Al-Bouqala Poetry in Algerian Women’s Ramadan Gatherings | Dzair Tube Ramadan Series (03)
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- “In the name of Allah, I begin, and upon the Prophet, I pray. O Lord, grant us favorable outcomes and let us meet with righteous offspring.” This is how a gathering of women begins during Ramadan evenings around a round table, exchanging what is known in Algeria as “Al-Bouqala.” This intangible heritage, which spans hundreds of years, traces back to the Phoenician era in the country.
During the sacred nights of Ramadan, “Al-Bouqala” takes center stage in intimate gatherings across Algerian households. Whether atop the ancient Casbah rooftops or amidst the winding streets, Algerian women gather around the soirée table adorned with trays of tea, coffee, and traditional sweets. “Al-Bouqala” in Algerian culture is deeply intertwined with ancient folk traditions, serving as a conduit for women and girls to explore their prospects in love, marriage, and the future, all while sharing stories and laughter.
The Tradition of “Al-Bouqala”
“Al-Bouqala,” or “Al-Bouqala” in the Amazigh dialect, refers to a pottery vessel used for various household needs. However, in the context of Algerian tradition, “Al-Bouqala” takes on a poetic form, with verses carrying diverse themes and meanings. Women gather during social occasions to engage in this poetic exchange, reflecting on ancestral wisdom and showcasing their linguistic prowess.
For many Algerian families, a woman’s proficiency in “Al-Bouqala” is a testament to her lineage’s roots, with some considering it a measure of her cultural depth. During these gatherings, women engage in rituals reminiscent of poetic debates, where unmarried women may seek insight into their romantic prospects through the verses of “Al-Bouqala.”
The name “Al-Bouqala” derives from the Amazigh word “Abouqal,” meaning a clay vessel traditionally crafted by women for household use, such as storing water, milk, or transporting water from mountain springs. The association between “Al-Bouqala” and folk poetry is evident during reading sessions, typically exclusive to women, where they engage in lively discussions and interpretations.
They gather around a table where orange blossom water, called “Zaher” in Algerian dialect, is prepared. “Zaher” signifies “luck,” and before each recitation of a new “Bouqala,” they sprinkle some orange blossom water using a copper sprayer. Trays of coffee, tea, and traditional sweets like “qalb el louz” and “zlabia,” accompanied by an incense burner known as “jawwi” or “ambar” in Algeria are also presented. During these gatherings, women recite special verses of poetry, known as “women’s knots,” also referred to as “faal” or “fortune,” in an intimate atmosphere. This entails a woman focusing her intentions on someone in her life, whether a prospective husband, current spouse, son, father, distant brother, or even an enemy.
Each woman attempts to relate the meanings of these poetic verses to the situation and condition of the person she has in mind, hoping her wishes will be fulfilled.
One of the rules of this traditional game (Bouqala) is that a woman’s wish or desire from the poetic verses will only be fulfilled after “she holds a part of her headscarf, skirt, or any piece of cloth in front of her, making a small knot out of it once, then blowing into it after listening to the ‘Bouqala’,” and she also has the right to reveal the name of the person on whom those poetic verses, called “faal,” were directed.
Unveiling the Enchantment of ‘Bouqala’ with Fouzia Laradi: A Glimpse into Algeria’s Tradition of Women’s Fortune Telling
Fouzia Laradi, a researcher specializing in ‘Bouqala’ and folk heritage, and author of the book “Scenes from the Casbah,” which includes around a hundred ‘Bouqala,’ describes ‘Bouqala’ as a purely feminine game. It revolves around romantic flirtation and optimism about a happy future with one’s beloved, often sung during bold women’s gatherings over a spread of sweets, tea, and nuts.
In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Laradi delves into the origins of this game, stating, “Bouqala is the highlight of Ramadan gatherings, weddings, and certain occasions, where women come together, and each intends to gift ‘Bouqala’ to their beloved.” She elaborates, “Bouqala consists of poetic verses imbued with hopeful sentiments towards a rosy future with one’s beloved.”
She further explains, “A clay pot is filled with scented water, and before each ‘Bouqala’ is recited, each woman sprinkles a ring or a gold piece from her jewelry into the pot, which is then covered with a piece of cloth.” She adds, “The session begins with a prayer, and the reading of ‘Bouqala’ is usually led by the eldest, often a grandmother. Once the reading concludes, one of the young women dips her hand into the pot to retrieve a piece of jewelry. If it happens to be her ring, it signifies that she is the one destined for good fortune.”
Laradi reveals that ‘Bouqala’ is closely associated with Algerian sailors, who would be away from their families for months on sea voyages. In their absence, women and girls would create this game to entertain themselves and alleviate the longing for their beloveds. “The hero in ‘Bouqala’ is the sailor at sea, and women’s gatherings around this hero continue throughout the year,” she says.
“At the end of the night, the girls share the water from the pot. After midnight, they climb to the rooftop, where each throws her portion of water and listens for the omen. Some hear the crowing of a rooster, signaling the dawn of their awaited day, while others hear the chirping of birds, symbolizing happiness,” she describes.
Regarding her book “Scenes from the Casbah,” Laradi explains, “I attempted to compile the beauty of ‘Bouqala’ that I encountered through extensive research.” She adds, “There is undoubtedly a similar game in Greece and Turkey associated with fortune-telling, where women gather water from rivers and listen to the omen.”
Exploring “Al-Bouqala” Poetry
The poetry of “Al-Bouqala” is diverse, reflecting varied circumstances and settings:
1. “In the name of Allah, I begin, and upon the Prophet, I pray. O Lord, grant us a favorable outcome and let us meet with righteous offspring.”
2. “If you are a garden, I am a flower within you. If you are the sea, I am a fish within you. If you love me, I die for you.”
3. “By the door stands a visitor, we offer him a drink, and he requests a drop of water. We give him water, roses, and jasmine.”
4. “Emerging in the middle of the night, I sought my beloved. I said, ‘Oh Lord, reunite me with my beloved’s heart.'”
These poetic exchanges are characterized by playful banter and heartfelt expressions, providing a window into the cultural richness and community bonds nurtured through “Al-Bouqala.”
Scholarship and Documentation
Scholars like Kaddour Mahbouzadji, an Algerian researcher, and Fouzia Laradi, an expert in traditional poetry, have contributed extensively to the study and preservation of “Al-Bouqala.” Their work has shed light on the historical and cultural significance of this folk tradition, documenting its evolution and enduring relevance in Algerian society.
In Algerian Ramadan gatherings, “Al-Bouqala” serves as more than just a poetic exchange; it embodies the spirit of tradition, community, and cultural heritage. Through the art of “Al-Bouqala,” Algerian women celebrate their identity, forge connections across generations, and continue the legacy of poetic expression passed down through centuries.
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