Algerian Minister of Religious Affairs, Mohamed Aïssa, officially launched the celebrations for Yennayer 2969 in Bouira, marking the Berber New Year. During his visit, he was accompanied by local authorities and officials from his department. The minister's first stop was the local religious affairs office, where he inaugurated a new plaque on the building's fronton, inscribed in both Tamazight and Arabic.
The minister then gave the green light for a cultural caravan to kick off, organized by the Bouira ODEJ. The caravan, comprising artists, poets, comedians, and young university students, will tour several communes in the wilaya, hosting various exhibitions and events related to Yennayer. These activities aim to promote the Berber culture and engage young people in the celebrations.
Next, the official delegation visited the city's central library, where the minister attended the second edition of the National Colloquium on the contribution of Algerian scholars to the transcription of Tamazight throughout history. In his address, Aïssa reaffirmed the Algerian state's commitment to promoting and developing the Amazigh language and culture. He highlighted the significance of recent political decisions in reconciling the Algerian people with their ancestral heritage.
The minister emphasized that Algeria has successfully countered attempts at destabilization and division, both internally and externally, thanks to the cohesion between the components and values of Algerian identity. He praised the decision to make Yennayer an official holiday, describing it as a courageous move by the President of the Republic. This decision, part of a broader policy adopted since 1999, aims to revitalize the country's cultural and social fabric.
Aïssa also touched on the challenges posed by foreign ideological currents, specifically citing attempts by certain countries to impose their interpretations of Islam on Algeria. He highlighted the country's resilience in the face of these attempts, attributing it to the values of tolerance and progress inherent in the Sunni-Maliki school of thought. The minister reiterated the government's commitment to promoting and developing this tolerant and progressive current.
As part of his visit, the minister visited a local radio station, where he participated in a broadcast dedicated to the celebration of Yennayer. He also inspected the construction of a new Quranic school and an Islamic sciences institute in the commune of Aïn-Bessem. These projects aim to provide educational and spiritual resources to the local community.
The minister's visit to Bouira underscores the Algerian government's efforts to promote and preserve the country's cultural heritage, particularly the Amazigh identity. By celebrating Yennayer and supporting initiatives that foster cultural cohesion, the government aims to strengthen national unity and reinforce the country's resilience in the face of external challenges.
Key points
- The Algerian government is committed to promoting and developing the Amazigh language and culture.
- The decision to make Yennayer an official holiday is seen as a courageous move to revitalize the country's cultural and social fabric.
- Algeria has successfully countered attempts at destabilization and division thanks to the cohesion between the components and values of Algerian identity.
