An author was invited to participate in commemorations in Algeria, visiting the cities of Bouandès, Sétif province, and Kharrata, Béjaïa province. The journey, structured around a series of significant historical and cultural events, included an initial stop in Kharrata, followed by a trip to Bouandès. Along the way, the author visited Béjaïa (El Nassiriya), a city named after its founder Emir El Nasser Ben Allenas, further connecting the present journey with Algeria's rich historical tapestry. On the morning of Saturday, July 4, the author visited 'Sh'abat Al-Akhira' (The Terrible Ravine), a site steeped in the tragic memory of France's colonial brutality. It was here, on May 8, 1945, that France threw innocents, including members of the Hannoun family (father and sons), into a deep valley, a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during that period. The morning concluded with a seminar held in the '8 Mai 45' hall in Bouandès, commemorating these key historical moments.
Scenes of Remembrance
In Bouandès, the author participated in a family celebration marking their daughter's memorization of the Quran and her engagement, an event that showed the deep cultural and religious roots of the community. The author performed Friday prayer in the central mosque of Bouandès, delivering a sermon that profoundly reminded attendees of God's victory and France's crimes in Algeria, echoing the sentiments of national pride and historical grievance. Following a short break, the author proceeded to the city’s cultural center, where a speech on jihad and national unity was given, emphasizing the collective spirit that defined Algeria's struggle and continues to shape its identity. On the return journey to Kharrata, the author observed Asr prayer in a neighborhood named 'El Maida'. The prayer took place in the mosque of the mujahid Al-Fatih Oqba Ibn Nafaa, a figure revered for his historical significance. A visit was also made to the Quranic school affiliated with the Oqba Ibn Nafaa mosque, noting the importance of religious education and heritage. The author then visited an area that was once a large farm, reportedly stolen from their ancestors by a French criminal. During the last revolution, the French army converted this farm into a torture center, where many Algerians were martyred, leaving an indelible mark on the land and its people. This former torture center is now reportedly neglected by citizens, the Directorate of Mujahideen in Sétif province, and the supervising authority in the capital, raising questions about the preservation of such solemn historical sites.
Historical Grievances and Erasure
The commemorations observed the 'عيد الثأر من فرنسا' (Feast of Revenge from France), a powerful expression of national sentiment. The memory of Charles IX and Charles de Gaulle was erased in Algeria, reflecting a broader historical re-evaluation that seeks to reclaim and redefine the national narrative. This re-evaluation also saw the memory of July 5, 1830, erased, marking a deliberate shift away from the date of French colonization. Instead, Algeria marks its Independence Day on July 5, 1962, a date symbolizing sovereignty and freedom. In the town of Kharrata, Al-Rabi' Bouchama served as a teacher at the Association of Scholars school, an institution tied to the region's educational and cultural heritage. The historical narrative in Algeria frequently emphasizes figures and events central to its struggle for sovereignty, ensuring that future generations understand the sacrifices made.
Unity and Future Generations
During a seminar in Bouandès, discussions noted the life and works of the poet of the Association of Scholars, the martyr Al-Rabi' Bouchama, who was also known by his nickname 'Basiri Beni Yaala'. The speeches delivered at the seminar focused on preserving national unity, a recurring theme throughout the commemorations. The author attended these events accompanied by a young man from the Hamitouche family, who was born after July 5, 1962, showing a vital connection between historical memory and contemporary generations. A significant majority of attendees at the seminar were women from Kharrata, reflecting broad community engagement in the commemorative activities and demonstrating the collective commitment to remembering Algeria's past and shaping its future.