On the 45th Anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution: Algeria’s Glorious Revolution Shines as a Beacon of Inspiration
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- A delegation of Algerian media executives, including the Director-General and owner of the online channel “Dzair Tube,” Mr. Maamar Gani, visited the Islamic Republic of Iran to enhance cooperation with various Iranian media institutions and learn about the achievements of the Islamic Revolution in all fields, particularly as this visit coincides with its 45th anniversary. The Iranian side warmly welcomed the visiting delegation, emphasizing the importance of such visits in strengthening cooperation between journalists in the two sisterly countries, especially amidst the current media openness witnessed globally.
During the diverse visits, which included various media and cultural institutions, both sides agreed on the necessity of transitioning to practical steps involving training and exchange of experiences. The Algerian delegation expressed their satisfaction with the visit to Iran, stating that the aim of the visit is to explore avenues for building upon to reach agreements related to media cooperation, built on the solid foundation of relations between the two countries.
The Algerian delegation was received by the former Minister of Culture and Guidance and the Director of the newspaper “Ettela’at,” Mr. Abbas Salehi. He highlighted that the glorious Algerian Revolution served as an inspiration for the Iranian people to lead their own revolution, pointing to numerous publications in Iran about this majestic and enduring revolution.
It is worth noting that the exceptional relationship between the two sisterly countries has been shaped by decades of cooperation and solidarity between their leaderships. Iranians have been among the free people who supported the struggle of the Algerian people and their revolution from its inception, standing firmly alongside Algeria, indicating the depth of the strong relationship, deep brotherhood, and mutual trust between the two countries.
The Iranian people, like all freedom-loving peoples yearning for justice and peace, supported their brave and steadfast Algerian brethren and joined them in celebrating the victory of this inspiring and distinguished revolution in the history of humanity. The Algerian revolution symbolizes profound meanings, values, and principles, representing liberation and salvation from the shackles of colonialism. Algeria’s independence is not only a triumphant achievement by its heroic people in the midst of the victorious November revolution, but also a victory for all freedom fighters striving to break free from the bonds of slavery, subjugation, and oppression worldwide.
Today, with appreciation, pride, and honor, we cannot but recall the pivotal role played by the Algerian War of Independence and its overwhelming victory in opening up vast opportunities for liberation movements across different countries and continents worldwide. The heroic war waged by the Algerian people, characterized by unparalleled courage and limitless readiness for sacrifice and giving, became a beacon for all oppressed and struggling peoples.
Similarly, the Iranian people contributed with all their might and factions to the birth of a blessed revolution. No city in Iran hesitated to send convoys of martyrs, as the Islamic Revolution confronted the fiercest tyrants in the region, defying all their oppressive means. The Iranian people sacrificed tens of thousands of martyrs in this noble revolution.
This revolution constituted a civilizational movement and a cultural renaissance par excellence despite attempts to isolate, marginalize, and besiege it since its inception. Despite the economic war imposed on it by major powers and the military conflict that drained its resources for more than eight years, the star of this resilient nation, which refuses to submit, shone brightly.
Since its blessed inception, the revolution has been at odds with the American project to dominate the resources of Islamic countries and divide them into factions and groups that are easy prey. It worked to thwart all conspiracies and schemes and called upon the Islamic world to do so, thereby safeguarding its principles. Since its dawn in the 1960s following a fiery speech by the late Imam Khomeini (1902-1989), in which he criticized the Shah’s regime for granting judicial immunity to American advisers in Iran, this revolution has embodied a unique reality, announcing the birth of a resilient nation capable of confronting all conspiracies. Thus, it heralded the emergence of a knowledge-based state thanks to the minds of first-rate scholars, breaking the chains of market and arms dependence, deserving its rightful place and progress.
Algeria celebrated this revolution based on its heritage and revolutionary creed, thereby establishing a strong relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran, anchored in their shared principles against hegemony and despotism. Their sovereignty and commitment to unity continue to serve as formidable barriers against Western dictates. Today, we see significant alignment between Tehran and Algeria on many international events and issues, such as the Syrian file, Hezbollah and Hamas, the Iranian nuclear dossier, rejection of normalization with the Zionist entity, and support for the Palestinian resistance. This alignment stems from their steadfast rejection of hegemony, despotism, and the diplomatic games imposed by the West.
Speaking of the shared approach of the two brotherly countries in confronting despotism leads us to the support of Iranians and their inspiration from the glorious Algerian revolution. After the victory of the Algerian revolution, celebrations reverberated in mosques across Iran, such as the Hidayat Mosque under the leadership of Mr. Mahmoud Taleghani, who was then second only to Imam Khomeini. Chants of “Algeria is victorious” echoed in the air. In commemoration of this triumph, numerous poems were composed by Iranian poets, and the film “The Battle of Algiers” was translated into Persian. Iran has made it a tradition to screen this film every year coinciding with the anniversary of the outbreak of the November 1 revolution.
Before its victory, as recounted by the former Iranian Cultural Attaché, Sayyed Jalal Miraghaei, this glorious revolution against French colonization received support from the Iranian people, such as the great Iranian thinker Dr. Ali Shariati. Shariati, a staunch opponent of French colonialism, actively supported the Algerian revolution, defending it and even being imprisoned for his stance. His position was backed by popular support in Iran that sympathized with this revolution.
Shariati did not hide his sympathy with the struggle of the Algerian people and the National Liberation Front. After meeting one of its members by chance in a hair salon, Shariati was recruited into the Front’s network in Paris, which later used his room for coordination to evade French surveillance. Additionally, Mr. Ali maintained close and constant contact with Algerian and foreign activists who sympathized with the revolution, such as the physician Frantz Fanon. He participated in protests for the Algerian cause in 1959, thus intertwining his personality and conscience with the Algerian revolution. It transitioned from theoretical contemplation to action, seeing in this revolution a revolutionary consciousness born from faith and awareness. The Algerian revolution embodied this miracle in its defiance of French imperial hegemony and provided lessons in the art of revolution, consciousness formation, and preservation of cultural identity.
The influence of Dr. Shariati on Algerian society has been profound and continues to resonate among Algerian elites, as his ideas are still echoed by the Algerian intelligentsia. His name is closely linked with the Algerian thinker, writer, and philosopher Malek Bennabi because both advocated for a revolution against external despotism and the reform of the self.
Furthermore, as Mr. Miraghaei adds, prominent Iranian scholars urged Iranians to support and assist the Algerian people in every possible way. Many financial aids were collected and delivered to the people of Algeria through intermediaries, and this popular support continued until the victory of the Algerian revolution. After independence, the Iranian monarchy supported Algeria, despite its initial differences with many principles of the Algerian revolution. However, it was compelled to do so due to the popular Iranian stance in support of the Algerians. Iran became one of the first countries to recognize Algeria’s independence.
One of the most significant speeches delivered by Imam Khomeini after his return from Paris to Tehran was his call for Iranians to emulate the Algerian revolution. He linked the Algerian revolution to the lesser jihad against colonialism and the greater jihad against backwardness. In the early days of the victory of the revolution, Imam Khomeini welcomed Algerian figures, including the late prominent thinkers Naït Belkacem and Ahmed Hamani. Algerian television broadcasted images of them sitting on the ground at Imam Khomeini’s residence.
Today, we anticipate a promising future for bilateral relations, as Algerian Foreign Minister Mr. Ahmed Attaf remarked during his recent visit to Tehran, stating, “The relations between Algeria and Iran have a deeply rooted history, a distinguished present, and a promising future.”
About 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.
