Mouloud Benzadi's Blog

By Mouloud Benzadi, author, lexicographer and researcher – UK

Artificial intelligence (AI) has certainly revolutionized various sectors of our life. But in literature, it has been met with fear and concern. Works that are the result of years of effort are rejected by publishers and writing competitions if even minimal AI involvement is suspected—often using unreliable detectors and without even the writers’ knowledge. While there have been calls for ethical AI use in editing and proofreading, the guidelines remain vague, and even mentioning it often feels like a taboo. As a writer, lexicographer, and researcher, I felt the need to take the initiative in defending the use of AI in writing, proposing thoughtful ways to approach it, and contributing to clearer definitions of ethical use—along with writers’ rights, obligations, and the question of disclosure.

Use AI for research
As a researcher, I tend to combine Google search engine and AI tools. AI is undoubtedly more effective as it can quickly summarize books, articles, and historical documents in no time, allowing me to gather the information needed without having to read each source in full. AI tools can also assist with fact-checking, verifying dates, locations, names and events to ensure an accurate account. They can also be a novelist’s best friend providing valuable background on historical, cultural, political, or social contexts, helping create authentic scenes especially in historical novels. There is no harm at all in the use of AI as a research tool as it is similar to the use of online search engines, with one major difference—online searches often require checking multiple links and sorting through too much information which are time consuming, while AI provides more specific and targeted responses, saving time and effort.

Use Of AI for Drafting
Authors can also use AI as an assistant in drafting their novels. The use of AI for this purpose is both ethical and beneficial when the author already knows the story, plot, and themes they wish to explore. Rather than replacing the writer, AI serves as a powerful tool to streamline the writing process—helping to organize scenes, generate variations of existing content, maintain narrative consistency, and refine pacing or tone across chapters. It can respond instantly to requests for stylistic adjustments, suggest clearer phrasing, or explore how a scene might unfold differently, all while following the author’s original vision and preserving their ideas and voice. This is not content generation by a machine, but rather content that is produced and guided by the writer, with AI acting as an assistant. Just as authors have long used editors or writing software, there should be no reason they cannot use AI for this purpose. I recently connected with Canadian writer and publisher Shane Joseph and was encouraged to learn that he also uses AI as an assistant—for manuscript evaluation, proofreading, and audiobook narration. However, he draws a firm line between assistance and authorship. In his view, AI should support but never generate content—especially in fiction, where human creativity remains essential. His distinction between ‘AI-assisted’ and ‘AI-generated’ work closely aligns with my own thinking and offers a thoughtful model for how writers and publishers can move forward with integrity.

Ensuring Consistency
AI can be a valuable tool for writers in maintaining consistency. For example, a writer working on a novel might accidentally mix US and UK English, using forms like “color” and “colour,” “toward” and “towards,” or different vocabulary such as “fall” instead of “autumn” or “elevator” instead of “lift.” Compound words might be hyphenated inconsistently, like “well-being” versus “wellbeing.” I can mention my own errors, such as writing “for ever” instead of “forever.” AI can automatically identify and correct these inconsistencies, helping to ensure a uniform style. It can also check formatting, including fonts, spacing, and paragraph layout, so that the document meets professional standards. AI can point out gaps or abrupt transitions in the text too. These are all tasks that a human editor would normally carry out, and AI is simply doing the same. There is no reason why AI should be exempt from performing the work that is expected of a human editor.

AI for Proofreading and Readability
AI can be used ethically to support writers by correcting errors and improving clarity without altering the content or intent. It assists in identifying and fixing common mistakes such as spelling errors—changing “recieve” to “receive”—and grammar issues like “She don’t know” to “She doesn’t know.” It also adjusts punctuation errors, ensures consistent verb tenses and proper syntax, and helps maintain clarity throughout the manuscript. In addition to correcting errors, AI can also help improve clarity and readability. Just as writers rely on editors, they should be allowed to use AI tools to refine their books. If it is acceptable for a person to suggest better word, sentence, or even paragraph choices, then AI should also be allowed to contribute in similar ways. It can rephrase confusing sentences, recommend smoother vocabulary, or break up long passages to make the text easier to follow. For example, it might change “She quickly ran very fast to catch the bus” to “She ran to catch the bus.” The meaning remains the same, but the sentence becomes clearer and stronger.

AI Sharpens Global Voices
Non-native writers like myself who switch to English often struggle with sentence structure, idioms, expressions, or phrases that are not familiar in their first language—challenges that native speakers may not encounter when writing in their own language. These hurdles, however, do not diminish the richness of our lived experiences, ideas, or suggestions, just as the suggestions presented in this article defend the right of authors to use AI as an assistant and help define clear rules for the use of AI in literature. These challenges simply reflect the complexities of mastering a second language. AI can serve as a supportive tool to help bridge this gap, offering amendments that help achieve writing that is well balanced and readable. This enables us to contribute more effectively to global literature and culture, building bridges between us without altering the author’s voice or intent. Since non-native authors already rely on editors to polish their work, ethically employing AI for the same purpose is no different—it is simply a faster, more accessible, and more economical way to achieve a well-structured and engaging manuscript, just as a human editor would.

Freedom to Write with AI
In conclusion, I would like to be among the first voices to call for the freedom to write with AI within clearly defined guidelines. The term “ethical boundaries” is often too vague to offer real guidance, so I would like to recommend a specific rule to replace it: to “give AI the right to perform any task that a human editor normally performs” in the realm of writing. These include drafting, proofreading, rephrasing, suggesting improvements in clarity or tone, identifying inconsistencies, proposing titles, summarizing content, and recommending structural edits. All of these are traditional editorial tasks, and there is no reason AI should be excluded from doing the same. Non-native English speakers have even more justification to use AI tools. Unlike native speakers, we may struggle with inconsistent sentence structures or phrasing that affects clarity and flow. AI can help enhance readability without altering the original ideas or voice of the writer, serving as a practical tool for clearer communication.
Finally, if we apply the rule I am recommending—treating AI as we treat human editors—then writers should not be obliged to disclose the use of AI when it is used in the same way as a human editor. This is not an ethical issue. Writers have relied on human editors for decades without any requirement of disclosure. The same principle should apply here: if AI is used as an editorial assistant, not as a co-author, then no special disclosure should be necessary.

Book reviews /

The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine:
Biden’s Acquisition of Khalidi’s Book Sparks Controversy

. By Mouloud Benzadi, author, critic and researcher (UK)

The image of President Joe Biden leaving a bookstore holding a copy of The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi has sparked controversy, drawing criticism from both pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian supporters. New York Post called it “The Final Insult” while Ismail Khalidi, the author’s son, condemned Biden’s actions, calling him a “genocidal maniac.” First published in 2020, the book has remained a bestseller for 39 weeks. It offers a detailed account of the Palestinian struggle against Israeli occupation, focusing on six key events that have shaped the turbulent history of the region.

The Seeds of Dispossession

In the opening chapter, “The First Declaration of War, 1917–1939,” Rashid Khalidi examines how Britain’s formal endorsement of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine—articulated in the Balfour Declaration of November 2, 1917—initiated the systematic dispossession of the indigenous Arab population. Under the British Mandate, this policy facilitated the Zionist movement's transformation of Palestine from an Arab-majority region into the foundation of a future Jewish-majority state. Khalidi explores Britain’s contradictory promises to Arabs and Zionists, its divide-and-rule tactics that undermined Palestinian unity, and the brutal suppression of the 1936–1939 Great Arab Revolt. These developments, coupled with the Palestinian leadership's struggles to mount effective resistance, set the stage for the demographic and territorial upheavals that culminated in the Nakba of 1948.

The Birth of a Conflict

In the second chapter, Khalidi provides a detailed account of the pivotal events of 1947 and 1948 that reshaped the region and defined the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He examines the United Nations' adoption of the partition plan, which proposed dividing Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. While the Jewish leadership accepted the proposal, Palestinian Arabs vehemently rejected it, viewing it as a grave injustice to their majority presence and aspirations for sovereignty. The chapter vividly depicts the violence and chaos following Britain's withdrawal, culminating in the establishment of the State of Israel and the subsequent Arab-Israeli War. Khalidi powerfully conveys the catastrophic impact on the Palestinian population, detailing the mass displacement of 700,000 Palestinians in what became known as the Nakba. Khalidi highlights how these events entrenched deep divisions and laid the groundwork for decades of conflict, making this chapter essential for understanding the origins of one of the world’s longest struggles.

The Six-Day War

In “The Third Declaration of War, 1967,” Khalidi examines the pivotal events of the Six-Day War and their profound impact on Palestinians and the region. He recounts key incidents leading up to the war, including the closure of the Straits of Tiran by Egypt on May 22, 1967, and the subsequent mobilization of Arab armies. On June 5, 1967, Israel launched a pre-emptive air strike, defeating the combined forces of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria within six days. The war resulted in Israel’s occupation of the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Golan Heights, marking a dramatic territorial expansion. Khalidi highlights the frustrations of Palestinian groups like Fatah, who launched a guerrilla war in response to the failure of Arab states. He critiques UN Security Council Resolution 242 for framing the conflict as a state issue while ignoring Palestinian rights. Khalidi also emphasizes how the war reshaped U.S.-Israel relations, strengthening American support and triggering a resurgence of Palestinian cultural and political identity amidst displacement and occupation.

