Mohammed Alnaas

Mohammed Alnaas, a journalist and professional writer, was born in 1991 in Tripoli, Libya. He graduated from the University of Tripoli with a BSc in Control Engineering in 2014, a background that later informed his systematic approach to writing and project coordination. Alnaas started his writing career in 2016 as a junior copywriter at Arttech Media & Technology Solutions. His exceptional talent and creativity led him to quickly ascend to more senior positions, including Head of Copywriting Unit and Social Media Editor.

Alnaas’ writings are characterized by their blend of the technical and the imaginative, reflecting his unique background and experiences. He quickly gained recognition for his innovative storytelling, weaving narratives that intricately reflect the complexity of modern society. His debut work, a collection of stories titled »Dam Azraq« (tr. Blue Blood, 2020) was self-published in 2019. This was followed by his novel »Khoobz ‘ala Tawila al-Khal Milad« (Eng. »Bread on Uncle Milad’s Table«, 2024), which won the International Prize for Arabic Fiction 2022. Shukri Mabkhout, chair of the judges’ panel for the 2022 IPAF, noted the novel is »unified by a gripping narrative, which offers a deep and meticulous critique of prevailing conceptions of masculinity and femininity and the division of work between men and women, and the effect of these on both a psychological and social level.«

His most recent work, »Makanun La Tajobuhu Alkilab« (2022; tr. A Place where no dogs dare to roam) showcases Alnaas’ stylistic versatility and creative dexterity. The novel blends rich dialogue with colloquial phrases and neologisms, breathing life into his characters and their narratives. Beyond his writing, Alnaas made a significant impact in the field of digital media, serving as Project Coordinator for RNW Media’s Huna Libya from 2018 to 2020. During this time, he coordinated various projects and oversaw the editorial and engagement strategy for the website and social media platforms, demonstrating his dynamic range of skills.

His work in both the literary and digital media fields has earned him recognition for his commitment to driving change through creative expression. Alnaas has also been known for his advocacy of young changemakers, having mentored numerous aspiring writers, activists, and journalists.

The author currently lives in Tripoli, Libya.

Bread on Uncle Milad’s Table

Harper Collins
New York City, 2024
[Translated into German: Sawad Hussain]