Scientific event

The initiative for this panel discussion is part of a series of scheduled meetings for the institutional project titled (Shared Cultural and Social Heritage in the Border Regions of Algeria and Tunisia). This meeting aims to present the progress of the project. In accordance with the work plan for this phase, each team member will present their respective research axis based on the proposed elements of shared cultural and social heritage between the border areas of Algeria and their counterparts in the Tunisian Republic, namely: the "Houli" garment, the "Rakrouki" musical genre, and "Coral" craftsmanship.
Through these presentations, a detailed overview of each proposed element will be provided, starting with an introductory and historical overview, its characteristics, distinct features, and symbolism within its society. It will also explore the necessary efforts to preserve, document, and protect it. Furthermore, a comparative analysis will be conducted to highlight the similarities and differences between these cultural heritage elements in Algeria and the Tunisian Republic. This discussion will also help establish the appropriate methodology for conducting field investigations tailored to each team member within their designated research area.
This panel discussion also aligns with the annual Heritage Month (April 18 to May 18), aiming to underscore the importance of researching cultural heritage, particularly "shared" heritage. It also serves to introduce these proposed cultural elements by exploring their symbolism and specificities, highlighting their role in national identity, and strengthening collective memory to ensure their preservation.
Scientific Objectives of the Seminar
• To present and discuss the current progress of each research axis within the project.
• To exchange ideas and perspectives regarding specific elements of the shared heritage.
• To highlight the importance of fieldwork in collecting information on each heritage research element.
• To emphasize the significance of inventorying and documenting heritage.
Abstracts
Dr. Meriem Lemam, Researcher at the Center for Research in Social and Cultural Anthropology (CRASC)
The "Houli" Garment: A Shared Cultural Heritage between Oued Souf and the Tunisian South
Abstract:
Through this presentation, and within the framework of the project (Cultural and Social Heritage in the Border Regions of Algeria and Tunisia), we attempt to explore the shared elements, particularly between the region of El Oued and the Tunisian South, in line with my specific research axis. Accordingly, we present a case study on the "Houli", specifically regarding the traditional attire of the Soufi woman. Although it is less commonly worn today, it remains strongly present in folk celebrations and cultural festivals. Therefore, we will investigate this ancient attire, focusing on the semantics of its name, its origin, history, description, and the main traditional jewelry and feminine ornaments associated with it. We will also explore its symbolism in Saharan society, as well as the presence of the "Houli" attire in popular culture, particularly in folk poetry. Additionally, we have gathered data on both the "Soufi Houli" and the "Tunisian Houli" to conduct a comparative analysis. Finally, the study examines the efforts and means to preserve this cultural legacy. As for data collection, it relied on an ethnographic field investigation conducted in the southeastern region (El Oued), adjacent to the Tunisian South.
Dr. Nassima Hamida, Project Member, Researcher at the Center for Research in Social and Cultural Anthropology (CRASC)
The "Rakrouki": A Shared Cultural Heritage in the Border Regions of Algeria and Tunisia — A Field Investigation in the Tébessa Region

Abstract:
The "Rakrouki" folk song in the Tébessa region carries numerous connotations, in addition to being a rural musical genre stemming from the unique specificity of the society. Consequently, we conducted an ethnographic field investigation on the "Rakrouki" along the eastern border strip of the Tébessa region and its counterpart in the Tunisian Republic—as part of this research project. The core problem revolves around questioning this vocal and musical style as a shared heritage between the two aforementioned regions, adopting an anthropological approach. We have reached several conclusions, including: the nature of the "Rakrouki" as a Bedouin style performed by both women and men, its hereditary transmission, and the identification of shifts affecting this vocal genre, such as the use of modern musical instruments alongside the emergence of new songs by folk artists. Additionally, the study highlights the potential transfer of this genre to other subcultures that differ from the original community in Tébessa.
Dr. Khemais Redha, Project Member, Researcher at the Center for Research in Social and Cultural Anthropology (CRASC)
The Path of a Field Research on "Coral" as a Shared Border Heritage between Algeria and Tunisia

Abstract:
This field research centers on the coral craft as a shared cultural and social heritage between the Algerian and Tunisian border regions. It examines how this element contributes to shaping a shared memory and fostering economic integration between Algeria and Tunisia, moving beyond strictly security-focused frameworks. The primary research question is: How is the field practice of extracting and processing coral shaped in the El Tarf region, and what are the points of convergence and divergence that make it a shared Maghrebi heritage?
The significance of this research stems from safeguarding the artisanal memory linked to the sea and understanding value chains—from diving to marketing—to support local development, thereby reinforcing the concept of "shared heritage" as a tool for regional cooperation. The objectives include documenting diving techniques and coral extraction conditions in El Tarf, tracing the stages of transforming coral from raw material into traditional jewelry, and highlighting the similarities and differences between Algerian and Tunisian coral. Furthermore, it explores future prospects for mutual cooperation in training and artisanal innovation. The study adopts an ethnographic methodology, diving deep into the details of the artisan community through an interview guide structured around the following axes:
• Axis 1: Extraction: The world of diving in El Tarf from the seabed to the shelf.
• Axis 2: Transformation: Operations involving cleaning, cutting, polishing, and drilling.
• Axis 3: Traditional Craft: Types of jewelry.
• Axis 4: Marketing: Display methods, local and tourist clientele, and marketing challenges.
• Axis 5: Similarities and differences in the coral craft between Algeria and Tunisia.
• Axis 6: Coral in popular culture.