a résistance–dialogue dans le récit de voyageAux Villes saintes de l’Islam de Mohamed Bencherif

Resistance-dialogue throughAux Villes saintes de l'Islam, travel story by Mohamed Bencherif

Abstract

This article looks at the travelogue « Aux Villessaintes de l’islam », the first account of a pilgrimage to Mecca written in French by French-speaking Algerian novelist Mohamed Bencherif, and published in 1919. In it, the author recounts his pilgrimage between 1912 and 1913. The aim of this study is to shed light on the French-language Algerian literature of the precursors, bringing it out of the shadows and overcoming the prejudices often formulated in its regard. It shows that, despite the complex socio-historical context and the policy of assimilation pursued by the colonial powers of the time, this work expresses a deep attachment to
ancestral roots and beliefs. Bencherif affirms his cultural allegiances and calls for intercultural dialogue. An analysis of his work highlights the author's commitment to a humanist approach that was innovative for his time.