Places of Memory and Heritage Practices : The Case of the Aurès "PALMA"

We propose to study the places of memory and the accompanying heritage practices in the Aurès region. By "places of memory," we mean all material and immaterial representations such as cemeteries, monuments, statues of martyrs who fell on the field of honor during the National Liberation War, and museums. Their construction throughout the territory of the former Wilaya 1 (Aurès/Nememcha) bears witness, first and foremost, to the history of resistance and the commitment of men and women dedicated to the spirit of independence. It also signifies the obligation to remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives to free Algeria from the colonial yoke.

Contemporary history and anthropology manifest a particular interest in the symbolic dimension of these places, especially through the rituals of commemoration. Drawing on the intersection of these two disciplines, this research project aims to revisit these sites to account for the heritage practices implemented by the relevant institutions or resulting from citizen initiatives. The objective is to examine the stakes (power dynamics) that develop around them and to study the "liturgy of remembrance" that serves as a foundation for the collective local imagination. This project is part of a long-term reflection initiated several years ago within the "History and Anthropology of Memory" research division.

Objectives:

- Production of a book on major places of memory, such as martyrs' plots, statues, and museums in the Aurès, to be enriched with a photographic collection for an iconotheque.

- Development of an archival fund accompanied by research tools (inventories of collected archives and places of memory) available for future research in history and socio-cultural anthropology.

Actions Taken / Planned:

- Establishing contact with local authorities.

- Mapping and identifying places of memory.

- Documentary research (at the local level: archives from municipalities (APC), the Wilaya, the Veterans' Association, regional museums, and archive centers in Algeria and France).

- Identifying witnesses and conducting interviews.

- Processing field data and drafting articles.

- Reviewing texts and photos for publication.

Expected Results / Perspectives:

- Enrichment of the fields of knowledge.

- Expanding research fields to include historical subjects completely neglected in current curricula in Algeria.

- Inspiring educational programs aimed at training professionals specialized in the transmission of heritage-related knowledge, its conservation, and its development.

- Supporting tourism development and opening cultural perspectives on a largely overlooked heritage.