African cultures: “What I learned about Africa while living in Marseille” – Maher Mezahi

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Photo credit, Maher Mezahi

In our series of letters from African writers, Maher Mezahi talks regarding his enriching experiences in France compared to Algeria, where he lived until a few months ago.

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In the wonderfully chaotic district of Noailles, in the center of Marseille, France, I realized, unfortunately, that it is much easier to get to know the different African cultures when living abroad.

This paradox hit me in the face while I was dining on a plastic folding chair in a Tunisian restaurant in Noailles.

Between two large spoonfuls of merguez ojja (a dish made with sausage and eggs), I watched a couple of retired Comorians walking down the street, hand in hand, in front of a Senegalese shop selling donuts.

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