Biography

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Karima Ahdad is an award-winning Moroccan writer born in 1993, whose literary prowess has garnered acclaim both locally and internationally. With four published books to her credit, including three novels and a collection of short stories, she has established herself as a prominent voice in contemporary Moroccan literature.

Ahdad's debut novel, "Cactus Girls" (Banat al-Sabbar), earned her the regional Mohamed Zafzaf Prize in 2019, offering a compelling exploration of the struggles faced by a family of Moroccan women in the wake of their patriarch's passing. Bold and unapologetic, the novel delves into the harsh realities of injustice and inequality, captivating readers across Arabic, French, English, and Spanish-speaking audiences.

In "A Turkish Dream," Ahdad takes readers on a poignant journey through the bustling streets of Istanbul, weaving a narrative rich in themes of freedom, ambition, and cultural diversity. Published by the Arab Cultural Center in Beirut, the novel captures the essence of Istanbul's allure and the universal quest for belonging in a foreign land.

Furthermore, Ahdad's literary talents extend beyond novels, with her short stories earning recognition and translations into multiple languages. Shortlisted in the ArabLit magazine Prize for short stories translated from Arabic to English, and longlisted twice in the John Dryden Prize for translated chapters from "Cactus Girls," her works exemplify a masterful blend of storytelling and social commentary.

A sought-after speaker, Ahdad has graced prestigious literary festivals and universities worldwide, including Read My World in Amsterdam, the Center for Fine Arts (Bozar) in Brussels, and two universities in Istanbul. Her talks traverse diverse topics, ranging from literature and her own literary experiences to broader social and political issues explored within her novels.

Beyond her literary endeavors, Ahdad holds a master's degree in political communication and has lent her talents to journalism and digital content editing for newspapers and websites in Morocco, Turkey, and Germany. With a relentless passion for storytelling and a keen insight into the human experience, Karima Ahdad continues to captivate audiences with her thought-provoking narratives and insightful commentary on contemporary society.

Her third novel The Other Woman also came out in April 2024.