la 4e édition du Salon du livre amazigh de Ouacifs se tiendra du 30 avril au 3 mai
Fourth Edition of the Amazigh National Book Fair in Ouacifs
The fourth edition of the National Amazigh Book Fair is set to take place from April 30 to May 3, 2023, in Ouacifs, located in southern Tizi-Ouzou. Organizers disclosed this exciting news on Wednesday, highlighting the event’s significance in promoting Amazigh culture and literature.
Participant Overview
This year’s fair will see the participation of around 30 publishing houses, the High Commission for Amazighity (HCA), and the National Pedagogical and Linguistic Center for Tamazight Education (CNPLET). Additionally, 150 authors will contribute works in Tamazight, Arabic, and French. Two associations, namely Isabelle Eberhardt and Numidia, will also join in the festivities. The event will be hosted at the Houacine Mohand Amokrane and Boukhalfa Youth House in Ouacifs, an ideal venue to foster cultural exchange.
Program Highlights
Similar to previous editions, this year’s fair will feature a range of conferences and roundtable discussions focused on culture, history, and heritage. Notable figures such as writers Amel El Mehdi and Melha Benbrahem will lead these discussions, enriching attendees with their insights and experiences.
Additionally, the program includes various cultural and artistic activities. A Tamazight dictation contest will reward the top ten students from the Ouacifs region in the language, complemented by poetic evenings featuring the poet and actress Hadjira Oubachir and the poet Akli Ait Boussad. Poetry recitations, including works by Taoues Amrouche presented by poet Nacéra Benyoucef, will also enliven the fair.
Honors and Rememberance
A moment of honor will be dedicated to three recently deceased writers: Ahmed Nekkar, Abderrahmane Yefsah, and Youcef Merahi. The fair will also pay tribute to local football legend Djamel Menad and Si El Hocine Sehnouni, another literary figure native to the region.
Furthermore, the fair will showcase the premiere screening of a documentary film directed by Arab Yazid. The documentary profiles Amar Imache, a pioneer of Algeria’s national independence movement, highlighting his significant contributions to the country’s history.
Goals and Objectives
Salem Ait Ali Belkacem, the fair’s commissioner, emphasized that the spirit and aim of the event remain unchanged. The primary goal is to raise awareness about writing and cultural production in Tamazight—despite the commendable efforts from authors, it still strives for a larger readership and greater interest in the language.
According to Belkacem, this fair serves as a crucial meeting point for authors, publishers, readers, and all stakeholders in the literary arena. By facilitating these connections, the fair aims to create synergy among different participants, which can further promote and develop the preservation of Amazigh culture and identity.
Organized by the Lhadj L’Mokhtar N’Ath Said association in collaboration with the Timaghrass village committee and supported by various local organizations, this year’s National Amazigh Book Fair is dedicated to Abdellah Hamane, a moudjahid (freedom fighter), cultural figure, and Tamazight writer who passed away in 2018.
In conclusion, the upcoming fourth edition of the National Amazigh Book Fair in Ouacifs promises not only to celebrate Tamazight literature and culture but also to honor significant individuals who have contributed to this rich heritage. With a program filled with diverse discussions, artistic performances, and a focus on community engagement, this event is set to enhance the visibility of Amazigh language and literature, encouraging greater recognition and interest among audiences.
