encourager les chercheurs au recueil du patrimoine de Cheikh Sidi Abi-Mediène Chouaib El-Ghaouth
Academic Meeting on Cheikh Abi-Mediène Chouaib El-Ghaouth: Promoting Sufi Heritage in Algeria
During an academic event focused on the life and thought of Cheikh Abi-Mediène Chouaib El-Ghaouth, held in Laghouat as part of the 11th International Cultural Festival of Samaâ Soufi from May 13-16, participants emphasized the need to promote scholarly research on this significant Sufi figure in the Maghreb region. The organizers reported a strong call for researchers to gather, study, and publish El-Ghaouth’s heritage.
Professor Noureddine Benaidja, the symposium’s president, highlighted the importance of fostering academic studies related to the notable cheikh’s philosophy through university theses. The aim is to leverage this mystical legacy for promoting national unity and cultural exchange. Participants stressed the importance of translating the works of notable Algerian Sufi personalities, particularly Cheikh Abi-Mediène, into various international languages to enhance Algeria’s contribution to the global cultural heritage.
The discussions also targeted enhancing the moral and educational aspects of Samaâ soufi (mystical chant) while celebrating socio-Muslim values. A proposal was made to establish digital platforms and websites dedicated to collecting and studying Algeria’s mystical heritage, aimed at scholars and interested parties.
In line with these efforts, participants suggested creating audiovisual content to illuminate the spiritual and historical ties between Algeria and the Muslim world. They also promoted the collection of manuscripts and compilations addressing spiritual currents.
Furthermore, the conference underscored the crucial role of spiritual movements in the anti-colonial struggle and their promotion of peace values. It encouraged inter-ministerial coordination between the higher education, scientific research, culture, and arts sectors to develop joint research projects focused on Algeria’s Sufi heritage in its entirety.
The 11th edition of the International Cultural Festival of Samaâ Soufi, hosted at the Tekhi Abdallah Benkeriou Cultural Center in Laghouat, connected the authenticity of mystical heritage with the beauty of spiritual music. The festival established Algeria as a hub for international spiritual cultural dialogue, welcoming artistic delegations from around thirty countries across the Arab world, Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia, with Uzbekistan featured as the guest of honor.
Performers like Zakaria Essehbi from Libya noted that performing in Algeria feels like being at the heart of the Ummah, where Sufi singing resonates harmoniously with the popular soul. Hocine Biyoumi from Egypt stated that participating in the Laghouat Festival is a "spiritual experience before being artistic," showcasing the deep ties between Sufism and universal human values.
The festival, dedicated to Cheikh Abi-Mediène Chouaib El-Ghaouth, attracted a large audience from various age groups and regions of the country, reflecting a diverse appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry of Algeria’s Sufi traditions.
Summary
An academic meeting centered on Cheikh Abi-Mediène Chouaib El-Ghaouth, part of the 11th International Cultural Festival of Samaâ Soufi in Laghouat, emphasized the importance of researching and publishing his heritage to promote national unity and intercultural dialogue. Participants called for translations of Sufi works into various languages, urged the creation of digital platforms for mystical heritage studies, and recognized the historical significance of spiritual movements in Algeria, especially in relation to anti-colonial efforts.
The festival showcased Algeria’s role as a cultural dialogue hub, engaging numerous international artistic delegations. Notable participants highlighted the spiritual experience of performing in Algeria, reflecting the profound connections between Sufism and universal human values. The event not only celebrated El-Ghaouth’s legacy but also attracted a diverse audience, thus reinforcing Algeria’s rich mystical heritage.
