Algeria: Culture Minister Malika Bendouda Opens 1st International Rock Art Festival in Djanet

DJANET — Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda, officially presided on October 20, 2026, in Djanet, over the opening of the first edition of the International Rock Art Festival in Algeria, running from October 20 to 24, 2026. Organized under the high patronage of the minister, the event opened at the Jebrine Museum with a series of exhibitions dedicated to the national prehistoric heritage of Tassili n’Ajjer and Tassili Hoggar.

The opening ceremony took place in the presence of the Wali of Djanet, M’hamed Moumen, the director of the Tassili n’Ajjer National Cultural Park, Abdelkader Hafaoui, along with local authorities, researchers, and art institute students. The gathering brings together 15 international experts from 12 countries (Egypt, Chad, South Africa, Libya, Iraq, Qatar, Malawi, and Zimbabwe), alongside 85 Algerian participants and representatives from the African World Heritage Fund.

This event illustrates the Algerian state’s firm commitment to safeguarding and highlighting its immensely rich cultural heritage. By placing intergenerational transmission and scientific research at the heart of its efforts, Algeria confirms its major role in preserving global prehistoric heritage.

Wissem Chergui