The 1982 Invasion of Lebanon

In “The Fourth Declaration of War,” Khalidi examines the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon, a pivotal moment for the Palestinian cause. The invasion began with a massive aerial bombardment of Beirut on June 4, followed by a brutal siege of West Beirut from June 6 to August 12, resulting in over 19,000 deaths, many of them civilians. Under international pressure, the PLO was forced to evacuate Beirut despite U.S. assurances of civilian safety. This evacuation was followed by the Sabra and Shatila massacres (September 16–18), in which Israeli-backed Phalangist militias killed over 1,300 Palestinian civilians—an atrocity that remains a stain on Israel’s record. Khalidi critiques the invasion’s indiscriminate violence, the complicity of the United States in supporting Israel, and the international community’s failure to respond effectively. He also highlights the resilience of the Palestinian people, noting how the conflict shifted the focus of the Palestinian movement back to the occupied territories and spurred the rise of groups like Hezbollah. This chapter underscores the invasion’s lasting impact on regional politics and Palestinian resistance, framing it as a turning point in the broader Middle East conflict.

The First Intifada and the Oslo Accords

In The Fifth Declaration of War, Khalidi examines the transformative period from 1987 to 1995, shaped by the First Intifada and the Oslo Accords. The Intifada, which began in December 1987 following the deaths of four Palestinians in a Gaza vehicle accident, quickly evolved into a grassroots uprising against Israeli occupation. Organized by the Unified National Leadership, it involved widespread participation, including women and youth, who employed protests and civil disobedience to challenge Israeli control. The Israeli response, including Defence Minister Yitzhak Rabin’s harsh crackdown in early 1988, drew international condemnation and shifted global perceptions of the conflict. Khalidi critiques the PLO’s disconnect from this local movement, noting how the uprising compelled the organization to recognize Israel and issue the Palestinian Declaration of Independence in 1988.

The signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993 marked a significant turning point, with Israel and the PLO formally recognizing each other. However, Khalidi argues that the Oslo process entrenched the dynamics of occupation by failing to ensure Palestinian sovereignty, effectively relegating the Palestinian Authority to the role of enforcing Israeli control. He also underscores the media’s influence in reshaping narratives, the unintended strengthening of the Palestinian national movement following the 1982 Lebanon invasion, and the impact of the U.S.-Israel partnership on the negotiation process.

The Palestinian Struggle from 2000 to 2014

In The Sixth Declaration of War, Khalidi provides a compelling analysis of the tumultuous years from 2000 to 2014, a period defined by profound Palestinian disillusionment after the initial hope surrounding the Oslo Accords. He chronicles the outbreak of the Second Intifada, sparked by Ariel Sharon's controversial visit to the Haram al-Sharif, which escalated into violent confrontations resulting in significant Palestinian casualties and a resurgence of armed resistance. Khalidi critiques the failure of the 2000 Camp David Summit to address core Palestinian concerns, further straining PLO-Israel relations.
Through the lens of Israel's ongoing colonial policies, he examines the severe restrictions on Palestinian movement and economic activity, the devastating military operations in Gaza, and the rise of Hamas as a response to the PLO's perceived inadequacies. Khalidi also explores the complexities of the U.S.-Israel relationship, emphasizing how American foreign policy has consistently marginalized Palestinian rights.

Zionism's Late Arrival and Palestine’s Survival

Khalidi concludes his book by emphasizing that, despite support from the United States and Great Britain, the Zionist movement ultimately arrived too late to eliminate the Palestinian people. He quotes Eqbal Ahmad: “August 1947 marked the beginning of decolonization, when British rule in India ended. It was in those days of hope and fulfilment that the colonization of Palestine occurred. Thus, at the dawn of decolonization, we were returned to the earliest, most intense form of colonial menace.”

Khalidi argues that, under different circumstances or in another era, “replacing the indigenous population might have been feasible if this were the eighteenth or nineteenth century, if the Palestinians were as few as the Zionist settlers or as fully decimated as the native peoples of Australasia and North America.”
He also refers to historian Tony Judt, who wrote: “The problem with Israel, in short, is not—as is sometimes suggested—that it is a European ‘enclave’ in the Arab world; but rather that it arrived too late. It has imported a characteristically late-nineteenth-century separatist project into a world that has moved on, a world of individual rights, open frontiers, and international law. The very idea of a ‘Jewish state’—a state in which Jews and the Jewish religion have exclusive privileges from which non-Jewish citizens are forever excluded—is rooted in another time and place.”

Interview

Mouloud Benzadi: "My withdrawal from the Arab literary scene is irreversible!"

El-Nokhba

• “The culture of narcissism, monopoly, and obsession with awards among established writers ultimately led to my unprecedented decision to withdraw from the Algerian and Arab literary scene.”

• “Celebrities are like stars with one major difference: while stars shine together, celebrities despise one another.”

• “True literary success lies in the ideas and values we give, not in the accolades we receive.”


Mouloud Benzadi’s literary journey began with short stories and articles, showcasing his early passion for storytelling. He then ventured into research-based writing, which paved the way for his career as a lexicographer. His best-selling dictionary of Arabic synonyms and homonyms, spanning 600 pages, quickly sold 3,000 copies and went through two editions within months. He also published a dictionary of English phrasal verbs in Arabic. During this time, Benzadi embarked on novel writing, releasing works such as *Tears and Lessons*, *Beyond the Blue Horizon*, and *Angelina: A Girl from Austria*. Now transitioning to English writing, his debut English novel is awaiting a literary agent, with quotes from this unpublished work already gaining international recognition in multiple languages.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Mouloud Benzadi, the Algerian-British writer, researcher, and translator, for an insightful interview. In our conversation, he offers profound perspectives on literary awards, the challenges he has encountered as a writer, and the obstacles Arabic writers face in gaining global readership and universal recognition. Additionally, he shares a surprising choice that distinguishes him from his Arab contemporaries: his decision to step back from the Arabic literature scene and transition to writing in English.

(This interview has been edited for length and clarity.)



When did your literary journey begin, particularly in novel and critical writing?

My love for literature blossomed early in life. I spent countless hours immersed in books, exploring the boundless worlds they offered, and gradually felt a deep desire to create stories of my own. My journey began with writing articles and short stories, some of which were published in Algerian newspapers. The last piece I published in Algeria before emigrating was a short story titled The Bride of the Study Room, which appeared in Al-Massa newspaper. At the time, I was a student at the Institute of Translation.

What do you consider the most significant milestones in your career?

My career began with a strong foundation in article writing, a form I truly cherish. I have a deep passion for research, and my articles often take days or even weeks to complete due to the extensive, multi-referenced research I conduct, particularly from English sources. This dedication sets my work apart from the more hastily written pieces of others.

A notable milestone in my journey was my foray into children’s literature, exemplified by my book *The Arrogant Gazelle*. This was followed by my exploration of novel writing, starting with *Tears and Lessons*, which is rooted in a true social drama, and then *Winds of Fate*, which surprisingly exceeded my expectations in terms of demand, despite facing distribution challenges.

However, my most significant achievement is undoubtedly *Al-Zad Dictionary of Arabic Synonyms and Homonyms*, the first of its kind in the Arab world. It has sold over 3,000 copies across two editions within just two years, all achieved with minimal publicity and significant distribution hurdles.

The latest chapter of my career involves writing in English, where both my articles and novels are beginning to gain recognition. Unlike my Arabic works, my English quotes have reached a global audience and have been translated into multiple languages, motivating me to continue my journey in the English language. I am truly passionate about contributing to English literature and setting an example for my counterparts in the Arab world. Just as we see in the Indian subcontinent and other regions, English literature can also find its way into the Arab world, and I would like to be among the pioneers in laying the foundations for Arab English literature. I aim to demonstrate that being a non-native English speaker does not hinder our ability to write successfully in English; rather, it can enrich the literary landscape and inspire others to follow suit.

Which writers have influenced you the most?

I’ve been greatly inspired by diaspora writers such as Mikhail Naima and Ameen Rihani, who taught me to prioritize meaning over form and embrace themes of love and tolerance. I also admire Shakespeare, who taught me that there is only one way for a writer to achieve eternal fame: through works that truly reflect universal themes, timeless characters, and profound insights into the human condition. Such works can reach audiences worldwide, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries. Like him, I strive to write for all of humanity rather than limiting my work to a specific audience or area such as the Arab world.

How has living in the UK shaped your perspective?
Living in the UK has profoundly influenced me. It has allowed me to engage with diverse cultures and broaden my worldview. I now think—and even dream—in English, which has enhanced my ability to write for a global audience.

What role has translation played in your career?

Translation has been crucial in my journey. I graduated from the Institute of Translation in Algiers and currently work in this field in Britain. My background in translation allows me to conduct in-depth research in English, which greatly enriches my articles and novels.
I have been outspoken in challenging the notion that translation alone can lead to global recognition. I was the first and only Arab writer to advocate for Arab authors to think and write in English as I believe that true universal recognition stems from creating work that resonates with a global audience.
A striking example is American Lebanese writer and philosopher Jibran Khalil Jibran, who did not achieve his worldwide fame through his Arabic books translated into various languages. Instead, he found success with “The Prophet,” a book he wrote in English while thinking in that language, which connected deeply with readers around the world.
In my own experience, my Arabic quotes translated into English did not obtain much attention. In contrast, the English quotes I created while thinking in English have achieved significant recognition. This reinforces my conviction that Arab writers should not only transcend regional themes but also familiarize themselves with Western ways of thinking and better understand Western cultures. If an Arab joke translated into English fails to make an English speaker laugh, it suggests that an Arab book is likely to have little impact as well. Adapting their writing accordingly is essential for Arab authors seeking to connect with a broader audience.

What challenges have you faced in your literary journey, and how did you overcome them?

Marginalization and monopolization have been significant obstacles. A select group dominates the literary scene, recognizing only those within their circle. Social media has exposed their narcissism—they rarely acknowledge or support others’ work, nor do they engage with our posts, even when we tag them to draw their attention. They chase literary awards, believing these accolades are the key to recognition. In doing so, they embrace regional themes that may appeal to Arab literary panels but fail to resonate with international audiences. The result? They gain the approval of five judges but lose worldwide readers.

