Centre de torture de Hammam « Madjzara » à Chréa (Tébessa), autre témoin de la barbarie coloniale
Exploring the Atrocities of Hammam "Madjzara": A Historical Account of Colonial Torture in Algeria
In the western region of Tébessa, the torture center at Hammam "Madjzara" in Chréa stands as a harrowing reminder of the brutalities inflicted on unarmed Algerians by colonial forces over six decades after Algeria’s independence. The dilapidated walls of this site resonate with the agonizing cries of prisoners who underwent unimaginable suffering within its confines.
Hammam "Madjzara," colloquially known as "Bath of the Massacre," covering an area of over 900 square meters, is situated discreetly within the old city of Chréa. This site was repurposed during the Algerian Revolution in 1957 when colonial troops seized control, rendering the original owners helpless. The French army transformed the bath into a location for the interrogation and torture of the Moudjahidine—freedom fighters striving for Algeria’s liberation. Their aim was to extract crucial information that would lead them to their compatriots involved in the revolutionary struggle.
Testimonies from individuals like Tayeb Rahem, a member of the National Organization of Moudjahidine (ONM), detail the horrendous methods utilized to extract confessions. These included "gégène," where victims underwent prolonged water immersion, the "bathtub torture," prolonged standing in painful positions, and scalding with boiling water. Rahem paints a grim picture of the systematic brutality employed against those apprehended, regardless of their geographic origins within Algeria.
Former Moudjahid Ahmed Hadji, who served in the National Liberation Army (ALN), recounts the extreme measures taken by French soldiers, illustrating the extent of the violence inflicted on prisoners. According to Hadji, the blood of the tortured ran down the stairs of the hammam, flowing for nearly two kilometers. The isolated geographical location of the center contributed to the impunity with which these horrific acts were committed, muffling the screams of agony from beneath thick walls and narrow passageways.
The chilling memories expressed by Hadji highlight the ruthless tactics used by the soldiers, which included physical torture through cords and methods of suspension, but he also recalls the gruesome use of ferocious dogs that were unleashed to attack and devour the living bodies of the Moudjahidine.
In light of these atrocities, the revolutionary families in the Tébessa wilaya consistently urge government authorities to rehabilitate this historical site. They advocate for its transformation into a museum that would chronicle the grim realities of colonial crimes and honor the sacrifices made by those who fought for Algeria’s sovereign rights. Mohamed-Cherif Douaifia, the ONM secretary for Tébessa, has proposed establishing a comprehensive museum dedicated to the Moudjahidine at the bath site, suggesting the display of panels that depict various forms of torture endured by Algerians.
Douaifia emphasizes that over 800 Moudjahidine from various regions were subjected to severe torture within these walls. He insists that documenting these harrowing experiences is essential for preserving Algeria’s national memory and integrating survivor testimonies into academic research. This approach aims not only to educate future generations about the nation’s painful past but also to ensure that the legacy of resistance is appropriately commemorated.
As Algeria continues to grapple with the shadows of its colonial past, places like Hammam "Madjzara" serve as crucial reminders of the resilience of its people. These sites not only offer evidence of the sacrifices made for freedom but also highlight the need for recognition and remembrance of historical injustices. Transforming Hammam "Madjzara" into an educational space may serve to honor the sacrifices made by countless individuals while fostering a collective memory and understanding of Algeria’s past struggles for independence.
Through exploration and recognition of such historical sites, Algeria can embrace its complex history, educate future generations, and ensure that the lessons of the past are neither forgotten nor repeated. As they pursue these initiatives, the families of the revolution express a desire to create a living memorial that acknowledges both suffering and survival, ensuring that the legacy of the Moudjahidine remains a central feature of the Algerian national identity.
