It’s been centuries that foreign powers, European or North African, try to denature to engulf their culture, the Kabyles cling against wind and tide to their identity, their history, their art and their customs. There is no doubt that they will survive their attackers as they have for millennia.
Saint-Michel-l’Observatoire: The 9th of April 2023 will remain in the annals of the commune of Saint-Michel-l’Observatoire as the day when an exceptional tribute was paid to Taos Amrouche. This tribute was organised by the associations Le Grain Magique – Montpellier and Le Grain Magique – Paca in collaboration with the Coordination MAK Sud-France through its four sections: Perpignan, Toulouse, Montpellier and Marseille. It was a symposium on the life and work of this great figure of Kabyle and Berber culture in general.
The colloquium was marked by a round table which saw the presence of eminent speakers Ali SAYAD and Jack MEURANT, and the reader Tenna AT ALI. The round table was moderated by the very distinguished Taos MEZIANE. Those present also had the chance to see a beautiful exhibition on the legendary Taos AMROUCHE.
The event began with the laying of a wreath on the grave of Taos AMROUCHE, followed by a minute’s silence, and then by the inauguration of the Traverse bearing his name. This inauguration was done in the presence of the municipal team and symbolically the plaque was unveiled behind the two French and Kabyle flags. It was a solemn and moving moment for all present.
After a lunch break, the tribute continued with an exhibition on the legendary Taos AMROUCHE, a colloquium on the life and work of the artist and finally a closing ceremony with words of thanks and symbolic prizes to the participants.
The tribute to Taos Amrouche was the second consecutive tribute organised by the two associations, Le Grain Magique – Montpellier and Le Grain Magique – Paca, in collaboration with the Coordination MAK Sud France. This collaboration allowed people from different backgrounds and different regions of France, as well as from abroad, to gather to honour this great figure of Kabyle culture. This day will remain engraved in our memories as a vibrant tribute to an extraordinary woman who has left her mark on Kabyle history and culture.
Our two associations and the MAK Sud-France Coordination would like to thank all those present, all the participants, as well as the municipality of Saint-Michel-l’Observatoire for its warm welcome and its presence among us. We thank the two choirs of the associations AFK13 from Marseille and Tiliwa from Paris, BOUZID from the Amazigh association from Marseille who contributed to the exhibition, the association Les amis de Saint-Michel Lincel, the enchanter Azal Belkadi and his musicians, the shaman dancer Siham, the artist M’henna TIGRINI and many other participants, each one of them with their own name and talent, and we don’t forget our generous donors who were a great help to us. We look forward to seeing you at our next events and we will be happy to count you, as always, among us.
The associations Le Grain Magique – Paca & Le Grain Magique – Montpellier, La Coordination MAK Sud-France bring a total support for our innocent Kabyle prisoners unjustly incarcerated by the Algerian totalitarian regime, we also call to join massively the different commemorations planned for April 20, starting with the rally planned in Paris, on Sunday April 16, 2023.
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