International Association of Algerians Opens Cultural Center in Turkey, Strengthening National Identity and Education- Exclusive Interview
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a special interview conducted by “Dzair Tube,” President Idriss Rebouh of the International Association of Algerians unveiled the organization’s newest venture, the Center for Teaching the Holy Qur’an and the Arabic Language in Istanbul, Turkey. This landmark event was attended by the Minister and Rector of the Algiers Mosque, Sheikh Mohammad Mamoun al-Qasimi al-Hasani, and marks a pivotal moment in the preservation of Algerian culture and identity within the global diaspora.
The International Association of Algerians, founded just three years ago, has rapidly evolved into a pivotal player in the Algerian community both in Turkey and worldwide. With the recent inauguration of the Center for Teaching the Holy Qur’an and the Arabic Language in Istanbul, the association is taking significant strides in its mission to promote and safeguard the Algerian national identity.
Here is the interview:
You have chosen to establish a center dedicated to educating the Algerian community in Istanbul, Turkey, in both the Holy Qur’an and the Arabic language. What significance does this religious and linguistic institution hold, and how will it enrich the existing landscape?
The International Association of Algerians has taken the initiative to create a center that offers instruction in the Holy Qur’an and Arabic language, catering not only to the Algerian community in Turkey but also to individuals of diverse backgrounds who aspire to learn the Arabic language, including our Turkish brethren and people from various nationalities residing in or visiting Turkey, particularly those from Islamic nations desiring to acquire proficiency in the language of the Holy Qur’an.
This endeavor carries a twofold purpose, emphasizing the teaching of Arabic not only to Algerian children in Turkey and Turkish nationals but to anyone interested in mastering this language. Simultaneously, the center places a strong focus on providing comprehensive Quranic education to youth and individuals of varying ages and genders. This encompasses Quranic memorization, interpretation, correct recitation, and delving into the various sciences associated with the Holy Qur’an. This holistic approach ensures that the act of reading and memorizing the Quran aligns with a profound comprehension and contemplation of its noble verses, contributing to the cultivation of young minds steeped in Islamic principles and education—a primary objective ardently pursued by the association.
Our aspiration extends to collaborating with various members of the Algerian community and seeking support from relevant institutions, such as the Consulate General in Istanbul, the Algerian Embassy in Ankara, and the governmental bodies in Algeria, including the Ministry of National Education, Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Higher Education, and the Ministry of Mujahideen. By engaging these institutions, we aim to secure a lasting position for Algerian history within the educational framework envisioned by the International Association of Algerians through this center. It serves as the foundational cornerstone, with future ambitions of expanding into a school and cultural hub representing the Algerian national identity in terms of language, religion, and history.
This endeavor by the Center for Teaching the Arabic Language and the Holy Qur’an, established by the International Association of Algerians, is a historic milestone for the Algerian community in Turkey. We look forward to cooperating with Algerian individuals, both male and female, who have been actively involved in various diaspora associations. Many Algerians residing abroad have formed associations dedicated to a range of pursuits, including the teaching of the Arabic language, the Holy Qur’an, and Islamic education. Through coordination facilitated by the International Algerian Association and collaboration with similar associations globally, we aim to channel our collective efforts in a unified direction, sharing knowledge, experiences, and insights, especially with advisory councils under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic. These councils, which are integral to preserving the Algerian identity, include the Supreme Council for the Arabic Language, the Supreme Islamic Council, and the High Prefecture of Amazigh for those interested in learning this language.
Ultimately, our goal is to nurture a generation of Algerian expatriate children who are not only proficient in the Arabic language but also deeply connected to their homeland, well-versed in the principles of the Islamic faith, and knowledgeable about the rich history of Algeria.
What are the primary undertakings conducted by the International Algerian Association in Turkey?
The International Association of Algerians is a recently established organization, mirroring the growth of the Algerian community in Turkey. It was established on February 2, 2020, and swiftly engaged in assisting Algerian individuals who were stranded in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic. This included both Algerians residing in Turkey who were severely impacted by the crisis and those who found themselves stranded. The association played a multi-faceted role during this period, encompassing housing assistance, the provision of food aid, access to medical and pharmaceutical support, and any assistance within its capacity to offer to members of the Algerian community. Notably, it secured special permits to operate during curfews in Istanbul to provide aid to Algerians. Subsequently, the association’s humanitarian and charitable activities persisted on various fronts. It extended its support into Ramadan, providing food parcels akin to the Ramadan Pavilion in Algeria. Additionally, it channeled zakat contributions from Algerians and others to support needy families, and it distributed sacrificial meat during Eid al-Adha to both Algerians and non-Algerians.
