Algerian Radio
The "Mohamed Dib" main public reading library of Tlemcen hosted a national meeting on Tuesday dedicated to women's clothing in the Western region, titled "The Blouza Between Authenticity and Modernity." The event was organized by the Tlemcen-based Center for Museological Interpretation of Traditional Algerian Costume and Folk Practices (CIC).
Speaking on the occasion, the President of the High Council of the Arabic Language, Salah Belaïd, highlighted the importance of transmitting traditional crafts to younger generations. He specifically called for increased media mobilization to promote the work of researchers and the expertise of artisans using accessible and encouraging language.
"The preservation of our heritage, whether customs, traditions, or clothing, is a factor of distinction, especially since culture remains the foundation of development," he stated.
For her part, Zakia Litim, from the National Center for Prehistoric, Anthropological and Historical Research (CNRPAH), indicated that field studies on the blouza were conducted in the wilayas of Tlemcen, Aïn Temouchent, and Sidi Bel-Abbes.
This work led to the creation of a significant documentary collection, including photographs of traditional costumes and ancient jewelry specific to these regions, as well as testimonies collected from veteran artisans specialized in making this garment, she emphasized.
She further recalled the unique place the blouza holds in the Western region, noting that it has undergone measured evolutions that distinguish it from one region to another. This reflects the richness and diversity of local socio-cultural practices while remaining a strong symbol of female identity.
On his part, the Director of the Laboratory of Andalusian Studies at the University of Tlemcen, Hichem Bensenoussi, estimated that preserving this heritage involves its integration into school curricula through adapted reading materials, as well as the establishment of pedagogical workshops dedicated to learning manual crafts and traditional sewing. He also advocated for the development of a scientific reference book intended for researchers and university students.
The meeting brought together teachers and researchers from several of the country's universities, resulting in various presentations. Topics included "The Blouza of Western Algeria: A Heritage Study," "Women's Clothing in Western Algeria," "Jewelry Accompanying Traditional Women's Costumes," "Wardrobes of Women's Clothing Heritage in Algeria," and "The Historical Journey of the Oranese Blouza."
On the sidelines of the event, a fashion show and an exhibition of traditional women's clothing were organized, with the participation of artisans from the wilayas of Tlemcen, Mostaganem, and Bechar.
This meeting aims to promote the blouza as one of the main cultural and social markers of Western Algeria, to highlight its role in preserving national identity, and to encourage its documentation through in-depth academic work.
It also aims to support artisans and value their efforts in safeguarding this heritage, emphasized the director of the organizing center, Rachida Amer.
It is worth noting that the Ministry of Culture and Arts recently submitted a file to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) titled "The Art of the Blouza and its Ornamentation in the Greater Algerian West: Knowledge, Expertise, and Rituals," for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
