaper in cultural journalism?
—I work for Arab Masar newspaper, a prominent cultural media platform in Algeria. Our role is to spread culture and arts, and highlight local creativity in various cultural fields. We strive to promote cultural dialogue between different cultural circles, and cover various cultural events such as festivals, art exhibitions, and cultural seminars. I’m proud to be part of this team, where we work to support young talents and promote cultural awareness among readers. We aim to be a reliable source of cultural information, and contribute to promoting the Algerian and Arab cultural scene.
—How do you describe the relationship between spiritual growth and creative expression?
—The relationship between spiritual growth and creative expression is intimate and interconnected for me. When I deepen my spiritual experience, I feel like I’m opening new doors to creativity and expression. Reflection and deep thinking about life and self-nourish my writing and help me express my experiences and discoveries in a more profound way. I find that spiritual growth gives me a deeper insight into the world and myself, and helps me express my feelings and thoughts in a more authentic and creative way.
—What responsibilities do you think a writer should feel when seeking to reach young readers?
—When I write for children, I try to provide educational and entertaining stories at the same time. I believe that children’s literature should be a source of inspiration and learning, and contribute to shaping a child’s personality and awareness. In my stories, I try to combine fantasy and reality, and present lovable and interesting characters. I love using language in a simple and direct way, so that children can understand and enjoy it. Through my writing for children, I aim to promote positive values such as friendship, love, and cooperation, and encourage children to be active members of their community.
—What role do you think writers play in society?
—I believe that writing is a powerful tool for expressing ideas and feelings, and can be an effective tool for social change. As a writer, I try to use my writing to promote understanding and coexistence between people, and encourage them to think critically and creatively. I also try to be honest and dedicated in my writing, and provide content that inspires readers and encourages them to think deeply. I believe that writing can be a means of connection between people, and transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.
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JAKHONGIR NOMOZOV is a young poet and journalist from Uzbekistan. He is also a Member of the Azerbaijan Journalists’ Union.