This culture of narcissism, monopoly, and obsession with awards among established writers ultimately led to my unprecedented decision to withdraw from the Algerian and Arab literary scene—a step virtually unheard of in the history of Arabic literature. When I left, one thought stayed with me: “Celebrities are like stars with one major difference: while stars shine together, celebrities despise one another.”

Today, I am an independent writer, dedicated to promoting literature, love, and tolerance. I am profoundly grateful for the appreciation I receive from audiences worldwide, who value the quotes from my English-language book, which is still searching for a literary agent.

Any final words for our readers and advice for aspiring writers?

To aspiring writers, my advice is simple: Write to serve humanity and benefit the world; do not write to please a committee or to gain an award. True literary success lies in the ideas and values we give, not in the accolades we receive.
As for me, my withdrawal from the Arab literary scene is irreversible. However, this does not mean I’ve abandoned my commitment to writing in Arabic and impacting the Arab world in the language they understand.
In the meantime, I will continue searching for a literary agent for my English novel. If that search proves unsuccessful, I will still share quotes and excerpts that express positive messages—such as love, tolerance, coexistence, and all our shared human values.

I sincerely hope for support in publishing my debut English book, as I truly want to share positive thoughts and suggestions with the world in English, the global language. I aim to highlight the importance of prioritizing global belonging over narrow identity and nationality, as well as the significance of writing and thinking beyond national and cultural boundaries.

Interview with author Mouloud Benzadi

Mouloud Benzadi: "My withdrawal from the Arab literary scene is irreversible!"

El-Nokhba

• “The culture of narcissism, monopoly, and obsession with awards among established writers ultimately led to my unprecedented decision to withdraw from the Algerian and Arab literary scene.”

• “Celebrities are like stars with one major difference: while stars shine together, celebrities despise one another.”

• “True literary success lies in the ideas and values we give, not in the accolades we receive.”


Mouloud Benzadi’s literary journey began with short stories and articles, showcasing his early passion for storytelling. He then ventured into research-based writing, which paved the way for his career as a lexicographer. His best-selling dictionary of Arabic synonyms and homonyms, spanning 600 pages, quickly sold 3,000 copies and went through two editions within months. He also published a dictionary of English phrasal verbs in Arabic. During this time, Benzadi embarked on novel writing, releasing works such as *Tears and Lessons*, *Beyond the Blue Horizon*, and *Angelina: A Girl from Austria*. Now transitioning to English writing, his debut English novel is awaiting a literary agent, with quotes from this unpublished work already gaining international recognition in multiple languages.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Mouloud Benzadi, the Algerian-British writer, researcher, and translator, for an insightful interview. In our conversation, he offers profound perspectives on literary awards, the challenges he has encountered as a writer, and the obstacles Arabic writers face in gaining global readership and universal recognition. Additionally, he shares a surprising choice that distinguishes him from his Arab contemporaries: his decision to step back from the Arabic literature scene and transition to writing in English.

(This interview has been edited for length and clarity.)



When did your literary journey begin, particularly in novel and critical writing?
My love for literature blossomed early in life. I spent countless hours immersed in books, exploring the boundless worlds they offered, and gradually felt a deep desire to create stories of my own. My journey began with writing articles and short stories, some of which were published in Algerian newspapers. The last piece I published in Algeria before emigrating was a short story titled The Bride of the Study Room, which appeared in Al-Massa newspaper. At the time, I was a student at the Institute of Translation.

What do you consider the most significant milestones in your career?
My career began with a strong foundation in article writing, a form I truly cherish. I have a deep passion for research, and my articles often take days or even weeks to complete due to the extensive, multi-referenced research I conduct, particularly from English sources. This dedication sets my work apart from the more hastily written pieces of others.

A notable milestone in my journey was my foray into children’s literature, exemplified by my book *The Arrogant Gazelle*. This was followed by my exploration of novel writing, starting with *Tears and Lessons*, which is rooted in a true social drama, and then *Winds of Fate*, which surprisingly exceeded my expectations in terms of demand, despite facing distribution challenges.

However, my most significant achievement is undoubtedly *Al-Zad Dictionary of Arabic Synonyms and Homonyms*, the first of its kind in the Arab world. It has sold over 3,000 copies across two editions within just two years, all achieved with minimal publicity and significant distribution hurdles.

The latest chapter of my career involves writing in English, where both my articles and novels are beginning to gain recognition. Unlike my Arabic works, my English quotes have reached a global audience and have been translated into multiple languages, motivating me to continue my journey in the English language. I am truly passionate about contributing to English literature and setting an example for my counterparts in the Arab world. Just as we see in the Indian subcontinent and other regions, English literature can also find its way into the Arab world, and I would like to be among the pioneers in laying the foundations for Arab English literature. I aim to demonstrate that being a non-native English speaker does not hinder our ability to write successfully in English; rather, it can enrich the literary landscape and inspire others to follow suit.

Which writers have influenced you the most?
I’ve been greatly inspired by diaspora writers such as Mikhail Naima and Ameen Rihani, who taught me to prioritize meaning over form and embrace themes of love and tolerance. I also admire Shakespeare, who taught me that there is only one way for a writer to achieve eternal fame: through works that truly reflect universal themes, timeless characters, and profound insights into the human condition. Such works can reach audiences worldwide, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries. Like him, I strive to write for all of humanity rather than limiting my work to a specific audience or area such as the Arab world.
How has living in the UK shaped your perspective?
Living in the UK has profoundly influenced me. It has allowed me to engage with diverse cultures and broaden my worldview. I now think—and even dream—in English, which has enhanced my ability to write for a global audience.

What role has translation played in your career?
Translation has been crucial in my journey. I graduated from the Institute of Translation in Algiers and currently work in this field in Britain. My background in translation allows me to conduct in-depth research in English, which greatly enriches my articles and novels.
I have been outspoken in challenging the notion that translation alone can lead to global recognition. I was the first and only Arab writer to advocate for Arab authors to think and write in English as I believe that true universal recognition stems from creating work that resonates with a global audience.
A striking example is American Lebanese writer and philosopher Jibran Khalil Jibran, who did not achieve his worldwide fame through his Arabic books translated into various languages. Instead, he found success with “The Prophet,” a book he wrote in English while thinking in that language, which connected deeply with readers around the world.
In my own experience, my Arabic quotes translated into English did not obtain much attention. In contrast, the English quotes I created while thinking in English have achieved significant recognition. This reinforces my conviction that Arab writers should not only transcend regional themes but also familiarize themselves with Western ways of thinking and better understand Western cultures. If an Arab joke translated into English fails to make an English speaker laugh, it suggests that an Arab book is likely to have little impact as well. Adapting their writing accordingly is essential for Arab authors seeking to connect with a broader audience.

What challenges have you faced in your literary journey, and how did you overcome them?
Marginalization and monopolization have been significant obstacles. A select group dominates the literary scene, recognizing only those within their circle. Social media has exposed their narcissism—they rarely acknowledge or support others’ work, nor do they engage with our posts, even when we tag them to draw their attention. They chase literary awards, believing these accolades are the key to recognition. In doing so, they embrace regional themes that may appeal to Arab literary panels but fail to resonate with international audiences. The result? They gain the approval of five judges but lose worldwide readers.

This culture of narcissism, monopoly, and obsession with awards among established writers ultimately led to my unprecedented decision to withdraw from the Algerian and Arab literary scene—a step virtually unheard of in the history of Arabic literature. When I left, one thought stayed with me: “Celebrities are like stars with one major difference: while stars shine together, celebrities despise one another.”

Today, I am an independent writer, dedicated to promoting literature, love, and tolerance. I am profoundly grateful for the appreciation I receive from audiences worldwide, who value the quotes from my English-language book, which is still searching for a literary agent.

Any final words for our readers and advice for aspiring writers?

To aspiring writers, my advice is simple: Write to serve humanity and benefit the world; do not write to please a committee or to gain an award. True literary success lies in the ideas and values we give, not in the accolades we receive.
As for me, my withdrawal from the Arab literary scene is irreversible. However, this does not mean I’ve abandoned my commitment to writing in Arabic. I will continue searching for a literary agent for my English novel. If that search proves unsuccessful, I will still share quotes and excerpts that express positive messages—such as love, tolerance, coexistence, and all our shared human values. I deeply hope for support in publishing my debut English book.

Mouloud Benzadi
By Mouloud Benzadi, author, critic and researcher (UK)


Literary awards often spark controversy due to their subjectivity. The decisions reflect the tastes of a small panel of judges, who can be influenced by their cultural backgrounds, personal experiences, social environments, and even their emotional or psychological states. Since tastes vary, it’s no surprise that different panels select different winners for the same set of books.
Could AI be the key to fairer judgments in literary awards? Here are some reasons why AI might be the best alternative to human judges in literary competitions.


Literary Awards: A Privilege for the Elite

One of the most controversial aspects of literary awards is that decisions are often based on a small selection of books from the thousands published each year. While the winner may be the best among the limited pool of nominees, it is not necessarily the best among all the year’s publications, raising significant questions about the credibility of the results and the rationale behind declaring a single book as “the best.” With thousands of titles published annually, many deserving works are unfairly excluded from consideration. In their article titled “Who Cares About Literary Prizes?”, co-authors Alexander Manshel, Laura B. McGrath, and J. D. Porter emphasize this issue, noting that “The Booker Prize judges announced their shortlist for 2019, selecting just six novels out of the more than 100,000 new titles published in English so far this year.” Such statistics underscore the limitations of the selection process, casting doubt on the validity and representativeness of literary awards based on only a handful of nominations. Utilizing AI judges could address this problem, allowing all published books to have a fair share of participation in awards competitions.


