Algiers Book Fair Celebrates Deep Algeria-Tunisia Ties

A literary colloquium at the Algiers International Book Fair recently celebrated the depth and strength of historical and cultural relations between Algeria and Tunisia. Titled "Algeria and Tunisia, a memory and cultural commonality," the event in Algiers featured researchers and historians who explored the long-standing bonds uniting the two North African nations.

Participants, including Tunisian historian Amira Alia Saghir, discussed the shared memory of struggle between the Tunisian and Algerian peoples, noting the evolution of a common consciousness across historical periods and stages of their liberation efforts. The colloquium highlighted the establishment of joint associations, such as the North African Muslim Students Association in Paris in 1927, formed by Algerian and Tunisian national elites abroad. Discussions also recognized key national figures who contributed to this common political and cultural struggle, including Habib Bourguiba, Messali Hadj, Chadhli Mekki, Ahmed Ben Bella, Abdelaziz Thaalbi of Algerian origin, Ahmed Tewfik El Madani, and Algerian Revolution poet Moufdi Zakaria.

The shared heritage further extended to literary and human experiences, as presented by Othman Lahyani, who cited figures like Tunisian-Algerian poet Zoubida Bechira and novelist Ahlam Mosteghanemi, born in Tunisia before returning to Algeria. Historian Fatima Lakhdar from Tunisia traced the relationship back to ancient times, predating the Christian era, describing it as characterized by intermarriage, convergence, and mutual influence over centuries. University researcher Mustafa Rajii illuminated the Sufi cultural commonality, emphasizing it as a shared spiritual legacy and a history of solidarity. He pointed to significant Sufi centers like the Rahmaniya and Tijaniya Zawiyas, established by Algerians in Tunisia, who subsequently enriched Tunisia's cultural, political, and economic landscape.