While the initial year (2020) was primarily focused on assisting Algerians due to their significant presence during the height of the pandemic, including flight suspensions, the association’s activities expanded in 2021, 2022, and 2023. These efforts began encompassing a broader range of communities, even benefiting Turkish individuals. The association’s international engagement extended beyond the Algerian community, with a notable involvement in the aftermath of an earthquake that struck southern Turkey and northern Syria. The association’s presence extended to 15 Turkish cities over the course of a month, particularly during Ramadan. During this period, thousands affected by the earthquake received breakfast meals, along with blankets, clothing, tents, heating stoves, hygiene products, and food supplies. The association’s comprehensive support in all the affected regions elevated its status as a leading provider of assistance in response to the earthquake.
Following the earthquake relief efforts and as societal and charitable conditions stabilized, the association redirected its focus towards cultural and educational initiatives. It initiated its cultural and educational season by establishing a center for teaching the Arabic language and the Holy Qur’an. This center was accompanied by various cultural activities aimed not only at the Algerian community but also at Turkish citizens and individuals from other nationalities. The goal is to promote cultural exchange and foster the cultural influence that the International Algerians Association aspires to achieve in Turkey. In coordination with Algerian associations worldwide, the association seeks to become a hub for projecting Algerian culture onto the global stage.
Please share details about the events and gatherings that the Algerian community in Turkey chooses to participate in and help coordinate, and explain how these activities contribute to your objectives of uniting and connecting the national community.
The activities favored by Algerian men and women predominantly revolve around social gatherings and events that promote community cohesion. Additionally, there is a specific category of activities that appeals primarily to dedicated activists rather than the entire community. These activities are centered around religious and national celebrations, with activists actively seeking opportunities to organize and participate in them. Examples of such occasions include acts of sacrifice or providing assistance during challenging times, as well as events commemorating significant national dates like July 5 or November 1. As a result, activists place great importance on these seasons.
However, the broader community tends to show more enthusiasm for gatherings that involve a mix of social interactions and tourist experiences. These social events held in tourist destinations hold a special allure for all Algerians, as they provide a wonderful opportunity for people to come together and bond over shared experiences.
How do you envision the evolution of the Algerian community’s presence in Turkey, and does it achieve stability, particularly concerning its integration into Turkish society and its future prospects?
In my perspective, Turkey doesn’t provide long-term stability for a significant portion of the Algerian community, primarily because most Algerians arriving here intend to continue their migration towards Europe. Therefore, Turkey isn’t a stable destination for a large percentage of Algerians. Additionally, those who settle in Turkey are mainly students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. This group, albeit shrinking in recent years due to the challenges of studying in Turkish, the primary language of instruction at universities, or English (which is an exception in some institutions), represents a minority. Algerian students typically receive their education in Arabic or French back in Algeria, resulting in smaller numbers compared to other communities.
There’s also a group of merchants and entrepreneurs who view Istanbul as a significant hub for international trade. Furthermore, there’s another category benefiting from Turkey’s transformations, attracting expertise in areas like medical tourism, various types of tourism, and capacity development.
To what extent does the Algerian community contribute to the progress in Turkey and its advancements, particularly in economic and scientific domains?
The contribution of Algerians to Turkey’s economic and scientific progress, in my estimation, is relatively modest. The Algerian community does, however, play a role in enhancing Turkey’s positive image, indirectly affecting perceptions of Turkey in Algeria and beyond. This occurs when vital and successful sectors in Turkey, such as education, healthcare, cultural freedom, and the formation of associations and conferences, are promoted. These activities create a positive image of Turkey as a welcoming and versatile nation. Additionally, the promotion of Turkey as a tourist destination has contributed to Istanbul’s resurgence as a global gateway and its ranking as one of Europe’s top airports for consecutive years. Algerians, through their frequent visits and utilization of Turkish services in tourism, healthcare, education, trade, and more, contribute indirectly to this revival.
While the number of Algerians in Turkey might be small, their positive impact on the Turkish economy, trade relations between the two countries, and the promotion of the Turkish lifestyle through social media is significant. This lifestyle is seen as a fusion of Eastern and Western systems, reflecting social, cultural, and religious similarities between Algeria and Turkey, as both nations have undergone comparable historical stages. Despite certain disadvantages, this model resonates well with the Algerian community, making it a positive influence on both sides.
Conclusion:
In its efforts to preserve and propagate Algerian culture and values, the International Association of Algerians continues to forge ahead, providing an exemplary model of integration and cooperation within the Turkish society while preserving the essence of the Algerian national identity.