AI Judges Cover Every Page, Human Judges Don't

One common criticism of literary award panels is their inability to read a large number of books within a limited timeframe. This has raised concerns that not all entries are being thoroughly reviewed. The Guardian highlighted this issue in a December 2019 article, revealing that “a judge of one of Scotland’s most prestigious literary awards has resigned over its choice of winner, claiming that her fellow judges had not read all of the books.” This was not an isolated case. Thuy On, Literary Editor of ArtsHub and a judge in numerous literary competitions, echoed this concern. In response to whether literary award panels read every single page of every manuscript, she explained, "Certainly not; that would be an impossible task, given the tight timelines granted. Most judges read several chapters to gauge the writing quality. If the prose or poetry piques interest, then they read on. Remember, this is a competition. If the writing does not appeal for whatever reason, it is unlikely that the reader will continue. There are many other works to get to, after all."
Unlike human judges, AI can read faster and with greater consistency, ensuring a thorough and unbiased assessment of each book. This positions AI as a promising alternative for judging book award competitions, capable of delivering more reliable and comprehensive evaluations.


Enhancing Book Assessment through Online Reviews

Online book reviews play a crucial role in identifying the best books available, providing valuable insights into readers’ attitudes and opinions. Reviews offer feedback on literary works and present diverse interpretations, helping to reveal what resonates with readers and where improvements may be needed. They can also serve as a rich data source for assessing a book's impact.

This is where AI technology comes into play. With the ability to quickly read and evaluate thousands of books, AI can also process large volumes of online reviews and related information, allowing a book to be assessed not only by the tastes of a few judges but by the views of millions worldwide. By considering the collective opinions of the global reading community, AI helps ensure a broader and more inclusive assessment of a book’s worth.


AI Offers Solutions for the Award Panel Selection

The selection process for literary award panel judges has long been a subject of controversy. Typically, judges are appointed by a governing body without a democratic selection process, and disagreements about the selected individuals are common. These panel judges come from diverse spheres of industry and include novelists, poets, critics, booksellers, agents, magazine editors, and press publishers. Inevitably, they often disagree about which works should be selected. As Thuy On noted, “In cases of tense disagreements between the panel, they (Chairs of the Judging Panel) will step in to make the final decision. Often, there is plea bargaining going on. So, you’ll say, ‘Okay, if you agree for me to nominate this book for the shortlist, then I will (reluctantly) agree to let your favorite book be on there as well.’”

In an article titled “A Judgement on Literary Judging,” Steven Herrick, who was asked to serve on the judging panel for the 2014 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, wrote: “By what criteria should I be placed in such a position? Just because I’ve written twenty-odd books and won a few awards? Don’t they know I have an editor and a publisher who fine-tune my rambles to such a degree that sometimes I can’t recognize my own writing? Can we have an award for editors, please? I’ll be first in line to judge that.”


AI Judges Solve Conflict of Interest in Literary Competitions

One significant challenge faced by literary awards panels is the potential for conflicts of interest, particularly when a judge and a candidate share personal or financial connections. With the rise of social media, these relationships have become both easier to form and more visible, exacerbating the issue. As Beth Driscoll highlights in her article “How Prizes Work in the Literary Economy,” “often such a field is highly insular and interconnected: people in different positions are likely to know each other, and the same person might occupy a variety of positions over time.” This interconnectedness can lead to situations where judges assess the work of close friends, colleagues, or compatriots, creating a clear conflict of interest.

Driscoll’s observation is echoed in the Arab literary world, where there have been cases of judges evaluating books by friends and associates from the same publishing houses. Such instances reveal flaws in the selection process, where organizers may not sufficiently vet the judges' suitability. These practices ultimately undermine the credibility of the awards. To address this, AI judges could offer a viable alternative, as they lack personal connections and would ensure that all candidates are evaluated fairly and impartially.


The Subjectivity of Literary Awards Decisions

In literary awards competitions, human judges are often influenced by their own backgrounds, opinions, and personal preferences, leading to subjective decision-making. As Isabel Costello noted, “Literary merit is not an absolute – it’s a question of taste and opinion; just look at the vastly differing reviews J.K. Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy has attracted.” This subjectivity was further highlighted by author Tessa Hadley, a recipient of the Windham-Campbell Prize, who remarked that “it was wrong that so much emphasis was placed on the Booker when the winner was decided by the ‘taste, personality and character of the judges.’”

Unlike human judges, AI judges are free from personal feelings, emotions, or background influences that can affect their judgments. This allows them to make impartial decisions based solely on the merit and quality of the literary works, transcending individual biases and potentially delivering fairer outcomes in literary awards competitions.


AI Judges Can Eliminate Gender Bias in Awards

Gender bias has long been a contentious issue in literary awards. British fiction reviews editor Sara Veale points to “gender bias in literary prize-giving,” stating, “data shows a preference towards not just male writers—16 women in total have won the Booker in its 45-year history; it’s the same with prizes like the Pulitzer and the Nobel Prize—but also looks specifically at not just who’s writing the books but who they’re writing about. It examines who the protagonists are and what their gender is, which speaks to the broader bias within the industry toward narratives about men.” Veale concludes, “It’s hard to escape the conclusion that... those who judge literary worthiness find women frightening, distasteful, or boring.”

The issue of gender bias extends beyond award winners to the composition of judging panels themselves. Veale observes, “And you have to think about who’s picking the prizes as well. I mean, are panels balanced? With the Booker, it was two women and three men—it’s not equal, it’s not terribly unequal, but that’s where our biases come in when you’re considering experimental fiction and what’s considered substantial and what’s considered insubstantial.”

Incorporating AI judges in literary competitions could help ensure a fairer evaluation process, as AI operates without inherent biases and has no gender, focusing solely on the literary quality of submissions.

In conclusion, the advantages of using AI judges in book award competitions are significant and far-reaching. AI can read and assess books with unparalleled efficiency, draw on online reviews for comprehensive evaluations, and ensure transparent and objective selection processes. By eliminating conflicts of interest, emotional biases, and gender bias, AI judges offer the promise of a more inclusive and fair literary awards system. Embracing this technology could revolutionize book awards, recognizing literary excellence purely on merit. As technology continues to evolve, adopting AI judges in literary competitions may pave the way for a more transparent, equitable, and forward-thinking literary future.

By Mouloud Benzadi, author, researcher and translator (UK)

Saleh Kamel, a renowned Saudi businessman who passed away in 2020, has left behind a fascinating legacy of wealth creation. Despite his humble beginnings, he succeeded in building a multi-billion dollar business empire that continues to capture the interest of many. Reflecting on his extraordinary journey, co-authors Patricia Lancaster and Sir William Patey were inspired to pen the book, "Once Upon a Time in Makkah: The Story of Saleh Kamel Visionary, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist." This endeavour was no small undertaking, requiring extensive research and interviews with a wide array of individuals, including family members, friends, business associates, and employees. Even Sir William, who had the privilege of meeting Saleh Kamel during his tenure as the British Ambassador to countries in the region, found the project to be a challenging yet rewarding experience. The outcome is a captivating narrative that offers insight into Saleh Kamel’s remarkable life and the exceptional success he achieved.


Childhood in Historical Makkah and Jeddah

The book opens by transporting readers to the cradle of Saleh Kamel's childhood in Makkah and Jeddah. These cities held significant historical and diplomatic importance, with Jeddah serving as the diplomatic capital and housing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies until the 1980s when these functions were relocated to Riyadh. The narrative not only explores the history of Jeddah, founded around 646 CE, but also delves into the broader history of Saudi Arabia before delving into Saleh Kamel's family background. Born in 1941 into a hardworking family that had faced financial hardships, Saleh Kamel often recounted his father's struggles to make ends meet. In an interview, Kamel shared, "When we were in Makkah, my father’s salary frequently ran out before the end of the month, and we would be obliged to borrow small amounts of money from a neighbour."


Kamel’s Initiative and Leadership

One of Kamel's defining characteristics was his initiative and leadership abilities, setting him apart in his community. An example of this is when he observed the interest of Saudi boys in joining the Scouts movement and noticed a lack of Scouting supplies. Taking matters into his own hands, he decided to import these supplies, ensuring they were readily available. He described this approach as "identifying a need and utilizing available resources to address it." This innate drive to take charge extended to his success in the media industry. At just 13 years old, he witnessed his peers posting notices on a school wall, sparking an idea that led to the creation of his own magazine called "The Mirror of Scholarship." His publication garnered attention beyond the school grounds, ultimately earning him the distinction of being the first student in Jeddah to be formally recognized for his accomplishments by King Fahd, who was the Minister of Education at the time.
Following his studies at King Saud University, Saleh Kamel embarked on a career at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs before transitioning to the Ministry of Finance. There, he consistently demonstrated his innovative thinking and strategic planning, earning promotions and commendations for his contributions to the ministry.


Kamel Saleh's Business Empire

Despite all the privileges he enjoyed while working for the Ministry of Finance, Kamel decided it was time to change career. He knew from the experience of his father and his own experience that public service would never grant him the rewards he wanted. He set his mind on building a business empire. Kamel's interest in business was not a recent development. He had been interested in the field since a very young age. He started by selling sheep bones then traditional boiled chickpeas, spices and sour pickles. One intriguing fact about Kamel is that “his compulsion to succeed was not spurred by financial motives alone... It was the challenge – the thrill of the chase and the quest for victory – that energised him the most. One of his principles in business was to reach the target and achieve satisfaction. His brother-in-law, Dr Naji Nazer rightly said, “for him that was more important than the cash rewards that accompanied success”. With his dynamic thinking, courage and enthusiasm, he had all the potential for success. Dr Naji Nazer said that “this vitality stayed with Saleh Kamel all his life”
Kamel also possessed new ideas which helped him to achieve great success. When he noticed that the postal service was confined to big cities in the kingdom, he took the initiative and launched a courier service under the name of Dallah Establishment. To do so he used all his savings to buy 30 Toyota SUVs. To minimize maintenance costs, he took the initiative to give the ownership of the vehicle to the driver after three years, providing it is kept in good condition. This strategy not only promoted responsible vehicle upkeep but also helped his company save money on maintenance, as drivers took extra care looking after the vehicles, knowing they would become theirs after just three years.


