de précieux manuscrits historiques et des livres illustrant l’authenticité et la culture du peuple sahraoui
Summary of the Sahrawi Cultural Exhibit at "Alger, Capital of Hassaniya Culture" 2025
The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is participating in the "Alger, Capital of Hassaniya Culture" 2025 event, showcasing a significant collection of books and manuscripts that underscore the authenticity of Sahrawi society, its cultural uniqueness, and its ongoing struggle against Moroccan occupation. This initiative is organized by the Sahrawi Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Union of Sahrawi Writers and Journalists, taking place at the Palais de la Culture Moufdi Zakaria in Algiers.
The exhibition features a rich array of materials related to Hassaniya culture, including intellectual, religious, and literary works. These documents represent a vast part of the Sahrawi heritage, preserving the narratives crafted by previous generations. The historical manuscripts on display, some dated over 300 years old, reflect the region’s cultural depth. Many others are between 87 and 90 years old, while some remain undated.
Historical Manuscripts and Their Significance
Mohamed Loud Moulay Lahcen, a researcher at the Sahrawi Ministry of Culture, emphasized the importance of conserving these historical manuscripts, which have remained in refugee camps for 52 years. Despite facing adverse conditions like a lack of resources and exposure to environmental factors, these manuscripts are crucial witnesses to the Sahrawi’s rich history and cultural identity.
Many of these manuscripts are preserved within Sahrawi families, highlighting the community’s commitment to safeguarding their heritage. The Ministry of Culture is actively working to coordinate with these families to ensure the protection of these documents from damage and loss.
Literary Works and Academic Contributions
In addition to historical manuscripts, the exhibition includes various poetry collections written in the Hassani dialect. Some notable works are "Min yanabiê eth’thakafa" by Ez’Zaim Allal El-Daf, "Amdjad chaâb" by El-Hussein Ibrahim, and "ôyoun thaïra" by Khadidjatou Aaliyat. Academic texts also enhance the showcase, such as "Dirasset wa abhath fi edh’dhakira ech’chaâbiya, hikeme wa amthal" and a collective work titled "Moussahama fi et’taârrof âla el maadhi ath’thakafi li Tiris, Es’Sahrae El Gharbiya-djerd at’tourath eth’thakafi."
Khadidjatou Mahmoud Menou, a member of the Executive Bureau of the Sahrawi Union of Journalists and Writers, mentioned that the recently published works in Hassani dialect were produced in collaboration with the Sahrawi Heritage Research and Documentation Center. These texts aim to illuminate the Sahrawi people’s memory, identity, and traditions, primarily published by Algerian publishing houses and aligned with friendly nations.
Cultural Importance and Final Events
Soumia Badi Abdellah, a researcher in Hassani heritage, regards this exhibition as an opportunity to promote Sahrawi culture in Algeria, a country that supports their cause. She noted that events like the Alger International Book Fair provide a significant platform for showcasing Sahrawi literature and cultural production globally.
The "Alger, Capital of Hassaniya Culture" 2025 event, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Arts alongside the International Union of Hassaniya Writers, is set to conclude on June 23. The overall aim of the event has been to celebrate and elevate the Sahrawi cultural narrative while reinforcing the bonds of solidarity with Algeria.
This gathering of cultural heritage not only serves to preserve the past but also aims to inspire future generations to continue the legacy of their rich traditions and struggles.
