BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- As Algeria gears up to celebrate Yennayer, the Berber New Year, on January 12, the country anticipates a day of cultural festivities and traditions. Yennayer, marking the beginning of the agrarian calendar, has been observed by Berbers throughout North Africa since ancient times. The date, corresponding to the first day of January in the Julian calendar, is celebrated as a national holiday following a presidential decree in 2017.
The country’s high authorities’ commitment to cultural preservation and identity is evident in the recognition of Yennayer as a public holiday since 2018. Various cultural, artistic, economic, and educational activities have been organized nationwide from January 9 to commemorate the occasion.
In 2020, the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, instituted the President’s Prize for Amazigh Language and Literature. This initiative aims to encourage research and creativity, fostering a more robust production in Amazigh language and culture.
Additionally, this year, the High Commission for Amazighity (HCA) introduced an innovative event, Souk Yennayer, held in Algiers since last Tuesday to celebrate the Amazigh New Year 2974.
Celebrating Yennayer’s Cultural Riches at Souk Yennayer in Algiers
Souk Yennayer, situated at the Grand Post Office Square in Algiers, serves as a hub for celebrating the country’s cultural richness. The event features two entrances, Tassili and Atlas, a square dedicated to around thirty artisans, space for artistic activities and book sales, a traditional bread oven, and a Targui tent.
El-Hachemi Assad, the Secretary-General of HCA, highlighted President Tebboune’s commitment to preserving and consolidating national identity components, citing it as one of his 54 pledges. At the official launch of the New Year celebrations at the National Army Circle in Beni Messous, Assad commended the President’s sponsorship of national Yennayer festivities and the 4th edition of the Amazigh Language and Literature Prize.
He emphasized the President’s keen interest in preserving and consolidating national identity components, highlighting the selection of Algiers to host the event. This significant occasion is themed “Yennayer, authentic cultural treasure and crucible for sustainable development,” emphasizing the enduring cultural reference that Algerians should take pride in.
Academic and Scientific Endeavors for Amazigh Culture
The celebration extends beyond traditional events, incorporating scientific workshops and training sessions in translation and onomastic research. Assad mentioned the introduction of new research specialties focusing on the historical and cultural dimensions of Algerian identity. He underscored the importance of debating cultural plurality and multilingualism within the framework of the draft Algerian Linguistic Atlas.
Assad also reflected on Algeria’s cultural, cognitive, and educational achievements, attributing them to the state’s interest in national identity symbols. He emphasized the importance of instilling noble values of patriotism and preservation of national cultural heritage in the youth. Assad concluded by asserting that Amazighity remains a unifying element and a common heritage for all Algerians.
Dzair Tube Media Group
Dzair Tube has firmly established itself as a prominent player among Algerian digital news sites, offering a diverse and enriching content experience. The platform, available in Arabic, French, and English editions, captures the attention of a wide-ranging audience, amassing over half a million daily clicks.
A testament to its commitment to excellence, Dzair Tube received the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This recognition underscores the platform’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism.
With a significant online presence, Dzair Tube boasts 350,000 subscribers on YouTube, over five million followers on various Facebook pages, and 450,000 subscribers on Instagram. Its digital channel has become a hub for diverse programming, covering news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a broad spectrum of audience preferences.
Equipped with state-of-the-art studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has garnered substantial viewership for its varied programs. Hosting interactive discussions with influential figures across different domains, the platform actively fosters public discourse and engagement. Beyond news coverage, Dzair Tube extends its commitment to the production of marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership programs.
The success of the print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further highlights the platform’s impact, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.
Recently honored with the Media Leadership Award from the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the landscape of Algerian digital news, maintaining a position of influence and impact in the media industry.
