Monday 24 February 2025 
BY: Hana Saada
Algeria, August 11, 2023- The 17th edition of the iconic Ath Yenni Jewelry Festival commenced with fervor on Thursday in the picturesque town of Ath Yenni, situated 35 km south-east of Tizi-Ouzou. The festival, graced by the presence of Wali Djilali Doumi, marks a celebration of Algeria’s rich cultural heritage and is dedicated to the protection of its exquisite artisanal legacy from the clutches of appropriation by foreign entities.
The opening ceremony, presided over by Wali Djilali Doumi, ushered in an event that will captivate visitors until August 19th. A pivotal aspect of this year’s festivities is the resolute call to shield the national artisanal heritage, particularly the revered jewel of Ath Yenni, from counterfeiting and unwarranted foreign claims.
Abdellah Djennane, President of the Popular Communal Assembly (APC) of Ath Yenni, passionately denounced the alarming trend of foreign individuals purchasing Ath Yenni jewelry only to market them as indigenous crafts in their own nations. This repackaging undermines the authenticity and cultural significance of these treasures.
Counterfeiting, another grievous concern, was eloquently articulated by local jewelers themselves. In a grievance shared by many, artisans lamented the creation of subpar replicas using hazardous materials, often with detrimental effects on human health. The resulting low-cost imitations threaten to overshadow the genuine craftsmanship of Ath Yenni’ skilled artisans.
“Craftsmen painstakingly create jewelry using premium materials like silver, real coral, and enamel. Yet, counterfeiters exploit our heritage with toxic substitutes, diminishing the value of our work,” one jeweler lamented during the festival held at CEM Chahid Larbi Mezani, the exhibition hub for these exquisite creations.
While informed enthusiasts can identify reputable sources for quality Ath Yenni jewelry, the prevalence of imitations underscores the urgency for protective measures. Various exhibitors echoed the need for a distinct label that assures buyers of the authenticity of their purchases. They further highlighted the challenge of sourcing adequate raw materials, a concern intertwined with the availability of funds.
In championing the safeguarding of this cultural gem and other Algerian handicrafts, Wali Djilali Doumi emphasized the imperative of a united front among craftsmen to shield the legacy of Ath Yenni. This heritage radiates the pride and distinction of Ath Yenni and reverberates through their craft.
The festival boasts participation from 135 accomplished jewelers representing 15 wilayas (provinces), attesting to its growing significance year by year. Each iteration witnesses a surge of attendees, including foreign diplomats, who converge to appreciate the intricate artistry on display.
The Ath Yenni Jewelry Festival is not solely a spectacle but also a platform fostering dialogue between craftsmen and authorities. This dialogue is centered on overcoming challenges and devising strategies to propel this revered profession into the modern era while preserving its core authenticity. The organizers rightly acknowledge that this industry’s evolution doesn’t mean forsaking its heritage; instead, it’s about weaving tradition into the tapestry of contemporary aesthetics.
In an era where heritage preservation and cultural authenticity are paramount, the 17th Ath Yenni Jewelry Festival stands as a testament to Algeria’s commitment to safeguarding its ancestral treasures. As visitors and participants immerse themselves in the beauty and craftsmanship of Ath Yenni’s jewels, the festival resounds as a clarion call to uphold the legacy that transcends generations and exemplifies the harmonious blend of the old and the new.