Concert de musique à Alger, dédié au patrimoine culturel de la Hassaniya
Alger Celebrates Hassaniya Culture with a Musical Concert
On Saturday, a vibrant concert celebrating the cultural heritage of Hassaniya music took place in Algiers, featuring traditional dance troupes from southern Algeria, Mauritania, and Western Sahara. The event was attended by Algeria’s Minister of Culture and Arts, Zouhir Ballalou, alongside his counterparts from Mauritania and Western Sahara. A large audience gathered at the Mahieddine-Bachtarzi National Theater to enjoy the festivities.
The event marked the opening day of "Algiers, Capital of Hassaniya Culture," showcasing a range of musical pieces that highlighted the rich cultural tapestries shared among the three nations. Participants included the folkloric troupe "Azwan" and its female choir from Tindouf, the national ensemble from the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, and Mauritania’s guest artist, Noura Youssef Hamed Vall. The audience was captivated, discovering the diverse expressions of Hassaniya musical heritage.
Performers showcased various styles and rhythms that define the richness of this shared legacy, performing pieces such as "Kaz" and "Fâghû," which are intimately connected with Sahrawi customs and poetry. They also presented various modal and rhythmic variations, including "Lekhal," "Lebiadh," and "Btit." The lyrical content included recitations of poetry and religious chants, praising the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and expressing deep reverence for God.
In addition to musical performances, the "Algiers, Capital of Hassaniya Culture" event features an extensive cultural program at the Moufdi Zakaria Palace of Culture and the TNA. This includes multiple colloquiums and conferences about Hassaniya culture, conducted by academics, researchers, and writers.
There will also be several exhibitions showcasing books, manuscripts, folk art, and displays of customs and traditions from the national park in Tindouf. These exhibitions, along with artistic evenings that highlight traditional instruments like the "Tidinit" and "Ardin," aim to enrich the cultural experience for attendees.
The event is organized by the Ministry of Culture and Arts in collaboration with the International Union of Hassaniya Literature Writers, and it will continue until June 23. It serves as a platform not only for artistic expression but also for cultural exchange and understanding among the three nations sharing the Hassaniya heritage.
Through performances, discussions, and displays, the festival seeks to reinforce the importance of preserving this vital aspect of cultural identity while fostering connections among the communities that celebrate it.