Dream Big or Settle For Nothing

The company expanded into other industries, such as maintenance and infrastructure, securing valuable contracts that established it as one of the main contractors in the Arab world. Initially, they secured a contract to maintain and operate the Kingdom's thirteen civil airports. Later, they successfully bid for additional contracts to maintain and operate all 22 airports and air bases in the country. This marked a significant growth for the group, which eventually expanded beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia. Today, the company is operational in 44 countries and employs over 85,000 people.

Amid the company’s remarkable success, Kamel’s ambitions and vision continued to grow. Embracing the idea to “dream big or settle for nothing; let your aspirations be everything,” he began setting his sights on the aviation industry. Recognizing the need for the expertise of an established company, Kamel established a joint venture between Dallah and the US-based company AVCO. This partnership gave rise to Dallah AVCO Trans Arabia Company in 1975, which quickly became a dominant player in Saudi Arabia’s military and commercial aviation industry.
Subsequently, Dallah secured a significant contract to provide cleaning services for the city of Jeddah, prevailing over a competitive field that included 12 American companies.


Pioneer of The Islamic Economy

Aligning with his mother’s wish to adhere to the teachings of Islam and influenced by Sheikh Alsharawi, a Muslim jurist at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah and King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah, Saleh Kamel chose to operate his business under an Islamic framework. He utilized the mudaraba concept in transactions with Banque du Caire, yielding unexpected success. While the typical annual interest rate on savings stood at 4%, Kamel’s application of mudaraba principles led to a substantial 24% profit for Dallah.
Seeking a deeper understanding of religion, Kamel championed discussions on Islamic finance theories and openly shared his views on Islamic economics through various mediums, including the media and his writings. In a 2017 essay titled “My Understanding of the Concept of Capital in Islam,” he offered intricate insights into his interpretation of Islamic economics, shedding light on his nuanced understanding of the subject.

Saleh Kamel’s reputation and influence abroad were remarkable. He made an enormous contribution to the emergence of London as the capital of Islamic finance industry in the West. His Albaraka Banking Group became present in Arab countries and beyond. Today, the group has more than 600 branches across three continents. Speaking at a conference of bankers in London, attended by Britain’s future King Charles, Saleh Kamel revealed how he had been impressed by a lecture given by the monarch, then heir-apparent, in 1997, in which he referred to Islam as “a religion of culture from which the world should be enlightened”. “Islam”, Saleh Kamel told the conference, “has created a coexistent human society cooperating with and complementing others, for the sake of prosperity and the welfare of all humanity”. In essence, Saleh Kamel's multifaceted contributions have not only reshaped the Islamic banking landscape but have also enriched and enlightened individuals worldwide about the virtues of faith, cooperation, and prosperity. As a visionary leader and advocate for Islamic principles in the financial realm and beyond, his remarkable legacy continues to inspire and resonate across borders and cultures.



#salehkamel, #saudi, #success, #Arab, #billionaire, #Dallah, #mudaraba, #KingAbdulAzizUniversity

By Mouloud Benzadi, author, researcher and translator based in the UK

In 2021, a study discovered that the UK housed approximately 85.3 thousand writers and authors, while the United States boasted over 49.4 thousand. Among this vast pool of literary talent, a captivating question emerges: who among them, along with writers from around the world, will endure the test of time and retain their popularity in 2123? How can a writer achieve eternal fame? And can we accurately predict literary fame?

Literary fame is unpredictable
In 1929, The Manchester Guardian (now known as The Guardian) conducted a poll among its readers to determine the "novelists who may be read in 2029." Topping the list of popularity was novelist and playwright John Galsworthy with 1,180 votes, followed by H. G. Wells (933), Arnold Bennett (654), Rudyard Kipling (455), and J. M. Barrie (286). John Galsworthy, an Englishman, achieved global recognition for his writings and received the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature in 1932.
However, nearly a century later, it turned out that the prediction was inaccurate. Today, all these novelists are relatively unknown or unpopular, despite their once-universal fame. The Manchester Guardian Poll raises intriguing questions: Why do some writers attain everlasting fame while others fade into obscurity? Why do writers who were immensely popular in their time lose their fame? And does the 1929 Poll signify that, unlike the predictability of the economy, science, politics, and the weather, literary fame remains unpredictable?
To answer these questions, we must explore the ways in which writers attain fame and delve into history for potential clues.

Literary awards
Literary awards hold significant importance in today's publishing industry. Prestigious prizes generate headlines, generate public interest, and contribute to increased book sales. They provide valuable exposure for authors. However, along with their benefits, there are also drawbacks to consider. History has shown us that literary book awards have often been seen as the quickest and easiest path to global fame. They have propelled numerous authors to stardom. Yet, this fame often fades after their death—unlike the likes of William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, or Charles Dickens, who never won any awards but are still revered as the greatest writers of all time.
Another disadvantage of literary prizes is that they can lead authors to write with the aim of pleasing a specific committee, rather than spreading messages of love, tolerance, peace, and serving humanity. Literary awards have perpetually stirred controversy, and their validity has often been questioned due to the subjective nature of criteria used to assess book merit. This raises pertinent questions: How can five judges determine the best book of the year without reading each and every book published? While some fortunate authors may participate in award competitions, others may never get the opportunity due to stringent nomination and selection processes. Moreover, when the same books are submitted to different panels, different winners may emerge, casting doubt on the judges' decisions.
Furthermore, literary awards offer no guarantee of enduring fame. Few readers today are familiar with authors who won the Nobel Prize in literature in the past, such as those from the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, or even the 1990s. However, names like William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Victor Hugo, or Jean-Paul Sartre, who stood the test of time without winning prestigious prizes, remain universally recognized. The saturation of awards and the aforementioned drawbacks raise pertinent questions: How long will literary awards persist before their inevitable decline? And when will the world begin seeking more credible and realistic alternatives to replace them?

Social networks
Internet fame is taking the front page by storm. New authors are finding fame online, attracting followers and engagement. Social media platforms offer new writers virtually unlimited opportunities. They provide writers with the chance to reach audiences and expand their global readership. These platforms create an engaging space that allows writers to interact with their readers, who often become their loyal friends. Additionally, social media platforms help writers promote their books and serve as a lucrative way to access international markets and sell their works.
Thanks to the emergence of social media, the world of literature is no longer controlled solely by elites. Anyone and everyone can now write, contribute to world literature, and connect with audiences across the globe.
A recent study conducted by Columbia Business School, as reported by Artsy, sheds light on the role of social networks in predicting fame. The study, titled "The Art of Fame", found that individuals with a diverse network of personal and professional contacts from different industries are statistically more likely to achieve fame.

Universal Appeal
Authors possess the ability to explore a vast array of subjects within the universe of literature. They have the freedom to craft stories based on real-life events or delve into the realms of imaginative fiction. Nonetheless, throughout history, it can be observed that remarkable literary works often center around universal themes that resonate with a broad readership. These themes encompass topics such as life, death, war, peace, hate, love, pain, lust, and revenge, capturing the attention of readers from diverse backgrounds and appealing to different age groups.
Even in the present day, the profound resonance of Charles Dickens' works endures. His narratives continue to captivate contemporary readers due to their timeless themes that remain relevant in our lives. While times may change and language may evolve, the essence of the situations, emotions, and human experience that Dickens portrayed has persevered across centuries. These themes transcend generations and serve as a reflection of people's lives. The BBC astutely describes this enduring appeal, stating, "This is why the world still loves Charles Dickens. Amongst all the famous Victorian authors, Charles Dickens retains a place in public affections throughout the world, and Americans adore him as if he were their own. Perhaps this Is because Dickens wrote from the heart; he wrote about emotions and situations that people still identify with today. Although the English language has changed since Dickens’ time, the essence of his storytelling remains as relevant as it was in the 19th Century.”

The ability to inspire
Likewise, history teaches us that great works of literature are those that can inspire others. Great writers are those who can inspire other writers, not just in their own time, but also those who come afterwards. Their influence can last for decades or even centuries, increasing their chances of becoming eternal.
Authors do not necessarily achieve eternal fame through famous books alone. They can also inspire generations through their power of words and thoughts. Powerful literary quotes can survive for centuries, reminding every generation of their authors. Hamlet's quote "to be or not to be" has been used for centuries. Unlike books that can contain hundreds of pages, quotations are a simple way to convey an idea. They are concise, interesting, intriguing, and above all, memorable. They are used to support arguments.
Books, including those written by famous authors, may sit unread on forgotten shelves, attracting dust rather than readers' attention. Memorable literary quotes can stand the test of time, fascinating and inspiring people generation after generation.
As the pace of life accelerates, people are more likely to know authors through short, inspiring quotes than long, time-consuming books.
The Guardian's poll shows that, unlike economic forecasts, literary fame can be hard to predict. But this prediction is not entirely impossible. Noted Howard Marks pens, "the key to dealing with the future lies in knowing where you are, even if you can't know precisely where you're going." History has taught us that writers can pass the test of time without winning any awards, as evidenced by Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens, to name a few. History has also taught us, through the 1929 Guardian's poll experience, that being very popular in a particular period does not guarantee eternal fame. And we now know through John Galsworthy's experience that winning a prestigious prize does not guarantee eternal fame.
By knowing where the writers stand, the themes they integrate into their works, and the level of influence they have on others, we certainly stand a good chance of predicting who is more likely to stand the test of time. And in the end, the question remains: Who among the writers of our time will still be read, quoted, and remembered in 2123?

