Tunisia
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Ali Douagi
Tunis, Tunisia
Archival Overview
Brilliant Tunisian bohemian writer, playwright, caricaturist, and songwriter who founded the modern Tunisian short story and animated the celebrated 'Taht Es-Sour' literary circle in the Bab Souika quarter.
Biographical Record
Ali Douagi (1909–1949) was the tragic genius of modern Tunisian culture. Possessing razor-sharp satirical wit and boundless literary agility, he was the charismatic soul of the 'Taht Es-Sour' (Under the Ramparts) bohemian artistic circle that met in the cafes of Bab Souika in the 1930s.
Douagi pioneered the modern Arabic psychological short story with his collection Sahirtu Minhu al-Layali (Sleepless Nights) and penned over 150 radio plays and 500 popular songs. His hilarious travelogue Jawla bayna Hanoat al-Bahr al-Mutawassit (A Tour of Mediterranean Taverns) remains an unmatched gem of Arabic travel humor. He died in poverty of tuberculosis at age forty.
Key Life Milestones
Animation of the Taht Es-Sour Circle
Led the avant-garde circle of poets, journalists, and composers that revolutionized Tunisian culture.
Publication of Sahirtu Minhu al-Layali
Published the definitive short story anthology capturing the poignant humor and heartbreak of Tunis.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialTunis, Tunisia