Houmet Souk Vibrates to a Different Beat this October with the Launch of Kotouf, the First Francophone Literary Festival in the South
The town of Houmet Souk is abuzz with excitement this October as it hosts the inaugural edition of Kotouf, a literary festival celebrating the literatures of the South. This modestly named event, which translates to "harvest" in Arabic, aims to foster a culture of knowledge sharing and edifying exchanges, bringing together a diverse group of international and Tunisian writers.
A Pilot Edition Two Years in the Making
Directed by an all-female committee, Kotouf is the brainchild of a group of passionate individuals, including Djerbians, local actors, and francophone journalists. The festival promises to inject a new cultural dynamic into the region, one that is inclusive and geared towards promoting the French language and the rich cultural heritage of the Global South. With its diverse languages, dialects, and traditions, the South is a treasure trove of cultural wealth waiting to be explored.
A New Cultural Hub in the Making
The founders of Kotouf deliberately chose to decentralize the festival, moving away from the major cities and capitals of the North. Djerba, with its millennia-old culture and rich history, is the perfect destination for this literary festival. This island town, recently inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often reduced to its tourist attractions, but its true wealth and cultural significance remain largely untapped. Kotouf aims to change this by showcasing the island's unique culture, gastronomy, and historical heritage.
The Women Behind Kotouf
The festival is the result of the hard work and dedication of a group of women, including Marielle Anselmo, Sourour Barouni, Mounira Dhaou, and Fatma Dellegi Bouvet-de la Maisonneuve. These women, all accomplished in their respective fields, have come together to create a unique cultural event that celebrates the French language and the literatures of the South.
Connecting with the Local Community
As the festival gets underway, young volunteers, festival-goers, and guests mingle in the town's souks and cultural centers. The event also includes a visit to the "Nouvelles Générations" school, where students and teachers engage in discussions about writing, orality, and the use of the French language. The students, curious about the possibilities of a career in journalism, illustration, and radio, are encouraged to explore their creativity and express themselves through various forms of artistic expression.
The Power of Writing and Orality
Houda ben Yahia, a child psychiatrist, highlights the importance of writing and orality in human existence. She notes that the need to communicate has always been a fundamental aspect of human civilization, and that this need has evolved over time through various channels. The act of leaving a mark, whether through writing, literature, symbols, or drawing, is a way of writing history. Kotouf, with its focus on the Global South and its literatures, is a testament to the enduring power of creative expression.
Celebrating the Ibadite Heritage
A visit to the Louta Mosque, a historic monument and one of the most attractive sites on the island, is a highlight of the festival. This 12th- or 13th-century mosque, also known as the "Subterranean Mosque," is a unique example of Ibadite architecture and a testament to the island's rich cultural heritage. The mosque, partially buried and featuring two domes emerging from the ground, is a fascinating example of the region's history and traditions.
An Artistic Focus
The festival also features an exhibition of photographs by Pierre Gassin, titled "Berbérités, des origines aux influences" (Berber Heritage, from Origins to Influences). The exhibition, which runs until November 16, 2025, showcases 40 photographs that trace the Berber cultures of southern Tunisia, their traditions, spirituality, and the way these heritages have evolved and blended over time. The photographs, taken by the French photographer who lives in Kerkennah, highlight the rich cultural heritage of the region, with its symbols, gestures, and community practices.