■ By Mouloud Benzadi, author, researcher and translator – (UK)


BBC once referred to it as the "Bible of the counterculture," emphasizing its status as a timeless classic. "The Prophet" by Arab Diaspora poet Gibran Khalil Gibran was first published over a century ago in 1923. Since then, the book has transcended borders, achieving exceptional success by selling over 100 million copies worldwide (with over 10 million in the United States alone). This remarkable accomplishment prompts questions: Why is this book so significant, and why is Gibran more popular than his Arab counterparts?


Embracing Assimilation and Change
One of the lesser-known facts about Gibran is his openness to change and integration. Khalil Gibran arrived in America in 1895 with his mother Kamila and his siblings, settling initially in Boston's South End within the Lebanese community. The significance of his choices is underscored by Wbur, stating, "He was terribly aware of either completely joining the intellectual community surrounding him in Boston and in New York or just staying with the immigrants. And it's interesting that when he returned to the United States [from a visit to Paris, France], instead of settling in the Syrian community, he brought his sister, Mariana, into Beacon Hill." Wbur further noted, "he did not settle in Little Syria, which meant he was interested in assimilating." When Gibran ventured to New York, he chose to reside in Greenwich Village, forging connections with numerous individuals who introduced him to other literary figures. As Wbur pondered, "Could he have stayed in the Syrian community? Yes, but I don't think he would have become an international figure."

Undoubtedly, Khalil Gibran's capacity to assimilate into American society was pivotal to his success as an Arab intellectual. This assimilation not only facilitated his acceptance within American cultural circles but also played a crucial role in the widespread success of his English book "The Prophet." Through his integration and evolution of thought, Gibran was able to grasp Western ways of thinking, transcend cultural barriers that impeded understanding, and appeal to a broader audience, culminating in global acclaim and recognition for his work.


Gibran’s Bohemian Spirit And Sufi Wisdom

Wbur revealed that Kahlil Gibran "immersed himself in the intellectual bohemianism of the early 20th century."

Bohemianism is a social and cultural movement that originated in Europe in the mid-19th century, characterized by a rejection of traditional conventions and values, and emphasizing spirituality, freedom, and community. This movement played a vital role in the global popularity of Kahlil Gibran's "The Prophet." The book's themes of self-discovery, individuality, and challenging societal norms closely mirrored the Bohemian principles, attracting artists, writers, and free spirits. The values of accepting uniqueness, blending spirituality and creativity, enjoying freedom, and caring about community made a strong bond between "The Prophet" and the Bohemian lifestyle. This connection appealed to many different people looking for inspiration, wisdom, and a more liberated way of life and thought.

In addition to Bohemianism, Sufism had a significant influence on Gibran’s writings. The Sufi influence is evident in deep contemplation, seeking truth, spiritual knowledge, and patience as paths to wisdom and inner peace, all of which are reflected in “The Prophet.” The values of love, kindness, and tolerance towards others that Gibran advocates for are pillars of Sufi philosophy. The fusion of Sufi philosophy and Bohemian principles in “The Prophet” adds great significance to this timeless work, continuing to inspire readers across cultures and generations.


Gibran's Timeless and Poetic Language

The enduring success of Kahlil Gibran’s masterpiece, 'The Prophet,' can be largely attributed to the remarkable use of captivating old-fashioned language that transcends conventional boundaries. While Gibran did not employ archaic English similar to the linguistic styles of Shakespeare or Chaucer, his choice of language does have a poetic and somewhat elevated tone that may evoke a sense of old-fashioned or timeless language. Gibran’s style often blends elements of different literary traditions, including biblical language and Eastern wisdom, giving it a distinctive, somewhat archaic flavor.

One of the defining features of Gibran’s poetic style in 'The Prophet' is his use of imagery and symbolism to convey universal truths and themes. His prose is rich with vivid metaphors and allegorical language that evoke powerful emotions and provoke thought. An example of this can be found in this excerpt: “When love beckons to you, follow him. Though his ways are hard and steep, and when his wings enfold you, yield to him. Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you, and when he speaks to you, believe in him, even if his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste to the garden. For even as love crowns you, so shall he crucify you.” This passage captures Gibran’s lyrical language and profound reflections on the complexities of love and its transformative power.


The Profound Philosophy of "The Prophet"

One important factor contributing to the timeless success of "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran is its profound philosophy and wisdom. It delves deep into the human experience, offering insightful reflections on various aspects of life. For instance, "The Prophet" explores the interconnectedness of joy and sorrow, highlighting how both are essential elements of the human experience. Gibran suggests that true joy can only be understood in contrast to sorrow, asserting that both emotions are necessary for personal growth and resilience. By acknowledging the cyclical nature of joy and sorrow, Gibran encourages readers to embrace life's fluctuations with acceptance and understanding.

In terms of love, "The Prophet" portrays love as a binding force that should not seek to possess but rather to liberate. Gibran emphasizes that love is not about ownership but about mutual respect and freedom. His words on love inspire readers to embrace a love that is unconditional and selfless. Furthermore, "The Prophet" offers a unique perspective on marriage, underscoring the importance of maintaining individuality within the marital union. Gibran suggests that couples should support each other's personal growth while allowing space for individual development. He stresses that marriage should be a partnership grounded in mutual understanding and respect rather than domination or dependence.


The Universal Appeal of "The Prophet"

One significant reason for the global success of "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran lies in its universal appeal. Unlike his contemporaries in the Arab world who focused on local themes and nationalism, Gibran's exposure to life in America broadened his perspective to explore universal concepts. Through profound insights on love, joy, sorrow, freedom, and individuality, "The Prophet" transcends cultural boundaries, offering guidance that speaks to the core of the human experience. By delving into these universal themes that echo spiritual and philosophical teachings from various traditions worldwide.

For instance, "The Prophet" explores the theme of death in a profound and comforting way. It offers insights on the soul's journey, the immortality of love, and the interconnectedness of life and death. This philosophical approach appeals to readers seeking wisdom and solace in the face of mortality.

"The Prophet" also delves into the theme of freedom, emphasizing the liberation of the human spirit. Gibran's contemplations on freedom and its connection to responsibility and choice resonate with readers worldwide who seek personal liberation and the freedom to live authentically.


Beyond Religious Affiliations

“The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran has a unique ability to transcend religious boundaries and touch the hearts of people from diverse backgrounds. Reverend Laurie Sue, an interfaith minister in New York, describes the universal appeal of the book by stating, “But it is not filled with any kind of dogma; it is available to anyone whether they are Jewish or Christian or Muslim.” This sentiment captures the essence of Gibran’s work, which speaks to the universal truths and experiences that resonate with individuals regardless of their religious affiliations. Professor Juan Cole, a historian of the Middle East at the University of Michigan, highlights how Gibran’s writings have provided solace and inspiration to many who may have turned away from the traditional structures of organized religion. He notes, “Many people turned away from the establishment of the Church to Gibran,” emphasizing the power of Gibran’s words to speak directly to individuals seeking a more personal and universal connection to spirituality. Gibran’s ability to transcend specific religious doctrines and speak to the innermost desires and struggles of the human soul has made “The Prophet” a timeless and cherished work for readers around the world. Its message of love, freedom, and spiritual growth resonates with individuals seeking deeper meaning and connection in their lives, regardless of their religious background.

In conclusion, the worldwide recognition of "The Prophet" stems from the author's remarkable talent in reaching beyond geographical boundaries and cultural differences by exploring universal themes, profound philosophical insights, and wise teachings. Another key factor in the success of Gibran's works, including "The Prophet," and their superiority over those of his Arab counterparts, lies in Gibran's adoption of English, the global language. By embracing a Western style of thought and writing in English, Gibran effectively overcame linguistic barriers and cultural obstacles that often impeded the global recognition of translated Arabic works.

Today, over one century since the book was first published, "The Prophet" remains one of the most influential books in history, never out of print since 1923. This milestone has elevated Gibran to the status of the third best-selling poet in history, placing him in the esteemed company of Shakespeare and Lao-tzu.

Hinterfragung der Fairness des Prozesses gegen Katharina Kepler


Von Mouloud Benzadi, Autor, Forscher und Übersetzer

Während der intensiven Zeit der Hexenverfolgung in Europa wurden zahlreiche Frauen vor Gericht gestellt und hingerichtet. Eine dieser Frauen war Katharina Kepler, die Mutter des berühmten Astronomen Johannes Kepler. Im August 1620 wurde sie aus dem Haus ihrer Tochter geholt und wegen 49 Anklagepunkten der Hexerei inhaftiert. Sie wurde schließlich freigesprochen, wobei Johannes eine starke Verteidigung zugeschrieben wurde, die auf wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen beruhte. Es bestehen jedoch weiterhin Unsicherheiten: Basierte ihre Entlastung wirklich auf wissenschaftlichen Beweisen? Und durchlief Katharina denselben Prozess wie andere, die zu dieser Zeit wegen ähnlicher Anklagen angeklagt wurden, was zu einem fairen Freispruch führte?

Die mitfühlende Verteidigung von Katharina Kepler

Bei der Untersuchung von Katharina Keplers Biografie wird deutlich, dass ihr Sohn seine wissenschaftliche Expertise nutzte, um ihr während ihres Prozesses zu helfen. Bei näherer Betrachtung gibt es jedoch nur wenige direkte Beweise oder Dokumente, die explizit belegen, wie er dies tat.

