Iranian Cultural Attaché Mohammad Reza Zaeri Releases Book Celebrating Algerian Icons
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- To honor Algerian Martyr’s Day, the initial prototype of a book titled “Prominent Algerian Figures” has been unveiled in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Penned by the Iranian Cultural Attaché, Mohammad Reza Zaeri, the book endeavors to present 70 distinguished Algerian individuals in the Persian tongue.
The book, spanning 96 pages, aims to introduce 70 prominent Algerian personalities in the Persian language. This edition, which will be released in its final form to the market, coincides with the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the glorious Algerian Revolution that erupted in November 1954. This endeavor represents a significant step towards honoring the illustrious figures who have contributed to the building and advancement of Algeria across various epochs.
Undoubtedly, this book is poised to receive widespread acclaim and interest in both countries, contributing significantly to deepening mutual understanding and fostering cultural relations between the two fraternal nations. In this regard, Mr. Zaeri wrote that his initial intention was to feature sixty prominent figures from Algeria, aiming to commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two nations. However, he later decided to immortalize a more profound memory in the hearts of Algerians and Iranians alike—the seventieth anniversary of the glorious Algerian Revolution. Iranians regard this revolution as a source of inspiration for their own struggle, considering the heroic war waged by the Algerian people, characterized by unparalleled bravery and an unwavering readiness for sacrifice and dedication, as a beacon for all oppressed and struggling peoples.
Regarding the book’s content, Mr. Zaeri explained that it delves into various aspects of life, featuring a diverse array of personalities spanning revolutionary, political, cultural, artistic, and scientific realms. The selection process involved distributing surveys among Algerian elites to compile a list of the most prominent figures for inclusion in the book. While some names, such as Emir Abdelkader, martyr Larbi Ben M’hidi, Imam Abdelhamid Ben Badis, and thinker Malek Bennabi, are universally acclaimed in Algeria, others represent lesser-known figures whose contributions significantly enrich the country’s cultural heritage.
The book is dedicated to introducing these prominent Algerian figures and their achievements, without delving into their ideological or political beliefs. The approach is neutral and objective, aiming to familiarize the Iranian people with these esteemed figures, including icons like Djamila Bouhired, and thinker Malek Bennabi, whose works have been translated into Persian and garnered widespread popularity. Notably, Bouhired’s book, chronicling her struggle, has sold hundreds of thousands of copies, attesting to its significant impact.
This edition falls within the framework of the efforts of the Iranian Cultural Attaché, who is diligently working to enhance cultural exchange between Iran and Algeria. Preceding him in this position was Sayyed Jalal Miraghaee, who made significant efforts to strengthen these cultural ties and enhance cultural diplomacy, reflecting the friendly and cooperative spirit that characterizes cultural relations between Iran and Algeria. He launched numerous initiatives, such as teaching the Persian language, calligraphy, and handicrafts, as well as organizing annual Ramadan competitions. Additionally, he conducted a series of press interviews about Iranian cultural realms.
It’s worth noting that cultural relations between Iran and Algeria are witnessing significant development, with Iranians showing increasing interest in writing about Algeria. Iranian researcher and scholar, Dr. Mohammad Ali Azar Shab, has published books and research papers about the country of a million and a half martyrs. One of his works is titled “Algeria in Contemporary Persian Poetry,” in which he explores how Iranian poets have glorified the Algerian Revolution, presenting a diverse collection of Persian poetry about Algeria and its glorious revolution.
Additionally, his book “Algeria through Iranian Eyes – Tlemcen: Resistance and Gratitude” discusses the unity of the Islamic civilization. It emphasizes that the Islamic world, with its various regions, peoples, and races, belongs to a unified cultural sphere. Therefore, the chapters of the book reflect this unity in discourse, culture, literature, and revitalization projects. Some of the content in the book consists of articles presented at conferences held in Algeria.
Iran is currently witnessing a vigorous translation movement led by a group of eminent translators such as Rahim Foroughi and Moussa Beidj, among others. They have embarked on translating Arabic novels, poems, and books into the language of Hafez Shirazi and Omar Khayyam. Translation today serves as an intellectual and civilizational act that can foster closer ties between nations amid the wars and conflicts we witness. Human beings, being social creatures, possess rich cumulative backgrounds of various cultures based on historical experiences. No individual or culture can consider itself immune to the experiences of others. Therefore, the influence of cultures on each other significantly impacts the flourishing and progress of societies. In this regard, the role of translation in transferring cultural elements cannot be denied.
For instance, recently in Iranian markets, the book “Political History of Algeria” by Algerian author Professor Ammar Bouhouche was introduced, translated by Iranian translator and diplomat Saeed Mussafa. Additionally, Iranian translator Sattar Djalil Zadeh translated works and collections of short stories spanning 450 pages, titled “Ashes Above the Wound” (Khaakestare Roye Zakhm). This collection includes fifty short stories by contemporary Arab writers from nine Arab countries, including Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Palestine, and Kuwait. Furthermore, novels by Algerian author Ahlam Mosteghanemi have been translated into Persian, such as “Memory of the Body,” translated in 2001 by translator Reza Ameri, who previously translated works by Naguib Mahfouz and poetry by Nizar Kabbani. Other translations include novels by Algerian writer Tahar Ouettar and the author Kateb Yacine.
In this context, Algerian writer Wassini Al-Araj revealed the translation of his novel “Gypsies Also Love” into Persian, awaiting the translation of his novels “Guardian of Shadows” and “Mai: Nights of Isis Cuba.” Iranians are also interested in translating books by Algerian intellectuals, notably the works of philosopher Malek Bennabi. They often praise his progressive ideas, considering him one of the pioneers of intellectual renaissance in the twentieth century Islamic world. Moreover, if you stroll through the streets of the Republic, you will encounter neighborhoods bearing the names of Algerian figures like Emir Abdelkader and others.
