Algiers, January 10, 2026 – Algeria is placing significant emphasis on the preservation, teaching, and understanding of the Holy Quran. This commitment was highlighted during the concluding scientific symposium of the local outreach program organized in conjunction with the 21st edition of the Algeria International Quran Award for Memorization, Recitation, and Commentary.
The Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, Youssef Belmahdi, presided over the event held at Dar El Imam in Algiers. The symposium, themed “With the Holy Quran… A Life Experience,” concluded a series of activities held under the patronage of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
Minister Belmahdi stated that the event underscored the importance Algeria attaches to the Quran, encompassing memorization, education, and scholarly interpretation. He emphasized that the outreach program, which accompanied the competition, extended across several regions of the country. International adjudicators oversaw these activities, providing Algerian citizens, Quran instructors, and national arbitration committees with valuable insights and experiences in serving the Holy Book.
Over 50 countries participated in this year’s edition of the competition. Preliminary rounds, conducted through video conferencing, resulted in the selection of representatives from 20 nations to participate in the finals. These finals are scheduled to commence next Monday. The closing ceremony will be held at the Djamaa El Djazair (Great Mosque of Algiers), coinciding with Laylat al-Isra wal-Miraj, the 27th night of Rajab.
Minister Belmahdi further noted that the competition’s 21st edition marks two decades of dedication to serving the Quran. This includes training memorizers, qualifying adjudicators, and enhancing Algeria’s participation in international Quranic forums, reflecting the state’s commitment to the Holy Quran and its custodians.
According to a statement from the Ministry, the symposium featured presentations by members of the international jury, including Sheikh Mohammed Fahd Kharouf from Syria, Sheikh Taher bin Zaher bin Masoud bin Saeed Al-Azwani from Oman, and Sheikh Bouchiba Boukhadda from Algeria. They shared their experiences in Quran memorization, mastering its rulings, and adjudicating international Quranic competitions. DZWatch will continue to follow developments in religious and cultural affairs in Algeria.