In der Verteidigung seiner Mutter scheint Kepler mitfühlende Argumente anstelle wissenschaftlicher Beweise vorzubringen. In dem Buch „Der Astronom und die Hexe“ schrieb die Cambridge-Professorin Ulinka Rublack: „Gleich zu Beginn des Falles betrachtete Kepler ihre Körperlichkeit als Hauptursache für die Angst und Ablehnung der Menschen und stellte einen Konflikt zwischen Jung und Alt dar. Er war wahrscheinlich von der klassischen Literatur beeinflusst, die den körperlichen Verfall von Frauen als grotesk darstellte, und begegnete wahrscheinlich vielen älteren Frauen, die darauf achteten, ihr Äußeres zu wahren.“ In einer anderen Passage aus demselben Buch heißt es: „Kepler konzentrierte sich in seinen Schriften zu ihrem Wohl auf ihren alternden Körper als abstoßend, ‚ungestalt‘ und fast unmenschlich. Die Wächter liehen der zahnlosen Frau sogar ein kaputtes Taschenmesser, um Fleisch in kleine Stücke zu schneiden, die sie ohne Kauen hinunterschlucken konnte.“ Diese Passagen heben ein mitfühlendes Verständnis der menschlichen Erfahrung hervor und zielen darauf ab, Empathie und Einsicht hervorzurufen. Sie entsprechen nicht der typischen Struktur eines logischen Arguments, das auf Beweisen, Argumentation und Faktenanalyse basiert, wie man es üblicherweise vor Gericht findet.

Darüber hinaus verwendet Kepler spekulative Argumente, die auf Vermutungen und nicht auf direkten Beweisen oder Rechtspräzedenzfällen beruhen. Dies wird durch die folgende Aussage aus Rublacks Buch belegt: „In Reinbolds Fall gab es einige Hinweise darauf, dass sie starke Medikamente eingenommen hatte, die schädlich gewesen sein könnten. Kepler schlug die Idee vor, dass sie bei Katharina, die immer ihre eigene Mischung aus Heilkräutern ohne Nebenwirkungen eingenommen hatte, versehentlich den falschen Krug verwendet haben könnte.“ Diese Aussage beruht auf Vermutungen und führt eine Theorie oder ein Szenario ein, ohne dass direkte Beweise vorliegen, die es untermauern.

Keplers manipulative Handlungen während des Gerichtsverfahrens

Der Versuch von Kepler, seine ungebildete Mutter trotz Unsicherheiten in Bezug auf die Zubereitung der Getränke, die sie den Patienten verabreichte, als zuverlässige Heilerin darzustellen, könnte als Übertreibung und bewusste Strategie zur Manipulation der Wahrnehmung und Verschleierung der Wahrheit angesehen werden. Ulinka Rublack wies treffend darauf hin: „Seine Strategie bestand im Wesentlichen darin, seine Mutter in einem anderen Licht darzustellen – nicht als alte, ausgegrenzte, ungebildete und abergläubische Frau, sondern als fromme Bürgerin, die medizinisches Wissen effektiv weitergab und erweiterte und Kräuter gewissenhaft für ihr eigenes Wohlbefinden verwendete.“

Im Gegensatz zu seiner Darstellung gab seine Mutter vor Gericht zu, dass die von ihr zubereiteten Getränke oft über Nacht oder sogar mehrere Tage in den Krügen standen, was ihre Qualität beeinträchtigte. Dies unterstreicht eindeutig die Möglichkeit, dass ihre Methoden nicht den allgemein anerkannten Standards der Pflege oder dem Wissen über die Zubereitung und Konservierung von Heilmitteln entsprachen.

Zudem griff Kepler bei der Widerlegung von Zeugen auf herabwürdigende Sprache und persönliche Angriffe zurück, wie von Ulinka Rublack beobachtet wurde. Sie merkte an: „Kepler verlor in einem zivilen Gespräch die Fassung und bezeichnete einen von ihnen als ‚Fabelfrau‘ und Beittelspacher als ‚Fabelmann‘, ‚Idiot‘ und ‚Schulmeister für kleine Mädchen‘, was einen Mangel an intellektueller Tiefe impliziert.“

Die Verwendung solcher abwertenden Sprache und Begriffe durch Kepler ist für jemanden in seiner Position unwürdig und könnte potenziell seinen Ruf schädigen sowie Fragen zu seinem professionellen Verhalten bei der Bearbeitung des Falles aufwerfen.


Zweifel an der Fairness von Katharinas Prozess
Eine entscheidende Frage stellt sich hinsichtlich der Fairness von Katharinas Prozess und ihrem anschließenden Freispruch. Im Kontext der Hexenprozesse dieser Zeit war der Einsatz von Folter eine häufig angewandte Methode, um Geständnisse von den Angeklagten zu erzwingen. Das Fehlen einer solch strengen Prüfung in Form tatsächlicher Folter für Katharina könnte als Abweichung von den damals üblichen Verfahren angesehen werden. Darüber hinaus unterstreicht die Erwähnung, dass viele der Hexerei beschuldigten Personen erst nach Folter gestanden, die Bedeutung dieser Auslassung in Katharinas Prozess.

Die Ungleichbehandlung im Prozess zugunsten Katharinas wurde auch in „Der Astronom und die Hexe“ hervorgehoben, wo es heißt: „Es ist jedoch mehr als wahrscheinlich, dass Kepler von seinen Tübinger Freunden wusste, dass das, was nun folgen würde, eine Täuschung war, und dass er Katharina das wissen ließ. Er konnte seine Mutter auf die Begegnung mit einem drittklassigen Gelegenheits-Henker vorbereiten – der psychologische Druck war daher gering. In Nürnberg wurden Gefangene zur gleichen Zeit festgebunden auf die Streckbank oder einen Stuhl gesetzt, um zu sehen, wie der legendäre Henker Franz Schmidt seine Folterinstrumente auf die schrecklichste Weise beschrieb und damit prahlte, wie er sie verwendet hatte, um die Wahrheit aus den hartnäckigsten Schurken herauszupressen. Doch Katharina wusste wahrscheinlich, dass sie keine weiteren Schmerzen erleiden würde, wenn sie nur weiterhin ihre Schuld leugnete.“

Diese Aussage legt nahe, dass Katharina wahrscheinlich darüber informiert worden war, dass ihr Prozess eine Täuschung war, was den psychologischen Druck linderte. Dies legt den Schluss nahe, dass Katharina ungerecht behandelt worden sei, da sie nicht dem gleichen psychischen und physischen Druck ausgesetzt war wie Häftlinge mit ähnlichen Anklagen in Nürnberg.


Das verdächtige Porträt der Katharina Kepler

Trotz ihres Freispruchs vom Vorwurf der Hexerei im Jahr 1621 beschreiben einige Historiker Katharina Kepler äußerst negativ. In Arthur Koestlers berühmter Astronomiegeschichte „Die Schlafwandler“ wird Katharina als „abscheuliche kleine Frau“ mit einer bösen Zunge und einem „verdächtigen Hintergrund“ bezeichnet. John Banvilles preisgekrönter historischer Roman „Kepler“ zeichnet ein lebendiges Bild von Katharina als grobe alte Frau, die gefährliche Praktiken ausübt, wie das Kochen von Zaubertränken in einem schwarzen Topf und Treffen mit Hexen in einer von Katzen befallenen Küche. Diese Darstellung zeigt sie als furchteinflößende, abstoßende Figur und legt sogar nahe, dass sie eine Hexe sein könnte.

Des Weiteren erregte Katharina durch ihr seltsames Verhalten Misstrauen und warf Fragen auf. Obwohl sie Analphabetin war, beschloss sie, Kräuterheilmittel herzustellen und Patienten zu verabreichen, was diese krank machte. Im Buch "Der Astronom und die Hexe" wird erwähnt, dass „Katharina erklärte, dass einige der Getränke, die sie zubereitete, über Nacht oder mehrere Tage in den Krügen gestanden hatten, sodass sich auf ihrer Oberfläche eine Haut gebildet haben könnte, die darauf hindeuten könnte, dass sich ihre Eigenschaften verändert hatten.“

Sie trug auch zu ihrem mysteriösen und beunruhigenden Ruf bei, indem sie einen Totengräber bat, den Schädel ihres Vaters auszugraben, um ihn als Trinkbecher zu verwenden, was einer der Vorwürfe während des Prozesses gegen sie war. Sie gab sogar zu, einem Mann gesagt zu haben, dass sie schlechtes Wetter machen würde. Diese seltsamen Handlungen geben zweifellos Anlass zu Misstrauen und rechtfertigen Fragen bezüglich ihrer Absichten und Beteiligung.


Katharinas Schicksal jenseits von Keplers Verteidigung

Während Johannes Keplers Anwesenheit und seine Bemühungen, seine Mutter vor Gericht zu verteidigen, zweifellos eine Rolle in dem Verfahren spielten, ist es erwähnenswert, dass sein wissenschaftlicher Ruhm und sein Status in der wissenschaftlichen Revolution des 17. Jahrhunderts möglicherweise zu einer Überbetonung seiner Beiträge zum Fall geführt haben. Trotz seiner Bemühungen wurden Keplers Anträge letztlich von den Richtern zurückgewiesen, wie in "Der Astronom und die Hexe" beschrieben wird: "Katharina und Johannes Kepler erschienen gemeinsam vor Gericht, und Kepler verlangte sofort, die abschließende Anklage überfliegen zu dürfen. Das war ein Schock. Gabelkhover argumentierte schlüssig und bezog sich auf lateinische juristische und theologische Kommentatoren. Er ließ keinen Zweifel daran, dass Katharina gefoltert werden musste. Sie wurde für mehrere Gewalttaten gegen Menschen und Tiere verantwortlich gemacht, sowie für den Versuch, den Leonberger Gouverneur zu bestechen, um vor ihrer Flucht aus dem Land jegliche Anhörungen zu vermeiden. Keplers Verteidigung wurde widerlegt, weil er klare Beweise verwässerte, zum Beispiel, dass sie Einhorn den Silberbecher versprochen hatte. Sie war eine verdächtige Person, die an Orten anwesend war, an denen Unrecht geschehen war. Außerdem hatte sie Wahrsagerei praktiziert, hatte einen schlechten Ruf und einen Sohn, der sagte, sie habe seinen Vater vertrieben. Ihre Aussage war inkonsistent."

