The town of Ath Yenni in Algeria's Kabylie region recently commemorated the 30th anniversary of the disappearance of renowned anthropologist Mouloud Mammeri. The event, organized by the local APC, brought together numerous personalities from various backgrounds to pay tribute to Mammeri, who dedicated his life to promoting and preserving Kabyle culture. The commemoration, which spanned three days, featured an exhibition and book signings at the local cultural center.
The final day of the commemoration was marked by the awarding of prizes to winners of a contest for the best traditional Kabyle jewelry of 2018/2019. The contest was organized by the local artisans' association. Notable attendees included writer Amine Zaoui, who participated in a conference-debate about his book "Éternel Mammeri," and Cherif Mellal. The event also drew large numbers of students from various educational levels.
The students played an active role in the commemoration, proudly carrying placards written in Tamazight and chanting slogans in honor of Mammeri. They also led a symbolic march from the old town hall to Mammeri's tomb, where they laid wreaths of flowers alongside local officials and representatives from the culture and education departments.
During the event, Ath Yenni's mayor expressed his gratitude to all attendees and highlighted Mammeri's significance as a champion of the Kabyle language and culture. He noted that the young people present were continuing Mammeri's legacy. Amine Zaoui shared a personal anecdote about meeting Mammeri on February 25, 1989, in Oujda, Morocco, just before his disappearance.
Zaoui recounted that he and Mammeri had breakfast together at their hotel and participated in a radio broadcast about oral literature the previous day. Zaoui had translated Mammeri's words into Arabic for the broadcast, as the host did not speak French. This personal account provided a unique insight into Mammeri's final days.
Tizi-Ouzou's mayor, Ouahab Aït Menguellet, also shared his experiences with Mammeri, having met him twice in 1967 and 1989. He recalled Mammeri's enthusiasm for teaching Tamazight and his involvement in the filming of "Skud igenni" in Ighil Bwammas. These personal reflections underscored Mammeri's lasting impact on the community.
The commemoration of Mouloud Mammeri's 30th anniversary demonstrated the enduring influence of his work and legacy. The event celebrated his contributions to Kabyle culture and language, ensuring his memory continues to inspire future generations. The gathering also highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting linguistic diversity.
Key points
- Amine Zaoui shared a personal account of meeting Mouloud Mammeri just before his disappearance in 1989.
- The commemoration featured an exhibition, book signings, and a contest for traditional Kabyle jewelry.
- Local officials and students participated in a symbolic march and laid wreaths at Mammeri's tomb.
