Algiers, December 25, 2025 – The Ministry of Culture and Arts hosted the closing ceremony for the Ashbal Al-Thقافة (Cubs of Culture) Awards, now in its third edition. The event, held at the Mufdi Zakaria Palace of Culture, paid tribute to the late writer and poet, Mohamed El Akhdar Essaïhi.
Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda, presided over the ceremony, emphasizing the significance of the awards in showcasing the vibrant present and renewed spirit of Algeria. In her address, the Minister stated that “the Ashbal Al-Thقافة Awards embody Algeria’s dynamic present and its renewed pulse.” She further highlighted that “the state’s cultural policy is founded on the principle that the right to embrace beauty and intellect is an inherent right of every Algerian child.”
Bendouda underscored the crucial role of culture as the ultimate tool for building well-rounded individuals. She explained that culture cultivates conscience and instills a sense of belonging, connecting young people to their glorious history, from the Tassili rock paintings to contemporary literature. This, she added, fosters a sense of citizenship that is both proud of its heritage and open to the global horizon.
The Minister also emphasized her ministry’s commitment to establishing cultural equity as a national priority. This aims to ensure that cultural activities and their benefits reach every corner of the vast country, including remote areas, villages, and hamlets. The Ministry, she explained, is investing in the intelligence and imagination of its youth by instilling values of discipline and diligence, and by transforming talent into conscious practice that serves the nation and elevates its name through science and art.
The ceremony included honoring the jury of the award, the family of the late writer Mohamed El Akhdar Essaïhi, as well as Iraqi artist Jawad Al-Asadi and Jordanian artist Monther Rayahneh, in recognition of their creative careers and significant contributions to the enrichment of the Arab art scene. Awards were also presented to talented individuals in various literary, artistic, and visual arts categories, in recognition of their excellence and dedication.