Among the prominent revolutionary figures revered by Algerians is the militant Djamila Bouhired, whose book has been translated into Persian and has sold hundreds of thousands of copies.
On the other hand, Algerian scholar Mohamed Bencheneb presented a dictionary on “Remnants of Persian and Turkish Words in Algerian Arabic,” particularly in the Algerian colloquial dialect, especially in the city of Algiers. Additionally, Algerian writer Belkacem Chaïb translated “The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam” into the Algerian dialect, which received widespread acclaim from readers and enthusiasts.
Moreover, the National Office of University Works (ONOU) (a publishing entity affiliated with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research) released a translation of the Divan of Djalâl ad-Dîn Rûmî, titled “The Arabic Divan of Djalâl ad-Dîn Rûmî… The Divan of Lovers and the Source of Tastes.” This translation was carried out by Aïcha Meharzi, a professor at the University of Algiers and the University of Toulouse, and the president of the Mediterranean Association for Comparative Education. She relied on the French version translated by Abdelghafour Rouane Farhad from Persian, with revisions, introduction, and commentary by Professor Mohamed Chetouani.
This translation represents a new addition to the Algerian library given the significant impact of this mystical poetic figure on Arabic literature, as well as the influence of Persian literature on Arabic literature in general. Furthermore, Algerian universities demonstrate an interest in Persian literature, as evidenced by the completion of academic theses on the subject.
Similarly, the Algerian indexed and classified fields show interest in the works of Iranian researchers and publish them. In Iran, an international conference on the Algerian Revolution was held with the participation of Algerian researchers and professors. Additionally, Iranian universities organize conferences and seminars dedicated to Algerian literature, such as the one organized by “Shahid Beheshti” University in Iran, in coordination with the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Iranian authorities responsible for literary affairs. This conference focused on contemporary Algerian literature and was attended by a large group of Algerian writers alongside academics from Algeria. The topics discussed varied, covering subjects like colonization and its aftermath, the significance of revolution and resistance in Algerian literature, the impact of colonization on Algerian literature, Algerian writers’ desire to write and create in the language of the colonizer, the position of Algerian literature in the Arab world, critical discourse from a critical perspective, Algerian literature from a comparative perspective with Arab and Western literatures, as well as discussions on Algerian literature and the fine arts, cinema, the portrayal of the “other” in Algerian literature, and the image of Algerians in world literature. I recall the statement made by Algerian poet Tarek Thabet in a media outlet, expressing his surprise at “the level of academic contributions from Iranian participants at the conference, whether delivered in Arabic or Persian. The Iranians provided valuable insights into figures like former Minister of Culture Mahoubi, which amazed us with their awareness of our literature and the depth of their knowledge.”
During the event, the novelist Waciny Laredj was honored alongside the freedom fighter Djamila Bouhired. Also, Zaphira Yacef joined, presenting a screening of her father’s film “The Battle of Algiers,” followed by a historical discussion. It’s worth noting the Iranian interest in the Algerian liberation revolution, as evidenced by the annual screening of “The Battle of Algiers” in Persian cinemas on the eve of the glorious November 1st revolution anniversary. Moreover, several Iranian poets have composed verses in Persian about this revolution.
Beyond literature, Algerians participate in various academic and cultural events in Iran, such as the International Quran Exhibition and the annual International Conference on Islamic Unity, held during the week of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), with the participation of many Algerian figures, researchers, and scholars. Notable attendees include Dr. Bouabdallah Ghlamallah, Dr. Noureddine Abu Lahya, the late Professor Djamel Traka, Nora Farhat, and me, Dr. Hana Saada. Algerian scholars have also participated in scientific and cultural conferences in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including prominent figures like Sheikh Bouamrane El-Sheikh, Sheikh Abdelrahmane Chebane, Dr. Amar Talebi, Dr. Moustapha Al-Ghoumari, and Sheikh Abderrezak Guessoum.
In Algeria, Iranians also participate in various intellectual meetings and seminars organized by different Algerian institutions and universities. Previously, the Islamic Thought Forums, held in Algeria from 1968 to 1990, were associated with Iranian participation. These conferences were purely academic, encompassing various schools of thought, ideologies, and even jurisprudential interpretations, marking a significant intellectual event in the Islamic world. They brought together Islamic scholars of all orientations and sects under one roof. Iranian scholars such as Ayatollah Taskhiri, Ayatollah Hadi Khosroshahi the prominent scholar Dr. Sayyid Jafar Shahidi, and Imam Mūsā aṣ- Ṣadr were consistent participants in these intellectual gatherings, attending for many years. They raised their voices advocating for unity, tolerance, dialogue, and constructive discourse with others on common ground to propel the momentum of convergence forward and overcome the divisions that plagued the Islamic nation into sects and factions.
Additionally, the thinker and scholar Ayatollah Hadi Khosroshahi, may his soul rest in peace, praised the Algerian revolution and its figures, such as Emir Abdelkader, in numerous articles. Furthermore, the former cultural Attaché, Sayyed Jalal Miraghaee, participated in these events, which allowed him, as he personally informed me, to become acquainted with our country since the 1970s. At the beginning of the third millennium, he also participated in two Islamic conferences in the Algerian capital and Oran as part of a delegation of Iranian scholars and intellectuals.
These efforts will contribute to enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries on various fronts, as cultural exchange is considered one of the most important means to foster understanding and closeness among nations. Consequently, these relations will strengthen and evolve to new levels, benefiting both the Algerian and Iranian people alike.
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