Hamza Koudri
Hamza Koudri holds a Master's degree in English Literature and Civilization and has worked in education and international development since 2008. He is currently the Country Director for the British Council in Algeria.
Quotes
edit- "Sand Roses" is a historical novel set in 1930s colonial Algeria. It follows the story of two sisters, Salima and Fahima, who embark on a career as courtesans in the City of Joy, a desert town known for its promises of glamour and success for aspiring dancers. However, the sisters must endure unimaginable horrors as they navigate life within a conservative community and a ruthless army. After killing a French soldier in self-defense, their efforts to conceal the body spiral into a cycle of escalating violence, drawing them into a larger struggle against the occupation. "Sand Roses" is a powerful tale of sisterhood and resistance in the face of oppression.
- The idea for "Sand Roses" came to me after listening to a podcast by historian Aurélie Perrier on prostitution in colonial and Ottoman Algeria. I was fascinated by the Ouled Nail, a tribe of semi-nomads who, until the 1980s, raised their daughters to become courtesans. They were taught the arts of singing, dancing, and seduction, and were welcomed back into their community after their years in the profession. As I learned more about their way of life, their code, and how they used jewelry for both status and self-defense, I was both captivated and outraged by this part of my country’s history, something I had never heard of at 26. One detail that stayed with me was how Perrier compared the Ouled Nail culture to Japan's geishas, and how the French occupation sought to reshape these local traditions to fit European models of prostitution. That comparison sparked the initial idea for the story, and after further research and reflection, the full plot eventually came together.
- The primary challenge African writers face is the lack of support. In the English-speaking world, authors have access to numerous opportunities to connect with peers and professionals, develop their craft, and manage their writing careers.
- I began teaching at 18 and was fortunate to receive continuous training throughout the four years I spent in the role. The first lesson I learned was, "Do no harm," a principle I still uphold today and encourage my colleagues and trainees to follow as well. In a world where knowledge is easily accessible but people struggle to distinguish truth from misinformation, I believe the role of an educator is no longer to be the source of all knowledge, but to guide and facilitate the learning process.
- I enjoy reflecting deeply on the philosophy of education.