Um die Behauptung zu untermauern, dass Katharina dank der wissenschaftlichen Beweise ihres Sohnes freigelassen wurde, bedarf es weiterer Untersuchungen. Es bestehen weiterhin Unsicherheiten hinsichtlich der Fairness des Prozesses, da Katharina nicht der Folter ausgesetzt war, die weit verbreitet ist, um Geständnisse zu erzwingen. Es bleiben Fragen zu ihren ungewöhnlichen Handlungen, wie ihrer Aufforderung, den Schädel ihres verstorbenen Vaters auszugraben, und ihrer Beteiligung an der Herstellung und Verabreichung von Medikamenten an Patienten, wodurch diese krank wurden. Darüber hinaus wirft der Prozess Fragen zu Johannes Keplers Rolle bei der Freilassung seiner Mutter auf: Welche wissenschaftlichen Beweise legte er dem Gericht vor? Welche Beweise stützen die Behauptung, dass "Keplers wissenschaftliche Beweise" hinter Katharinas Freispruch standen, wenn aus zuverlässigen Aufzeichnungen zum Fall hervorgeht, dass Katharinas Aussage als inkonsistent befunden wurde und Keplers Argumente und Ausführungen vor Gericht nicht überzeugend genug waren, um die von mehreren Personen gegen sie erhobenen Anschuldigungen zu entkräften? Katharina wurde später aus Mangel an Beweisen und aus humanitären Gründen freigelassen, insbesondere angesichts ihres Alters, wie Ulinka Rublack in ihrem Buch erwähnt: "Viele der Beweise waren nicht ausreichend belegt und rechtfertigten angesichts ihres hohen Alters keine angemessene Folter."

By Mouloud Benzadi, author, researcher and translator

During the intense period of witch-hunting in Europe, numerous women faced trials and executions. One such woman was Katharina Kepler, the mother of the renowned astronomer Johannes Kepler. In August 1620, she was apprehended from her daughter's residence and detained on 49 charges of witchcraft. She was ultimately acquitted, with Johannes credited for providing a strong defence rooted in scientific understanding. However, uncertainties persist: Was her exoneration truly based on scientific evidence? And did Katharina undergo the same trial process as others accused of similar charges at the time, leading to a fair acquittal?


The Compassionate Defence of Katharina Kepler

When examining Katharina Kepler's biography, it becomes apparent that her son utilized his scientific expertise to assist her during her trial. However, upon closer examination, there is limited direct evidence or documentation explicitly demonstrating how he did so.

In his mother's defence, Kepler appears to present compassionate arguments instead of scientific evidence. In the book "The Astronomer and The Witch," Cambridge Professor Ulinka Rublack wrote, "Right from the beginning of the case, Kepler thought of her physicality as a primary cause of people's fear and rejection, portraying a conflict between the young and the old. He would have been influenced by classical literature that depicted women's physical decline as grotesque, and likely encountered many older women who took care to maintain their appearances." Another passage from the same book states, "Kepler focused on her aging body as repulsive, 'ungestalt', and almost inhuman in his writing on her behalf. The guards even lent the toothless woman a broken pocket-knife to cut meat into small pieces for her to swallow without chewing." These passages highlight a compassionate understanding of the human experience, aiming to provoke empathy and insight. They do not conform to the typical structure of a logical argument based on evidence, reasoning, and factual analysis commonly found in a court of law.

Moreover, Kepler employs speculative arguments based on conjecture rather than direct evidence or legal precedent. This is demonstrated by the following statement from Rublack's book, "In Reinbold's case, there was some evidence indicating that she had consumed strong medicines that could have been harmful. Kepler proposed the idea that she might have mistakenly used the wrong jug when visiting Katharina, who had always consumed her own blend of healing herbs without any adverse effects." This statement relies on supposition, introducing a theory or scenario without direct evidence to substantiate it.


Kepler’s Disingenuous And Manipulative Actions In Court

Kepler's attempt to depict his illiterate mother as a reliable healer, despite uncertainties about the preparation of the drinks she administered to patients, could be viewed as an exaggeration and a deliberate strategy to manipulate perceptions and obscure the truth. Ulinka Rublack astutely pointed out, "His strategy, in essence, was to present his mother in a different light—not as an old, marginalized, illiterate, and superstitious woman, but as a devout citizen who effectively passed on and enhanced medical knowledge, conscientiously utilizing herbs for her own well-being."

In contrast to his argument, his mother confessed in court that the drinks she prepared were often left in their jugs overnight or for several days, compromising their quality. This clearly strengthens the argument that her methods might not have aligned with accepted standards of care or knowledge concerning the preparation and preservation of remedies.

Furthermore, Kepler resorted to derogatory language and personal attacks when rebutting witnesses, as observed by Ulinka Rublack. She notes, "Losing his composure in civil discourse, Kepler referred to one of them as 'a fable-woman,' and Beittelspacher as 'a fable-man,' 'idiot,' and 'little girl's schoolmaster,' implying a lack of intellectual depth."

The use of such language and pejorative terms by Kepler is unbecoming of someone in his position and could potentially tarnish his reputation as well as raise questions about his professional conduct in handling the case.


Fairness Doubts in Katharina’s Trial

One crucial question arises regarding the fairness of Katharina’s trial and subsequent acquittal. In the context of witch trials during that period, the use of torture was a commonly employed method to extract confessions from the accused. The absence of such a rigorous test, in the form of actual torture, for Katharina, could be seen as a deviation from the standard procedures of the time. Furthermore, the mention that many accused witches only confessed after being subjected to torture underscores the significance of this omission in Katharina’s trial.

The disparity in treatment in the trial in favour of Katharina was also highlighted in "The Astronomer and the Witch," where it says, "It is more than likely, though, that Kepler knew from his Tübingen friends that what would now follow was a pretence, and that he would have let Katharina know. He could prepare his mother for encountering a third-rate occasional executioner—the psychological pressure would therefore be low. In Nuremberg, prisoners during the same period would be tightly bound on the rack or a chair to see the legendary executioner Franz Schmidt describe his instruments of torture in the most terrifying manner, boasting of how he had used them to extract the truth from the most obstinate villains. Yet Katharina probably knew that she would not suffer any further pain if only she kept on denying her guilt." This statement suggests that Katharina would likely have been informed that her trial was a pretence, relieving psychological pressure. This insinuates an unfairness in the treatment of Katharina, as she would not be subjected to the same psychological and physical pressures experienced by prisoners facing similar charges in Nuremberg.


The Suspicious Portrait of Katharina Kepler


Despite her acquittal of witchcraft in 1621, some historians describe Katharina Kepler in a highly negative manner. In Arthur Koestler’s renowned history of astronomy, “The Sleepwalkers,” Katharina is referred to as a “hideous little woman” with an evil tongue and a “suspect background.” Furthermore, John Banville’s award-winning historical novel, “Kepler,” paints a vivid picture of Katharina as a crude old woman who engages in dangerous practices such as boiling potions in a black pot and meeting with hags in a cat-infested kitchen. This portrayal depicts her as a scary, disgusting figure and even suggests she may be a witch. Additionally, Katharina herself aroused suspicion and raised questions through her strange behaviours. Although illiterate, she chose to make and administer herbal remedies to patients, which made them sick. As mentioned in The Astronomer And The Witch “Katharina explained that some of the drinks she prepared had remained in their jugs overnight or for some days, so that their surface might have developed some skin which might have implied that their properties had changed.” She also added to her mysterious and unsettling reputation by asking a gravedigger to dig out her father’s skull to use it as a drinking cup, one of the charges raised against her during the trial. She even admitted to telling a man that she would make bad weather. These strange actions undoubtedly give rise to suspicions and justify questions regarding her intentions and involvement.


Katharina’s Fate beyond Kepler’s Defence

While Johannes Kepler's presence and attempts to defend his mother in court undoubtedly played a role in the proceedings, it is worth noting that his scientific renown and status in the 17th Century Scientific Revolution may have led to an overemphasis on his contributions to the case. Despite his efforts, Kepler’s submissions were ultimately rejected by the judges, as described in "The Astronomer And The Witch": “Katharina and Johannes Kepler appeared together in court, and Kepler demanded at once to be able to skim through the final accusation. This came as a shock. Tightly argued and referencing Latin legal as well as theological commentators, Gabelkhover left no doubt that Katharina had to be tortured. She was held responsible for several acts of harm against people and animals, as well as for attempting to bribe the Leonberg governor in order to avoid any hearings before she escaped the country. Kepler’s defence was refuted for diluting clear evidence, for instance, that she had promised Einhorn the silver cup. She had been a suspect person present at places where harm had happened. Moreover, she had practiced soothsaying, had a bad reputation, and a son who said that she had driven his father away. Her testimony was inconsistent.”

Further investigation is necessary to substantiate claims that Katharina was released thanks to her son's scientific evidence. Uncertainties persist regarding the fairness of the trial as Katharina was not subjected to torture, which was widely practiced to force others to confess. There remain questions about her unusual actions, such as her request to unearth her deceased father's skull and her involvement in crafting and administering medications to patients, causing them to become sick. Additionally, the trial raises questions about Johannes Kepler's part in securing his mother’s release: What scientific evidence did he present to the court? What evidence supports the claim that “Kepler’s scientific evidence” was behind Katharina’s acquittal when reliable records relating to the case state that Katharina’s testimony was found to be inconsistent, and Kepler’s arguments and submissions before the court were not persuasive enough to counter the accusations brought against her by several individuals. Katharina was subsequently released due to a lack of evidence and for compassionate reasons, particularly considering her age, as mentioned by Ulinka Rublack in her book, “Much of the evidence was not sufficiently supported and, given her old age, did not justify proper torture.”