Emission de timbres-poste célébrant la tenue traditionnelle féminine du Grand Est algérien
Celebration of Algerian Cultural Heritage through New Postage Stamps
On Monday, Algerian ministers Zouhir Ballalou (Culture and Arts) and Sid Ali Zerrouki (Post and Telecommunications) presided over a ceremony in Algiers to unveil a series of postage stamps dedicated to the traditional ceremonial attire of women from the Grand East of Algeria. This event highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the region, spotlighting garments such as the "Guendoura," "Melehfa," and "Caftan," which were inscribed on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage in December.
The occasion was marked by the slogan, "Postage stamps, preserving cultural heritage and a victory for culture." The series titled "The Women’s Ceremonial Costume of the Grand East of Algeria" consists of a stamp sheet designed by artist Zineb Bahri, paired with three unique stamps created by Yasmina Boukhari. These stamps will be available for purchase at post offices across Algeria starting Tuesday.
During the ceremony, Minister Ballalou emphasized the significance of officially launching these stamps, which honor the ceremonial traditional attire of the Grand East. He underscored that such recognition is the culmination of sustained efforts from the Ministry of Culture and Arts, aimed at protecting and promoting both tangible and intangible cultural heritage within a comprehensive national vision.
In his remarks, Minister Zerrouki expressed that releasing a special postage stamp on this occasion reflects the sector’s commitment to safeguarding Algeria’s cultural legacy and ensuring its transmission to future generations. He noted that the inclusion of the Grand East’s women’s ceremonial costume on the UNESCO World Heritage list symbolizes the culmination of a long creative journey by Algerian women and represents their identity and historical depth.
He also cited the recent statements by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during a national conference on the cultural sector, emphasizing that culture should serve as a foundation for development and the new dynamic currently unfolding in Algeria.
The ceremony attracted various dignitaries, including Amar Bendjedda, interim president of the National Authority for Audiovisual Regulation, and Meriem Cherfi, National Delegate for Child Protection, alongside representatives from various sectors and artistic personalities.
The launch of these stamps is a crucial step in honoring and preserving the traditional attire and cultural practices that embody the identity of Algerian women in the Grand East, promoting an understanding of their historical context and significance in the broader narrative of Algeria’s cultural landscape.
