Youcef Mecheria to “El-Massa”: Algerian Religious Diplomacy Plays Pivotal Role in Mediterranean, Sahel
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Youcef Mecheria, the President of the International Peace Bridges Forum, has highlighted the significant role Algerian religious diplomacy is poised to play in shaping the intellectual landscape across the Arab, African, and Mediterranean regions. This assertion gains particular resonance with the inauguration of the Great Mosque of Algiers, which is expected to emerge as a central hub for scholars and researchers from diverse Islamic nations. The mosque’s extensive facilities are anticipated to facilitate the exchange and expansion of knowledge, thereby enhancing its stature as a beacon of enlightenment in the region.
Speaking to “El-Massa,” Mecheria underscored Algeria’s growing influence in key spheres across the Mediterranean basin, the Sahel region, and the southern Sahara. He emphasized Algeria’s substantial investment over the years in promoting the principles of tolerance inherent in Islamic doctrine, particularly in the aftermath of the tumultuous period it endured during the black decade.
In this context, Mecheria noted Algeria’s deployment of imams and religious scholars to the Paris Mosque under its auspices. Despite the French government’s decision last year to halt the recruitment of imams from outside France, Algerian imams continue to oversee 200 mosques, despite historically originating from Algeria, Morocco, and Turkey. France’s suspension of foreign imam recruitment aims ostensibly to foster French Islam.
However, Mecheria highlighted a unique arrangement concerning the Paris Mosque, which Algeria supports financially with an annual allocation exceeding two million dollars. Emphasis is placed on the mosque’s pivotal role in promoting Arab-Algerian Islamic cultural identity and providing religious guidance to the Algerian Muslim community. It is suggested that these funds be directed towards programs fostering a connection with Algeria’s rich historical heritage and original culture.
Mecheria also emphasized that Europe, including France, has faced a wave of terrorism aimed at tarnishing Islam’s image. He pointed out that Algeria boasts a pioneering experience in combating extremism and terrorism, owing to the Maliki doctrine’s advocacy of moderation, religious tolerance, coexistence, and dialogue. He cited Emir Abdelkader as an exemplar, highlighting his demonstration of humanity, coexistence, and peaceful dialogue, along with his efforts to showcase Islam’s beauty.
Mecheria believes that those tasked with overseeing the Great Mosque of Algiers face a monumental challenge in disseminating knowledge, raising awareness, and nurturing the intellect of Algerians, Europeans, Africans, and Muslim Arabs overall. He expressed deep regret for the dire circumstances faced by the Islamic nation during periods of disillusionment, setbacks, and normalization of relations with the Zionist entity.
Furthermore, Mecheria emphasized Algeria’s pivotal role in disseminating Islam’s message and the teachings of the faithful throughout history. Algerians played a crucial role in propagating Islam across Africa through orders like the Tijaniyya, Qadiriyya, and Sanussiyya, with followers estimated in the millions across the continent.
Mecheria noted the historical emergence of religious diplomacy in Algeria across different epochs, including its impact during the Christian era. Algerians played a notable role in disseminating divine teachings, with figures like Saint Augustine in Souk Ahras rejuvenating Christianity before its divergence. Moreover, Algerians were pivotal in spreading Islam in Europe, led by Tariq ibn Ziyad, who propagated Islam’s splendor in Andalusia and Portugal, extending their influence to the outskirts of Paris for over eight centuries.
In conclusion, Mecheria believes that Algeria’s borders are frontline territories, underscoring the importance of spiritual centers and religious diplomacy, and the imperative to activate, mobilize, and revitalize them, especially in the face of Morocco’s longstanding hostile stance towards Algeria, exacerbated by its normalization with the Zionist entity.
Interview by: Malika. M -EL Massa.
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