Minister of Culture Emphasizes Need to Promote Miliana's Classification as Architectural and Arab Heritage

The Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda, stressed yesterday, Tuesday, in the wilaya of Aïn-Defla, the importance of leveraging the classification of the old city of Miliana as Arab architectural and urban heritage by the Arab Organization for Education, Culture and Sciences (ALECSO).

In a press statement following a working and inspection visit to her sector in the Aïn-Defla wilaya, conducted in the company of the Wali, Aïssa Aziz Bouras, the minister stated that ALECSO's inscription of the old city of Miliana on the register of Arab architectural and urban heritage constitutes "an Arab recognition of its civilizational and symbolic value."

She insisted that the next step requires "leveraging this classification on the ground and highlighting the city's urban and cultural heritage, through the launch of qualitative activities and projects."

During her visit to the Emir Abdelkader Caliphate headquarters (Dar El Amir), the minister oversaw the handover to local authorities of the emblem of distinction related to the city's inscription in ALECSO's protected area, before visiting this archaeological monument which has undergone restoration and rehabilitation.

The minister also inaugurated the national museum of Miliana, after its refurbishment, describing it as "a space for preserving national memory and safeguarding cultural heritage."

She praised the citizens' contribution to its enrichment with archaeological pieces and manuscripts, "reflecting the spirit of belonging and responsibility towards heritage," thus strengthening its historical collection to preserve memory for future generations.

Bendouda also visited the Sidi Ahmed Benyoucef mausoleum and inspected the rehabilitation project of the Roman rampart, considered one of the most important archaeological and historical sites, where she received explanations on the progress of the work.

The visit also included the naming of Khemis Miliana's cinema hall after the late artist "Biyouna," whose real name was Baya Bouzar, the inauguration of the "Mohamed Boudiaf" performance hall after significant restoration work, as well as the Emir Abdelkader cultural house, which also benefited from a restoration operation. According to the minister, these infrastructures will "support cultural dynamism and encourage artistic creativity."