Revisiting Mohammed Khaïr-Eddine: Literary rebellion and modern subjectivity

Monday 15 December 2025 - 11:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Revisiting Mohammed Khaïr-Eddine: Literary rebellion and modern subjectivity

The Sultan Moulay Slimane University's Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences in Béni Mellal hosted a special commemorative event on December 13, 2025, celebrating the life and work of Moroccan writer Mohammed Khaïr-Eddine. The event, themed "Mohammed Khaïr-Eddine: Writing the self, space, and rebellious imagination," highlighted the significant literary contributions of this influential figure in Moroccan Francophone literature.

A partnership to explore Khaïr-Eddine's literary legacy

Organized through a collaboration between the LRALLARC laboratory and the scientific research association Eurêka, the event gathered academics, researchers, and students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Participants explored themes of narrative, poetry, and cultural studies, honoring Khaïr-Eddine's avant-garde writing and its relevance to contemporary discourse.

Opening remarks: Bold writing in a changing world

The event began with an address by Professor Mounir Oussikoum, who emphasized the importance of reexamining Khaïr-Eddine's works within today's critical discussions. He praised the writer’s daring style and forward-thinking vision, which confronted existential challenges in a rapidly evolving world. According to Oussikoum, Khaïr-Eddine's body of work exemplifies literary defiance and a relentless pursuit of a unique and liberated narrative voice.

Academic insights into Khaïr-Eddine’s writings

The program featured several scholarly presentations delving into the complexities of Khaïr-Eddine’s literature. French researcher Bernadette Rey Mimoso-Ruiz, from the Catholic Institute of Toulouse, examined the confessional tone in his final works, including Les Derniers Journaux (2001). She analyzed his exploration of the body, illness, and writing as an existential act of self-reconciliation. She also reflected on the tension between the use of French as his medium of expression and its implications for identity and difference.

Moroccan researcher Mohammed Koundi discussed the chaotic yet liberating aspects of Khaïr-Eddine’s writing in his talk, "The search for self between textual chaos and expressive calm." He highlighted the writer's evolution toward a more serene creative expression in his later years. Abdelilah El Hilali explored the themes of travel and lyrical sensitivity in Khaïr-Eddine's works, revealing how the author reimagined the Souss region through vivid linguistic and imaginative landscapes.

Hicham Samadi concluded the academic session with his presentation, "The geopolitics of Souss: Land, myth, and rebellion in Khaïr-Eddine's writings." He emphasized the writer's ability to weave together myth and territory, creating a dynamic relationship between language and space that reflected both individual and collective identities.

Renewed interest in a timeless voice

The discussions culminated in a call for Moroccan universities to further engage with Khaïr-Eddine's legacy. Scholars stressed the importance of republishing his works and incorporating them into academic curricula to inspire critical reflections on identity, rebellion, and the transformative power of literature.

The day concluded with a shared commitment to revisiting Khaïr-Eddine’s oeuvre through interdisciplinary approaches, including cultural studies, geopolitics, and autobiographical analysis. The event underscored the enduring relevance of his work, celebrating his profound influence on Moroccan literature and his dedication to the freedom of expression and self-reinvention.