Algerian Radio
Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda, presided Saturday at the "Moufdi Zakaria" Palace of Culture in Algiers over the official opening of Heritage Month (April 18 - May 18). A rich and diverse program has been established across various cultural and museum institutions nationwide to highlight and valorize Algeria's tangible and intangible heritage.
The opening ceremony, held this year under the slogan "Our Heritage... Our Civilization," was attended by the Minister of Communication, Mr. Zoheir Bouamama, the Director General of the National Institute for Global Strategic Studies (INESG), Mr. Abdelaziz Medjahed, as well as representatives from various ministerial sectors, cultural institutions, and security services.
In her opening speech, Ms. Bendouda stated that this year's Heritage Month program includes more than 2,120 cultural activities scheduled across the country. These activities aim to "reinforce the state's efforts in protecting and promoting Algerian heritage and to establish the responsibility of generations in safeguarding the national identity."
The Minister added that the event "will witness a high-level intellectual and international dynamic featuring major forums," most notably the first edition of the "African-Mediterranean Meetings of Thought," which will focus on the philosophy of Saint Augustin. Other highlights include an international forum on manuscripts and a third national training session for judges, security forces, and customs officers to "strengthen the legal protection of cultural property."
In this context, Ms. Bendouda announced the launch of a comprehensive reform program for museums based on a new vision that transforms the museum into a "social, economic, and digital actor." She also announced projects to establish 10 new national public museums, led by the National Public Museum of Algerian Theater to immortalize the nation's long-standing performing arts memory.
On the international level, the Minister affirmed that "Algeria continues its cultural battle to consecrate its identity." She noted that work is currently underway on significant files for UNESCO classification, including the "Augustinian Paths," Royal Mausoleums, and other elements such as the Blouza dress, Meddahates songs, and the art of Zellige, as well as traditional knowledge like handmade pottery, mental games, and traditional irrigation systems.
Reflecting on the antiquity, richness, and universality of Algerian heritage, the Minister remarked that "the world has rediscovered the land of Algeria as a crossroads of civilizations and a meeting point of cultures during the visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV" earlier this month.
Furthermore, Ms. Bendouda praised the initiative of the international art expert, Mr. Kouider Benchicou, who donated a collection of artworks, rare books, and artistic manuscripts related to Algeria dating back to the 19th century. She described this step as a "distinguished national initiative reflecting a moral commitment to our identity," adding that this "valuable donation" will be directed to the Cirta National Public Museum in Constantine and the Nasreddine Dinet National Public Museum in Bou Saâda.
On the sidelines of the opening day, the Minister inaugurated an exhibition titled "Meeting of Museums" at the Palace of Culture. This interactive workshop showcases the activities of various museum institutions nationwide and their heritage collections, aiming to introduce them to the public and highlight the richness of Algerian cultural heritage across different historical periods.
