Bejaia – The Minister of Culture and Arts, Mrs. Souria Moulouji, supervised the launch of the Heritage Month (April 18-May 18) in Bejaia on Thursday, under the theme “Cultural Heritage and Risk Management.”
Minister Moulouji emphasized that choosing Bejaia was no coincidence, citing the province’s rich heritage credentials and historical and civilizational assets, in addition to its expertise in risk management. She pointed out that the consecutive earthquakes that shook Bejaia in 2021 and 2022 demonstrated the resilience and solidarity of its inhabitants, as well as the local authorities’ capacity to respond effectively.
It is noteworthy that several historic landmarks suffered varying degrees of damage due to the tremors, but nearly all have been restored in less than four years. These include the Kasbah, established in the 15th century; the Regional Theater Abdelmalek Bouguermouh, a significant cultural landmark dating back to 1936; and the forts of Borj Moussa and Sidi Abdelkader, both from the 15th century.
Other significant structures, such as the “Bab el-Bahr” and “Bab el-Fouka,” which date back to the Hammadid and Almohad dynasties of the 11th century, also sustained major damage.
The Kasbah and the regional theater have reopened their doors to visitors. The Borj Moussa fortress, a large Spanish castle, is currently under study for rehabilitation and restoration, including the museum inside it bearing the same name. The old city gates are undergoing precise engineering and construction work, expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Minister Moulouji, who took the opportunity to inspect each landmark individually, expressed satisfaction with the dynamic restoration efforts. She regarded Bejaia as a potential “model” province in this field and an example to be emulated nationwide.
During her visit, the minister also inaugurated a music institute named after the late artist Jamal Allam. The institute, noted for its unique architectural style, was constructed on the site of the old Bejaia courthouse, which partly collapsed in March 2011. This collapse provided an opportunity to rebuild the site and dedicate it to art and music.
For more information on cultural activities and heritage preservation in Algeria, visit dzwatch.dz.
