Translated into English by Belaid Ait Ali – Kabyle.com

Publication of the English version “ Lwali N Vader“, LFirst novel in Kabili language “All Rocks’ Journey to Sacred Heights” written by Belaid Ait Ali in 1947 represents a significant literary event in the world and international literature of Kabyle. This translation was prepared by Naufel Bousboudja and published VERSIONS AXXAM N TMUSNIEnglish-speaking audiences open the doors to the fascinating world of Belait Id Ali, allowing a broader study and understanding of Kabyle culture.

Journey of All the Rocks to the Holy Heights (Lwali n Wedrar) or The Holy Man of the Mountain immerses us in the captivating story of a scantily clad, “ugly” yet soft-hearted giant, born of its humble appearance and simplicity. A nickname that refers to his fate: La Sif (Bu Ledet). Despite the poverty, scandal and hardship he faced in his village, he found solace and strength from his wife Chevillet (Taḍadect), whose intelligence, prudent resilience and unwavering support shaped their harmonious life in Tagamount-at-Mousa.

It was Chevillet who pushed him to travel, exile to change his life and improve his position.

Fate takes a turn when La Chiff’s colonel discovers the village of des Fogeres (Dizzy en Diffilgut), where divine intervention (a kind of deus ex machina) and a conflict between the clan from above and the clan from below propel him. A spiritual guide, against all odds. Throughout the challenges and encounters, especially with the tyrannical Capoche and the mysterious Princess Secora, La Ciff, with innocence, fear, and Chevillet’s help, with wisdom and compassion, earns respect and admiration, cementing her reputation as a saint. A man of the mountain, a revered spiritual figure.

In this story that interweaves beliefs, social dynamics, and the complexities of spiritual leadership in Kabyle society, Belaid Ait Ali presents a poignant exploration of resilience, spirituality, and the transformative power of compassion in the face of adversity.

This novel occupies a special place in the history of Kabili literature. Belaid never saw or read Ali in print, as his notebooks (Les Cahiers de Belaid) were published a decade after his death in 1950, under the direction of Dallet and Degezelle, in the “Files d’Etudes Berberes”.

This pioneer of Kabyle literature laid the foundation of a rich legacy to come, despite his long-neglected contributions, which had disappeared due to the neglect of the “kapoches” of his land.

Through the characters of La Sif and Chevillet, the author takes us to the heart of the rich Kapil’s narrative tradition. This study highlights timeless themes and perspectives essential to the cultural fabric of these peoples.

Addressing universal concepts such as justice, spirituality, the dialectic of power, the struggle against oppression, and the search for meaning, this work reveals the shared aspects of our humanity across cultural boundaries.

The English translation of “Lwali n Wedrar” under the title “All Rags’ Journey to Sacred Heights” gives English-speaking readers a new perspective, allowing them to discover the depth and beauty of Kabali literature. This translation effort contributes to the promotion of cultural diversity and the dissemination of literary works from lesser-known regions of the world, thus enriching cultural dialogue and mutual understanding.

Noufel Bouzeboudja, through his meticulous translation work, pays tribute to Belaid Ait Ali’s talent and literary heritage, thereby trying to make Kapilia’s voice shine globally.

First Kabili novel written in 1947

Lwali N Vader

Belaid Ait Ali

Original version on cable on Scribd

The book is available on Amazon

https://amzn.eu/d/9LfhOxJ

All Rocks’ journey to sacred heights

Belaid Ait Ali

First Kapil’s novel 1947

Translated by Noufel Bouzeboudja

Teaser video with French subtitles