Algerian writer Khadidja Houssein Telli has been awarded the Katara Prize for Arabic Novel in its 12th edition for 2026, in the unpublished youth novel category, for her work "Khayat Tolga" (The Tailor of Tolga). Hailing from Biskra, the author—who is also a poet and legal professional—has earned numerous local and international accolades throughout her career. Her winning novel explores themes of Algerian identity through a journey that blends historical investigation, heritage, art, and adventure, spanning from Tolga to Béjaïa. Telli expressed pride in this achievement, describing it as a victory for Algerian literature. She emphasized the significant responsibility of writing for youth, noting that this award serves as a critical and aesthetic acknowledgment of her work's quality.