Algiers: Algerian cultural and historical manuscripts, which enrich the “Khizanate” (cabinets) and African libraries, were the focus of a conference organized as part of the 28th International Book Fair (SILA) on Monday in Algiers. Hosted at the “Assia-Djebbar” space at the Exhibition Center (Pins Maritimes), the event was part of SILA’s literary program dedicated to Africa and was moderated by University of Adrar teachers, Mebarek Djaafri and Abdeslem Kamoun.
According to Algeria Press Service, Djaafri emphasized that the Algerian cultural heritage encompasses all knowledge, arts, traditions, and intellectual works expressing national identity, including manuscripts covering areas such as Islamic law, grammar, medicine, astronomy, history, and Sufism. These manuscripts, written in Arabic or Tamazight, are located in Algeria and across Africa, dating back to times when knowledge centers thrived in regions like Tlemcen, Touat, Mzab, Tamanrasset, Tombouctou, Gao, and Kano. These centers facilitated trade exchanges between African countries via pathways that also enabled the transfer of Algerian manuscripts to Africa.
Djaafri further explained that the dissemination of Algerian manuscripts across Africa was significantly influenced by population movements during pilgrimages, the traversal of old trade routes linking Touat to Tombouctou, and the connections between Algerian merchant-scientists and those in western Sudan.
Kamoun highlighted the necessity of enhancing bilateral and diplomatic cooperation with African countries that hold Algerian manuscripts. He referred to the 1954 Hague Convention and UNESCO, which categorize these manuscripts as “cultural goods.” These organizations stipulate the prohibition of any use that could expose the manuscripts to destruction, obliging member states to protect them.
The speaker underscored the importance of raising awareness among stakeholders capable of expediting the process of identifying and safeguarding Algerian manuscripts in African libraries.