A young Algerian filmmaker, Salah Boufelah, has completed a 90-minute documentary on the history of Dellys, a region in Algeria's Boumerdès province. The film, titled "Tedless," takes viewers on a journey through time, exploring the region's geological formation, the arrival of humans, and significant historical events that shaped the area. Boufelah, who is from the Issers region, said his film aims to shed light on a part of Algeria's history that remains unknown to the public.
Boufelah's interest in the history of Dellys led him to study research and documents compiled by foreign historians, including Luis Del Marmol Carvajal, a Spanish historian born in 1524, and Steven Gzahl, an writer and historian who wrote about Dellys and the Roman presence in Algeria. Dellys was an important location for the Romans due to its strategic proximity to European coastlines, particularly Spain. The Romans built ports along the region's Mediterranean coast, including the Port aux Poules in Zemmouri, to facilitate maritime trade.
The region's proximity to European coastlines made it an attractive target for conquest. In the 15th century, the Spanish, aware of the importance of Algeria's coastlines, launched attacks to capture the region. According to Marmol Carvajal, the Spanish conquered the Mediterranean coast and established their presence in cities like Mers El Kebir (Oranie) between 1505 and 1508. In 1510, Dellys, Cherchel, Tenès, and Mostaghanem fell under Spanish control during the reign of Charles I.
The Turkish Empire, led by King Selim I, was also interested in expanding its presence in the Mediterranean region. In 1515, Arroudj was called to help defend Algiers against the Spanish. The Turks built forts in various regions to secure their trade routes, which began to flourish after the Spanish departed. One such fort was built at Sébaou, on the western edge of Tizi Ouzou, to protect trade coming from Dellys.
Dellys played a significant role in Algeria's resistance against Turkish rule. The Emir Abdelkader, a prominent Algerian leader, traveled to Dellys to organize a revolution against the Turks. He successfully rallied local Berber populations to join the cause, and together they launched an attack known as the Battle of Amouche, led by Cheikh Ben Bouzid d'Ait Mekla.
The documentary, "Tedless," was partially funded by the Algerian Ministry of Culture and a grant from the Boumerdès province's APW. Boufelah revealed that he had to sell his photography equipment to complete the final touches on the film. The documentary is set to be released on the screens soon, offering audiences a glimpse into the rich and complex history of Dellys.
The film's release is highly anticipated, as it sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of Algerian history. With its unique blend of historical research and engaging storytelling, "Tedless" is poised to captivate audiences and provide a fresh perspective on the region's significance in the country's history.
Key points
- The documentary "Tedless" explores the history of Dellys, from its geological formation to the arrival of humans and significant historical events.
- The film was partially funded by the Algerian Ministry of Culture and a grant from the Boumerdès province's APW.
- The documentary is set to be released on the screens soon, offering audiences a glimpse into the rich and complex history of Dellys.
