Algeria, a land of diverse landscapes and rich history, commemorates its Independence Day on July 5th. This day marks the end of 132 years of French colonial rule, a monumental moment achieved through immense sacrifice and resilience. As we celebrate Algeria’s 62nd Independence Day, it is fitting to reflect on the profound concept of freedom and how it continues to shape the lives of Algerians across generations.
A Brief History of Algeria’s Struggle
Algeria’s journey to independence was neither swift nor easy. The Algerian War of Independence, which lasted from 1954 to 1962, was a brutal conflict characterized by guerrilla warfare, widespread civilian casualties, and significant human rights abuses. In this short period over 1.5 million people were killed by the colonials, making it one of the biggest and most famous revolutions to independence.
The war culminated in the Evian Accords, signed on March 18, 1962, which led to a ceasefire and ultimately to the declaration of independence on July 5, 1962. This historic victory not only marked the birth of a sovereign nation but also ignited a sense of pride and hope among Algerians, setting the stage for the country’s future.
Algeria: Land of Contrasts
Algeria is the largest country in Africa and the Arab world, covering an area of 2.38 million square kilometers. Its geography is as diverse as its history, ranging from the Mediterranean coastline in the north to the vast Sahara Desert in the south. The population of Algeria is over 44 million, predominantly Arab-Amazigh, with Arabic and Berber (Tamazight) being the official languages. French is widely spoken, as lingering remnant of colonial influence, but the new generations are proficient in English, the language of global business.
The Philosophical Dimensions of Freedom
The concept of freedom, as celebrated on Algeria’s Independence Day, extends far beyond the mere absence of colonial rule. It encompasses the right to self-determination, cultural identity, and the pursuit of happiness. For Algerians, freedom is both a legacy and a promise – a reminder of past sacrifices and a beacon guiding future aspirations that extends beyond the centuries. The thousands of years and through centuries of kingdoms rise and fall all the way through history and until now, the original people of Algeria are called Amazigh, which means ‘The Free People’. This is a very important concept to think about, as it reflects the identity and self-reflection of Algerians that predates the Roman empire.
Freedom as Identity
The struggle for independence was as much about reclaiming cultural identity as it was about political sovereignty. Under colonial rule, Algerian culture, language, and traditions were systematically suppressed. Independence allowed for the revival and celebration of Algeria’s rich heritage, fostering a sense of unity and national pride. But beyond that, freedom is embedded in the DNA of Algerians. Known for standing up for their values and never accepting to be bullied or stripped of their rights, particularly the right to decision making, the essence of our humanity, Algerians are very proud people. Even if this means leading to the most expensive sacrifice – their lives – Algerians do not for a second hesitate to give it all as the price of individual and collective freedom.
Freedom as Responsibility
With independence comes the responsibility to build a nation that upholds the values of justice, equality, and prosperity. Post the brutal war for freedom, the initial years of Algerian independence were marked by efforts to establish educational institutions, healthcare systems, and infrastructure, laying the groundwork for a modern state. Today, this responsibility continues as Algeria navigates the complexities of globalisation, economic development, and social change. Until today, education and health are free to all Algerians, with many other perks that might lack in even the most prosperous countries in the world. Some of these perks include many initiatives that offer massive discounts and opportunities, such as ‘a land for every Algerian’, ‘business for every Algerian’, social benefits for stay-at-home mums, and salaries for the unemployed job seekers, and bursaries for every university student, with extremely cheap accommodation rentals and food.
Freedom as Evolution
The concept of freedom is not static; it evolves with each generation. For the older generation, freedom may be synonymous with the hard-won independence from colonial rules. For the younger generation, it might encompass broader aspirations such as freedom of expression and economic opportunities. The ongoing quest for freedom involves addressing contemporary challenges while honouring the legacy of the past.
The Women Question
It is worth saying that gender equality, one of the most talked about topics in the Middle East region, is not in fact an issue in Algeria. Women in Algeria have always had voices at the top, with many queens and worriers who fiercely ruled the land thousands of years ago. The evidence is in the peeks of the Atlas Mountains range, that are mostly called in Algerian female name. The female participation in the war for freedom meant women kept their status as equals, and today we witness the presence of more female than males in university, in technology, engineering and science (STEM), and no gender pay gaps or pension pay gaps as per some western countries.
The Impact of Freedom on Future Generations
The legacy of Algeria’s independence has profound implications for future generations. It instills a sense of pride and resilience, encouraging young Algerians to contribute to their nation’s progress. The values of freedom and self-determination inspire entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and a commitment to social justice.
Educational Empowerment
Education has been a cornerstone of Algeria’s post-independence development. Access to quality education empowers young Algerians to pursue their dreams and contribute to the nation’s growth. An educated populace is better equipped to tackle societal challenges and drive sustainable development.
Cultural Revival and Innovation
Independence has allowed for the flourishing of Algerian arts, literature, and traditions. Future generations have the opportunity to explore and innovate within their cultural heritage, blending tradition with modernity. This cultural renaissance fosters a unique identity and promotes Algeria’s rich legacy on the global stage, showcasing the heritage that has been unheard of for too many decades to the whole world. With technology advancement and social media, every Algerian is able to showcase their talent, and share their knowledge of Algerian culture and heritage.
Open to the World
With the booming tourism industry in Algeria, it is now the time for the world to discover the hidden gem that is Algeria: The gate to Africa, the thousands km of the Mediterranean costs, high mountain ranges covered in snow, sand, and lava. Diversity as a word does not do justice. Algeria is a natural wander in every sense, from valleys to rivers, to waterfalls, endless forests, wildlife, and endless sea of dunes. On the north, cities and tombs that predate the Roman days, Algeria also has the highest number of Roman ruins outside of Italy. To the south, architecture wanders of erect cities and tight communities hidden inside the oasis. Then comes Sifar, the largest fossilized city in the world and its bizarre and super unique murals and engravings on cave dwellings that exceed thousand in numbers and 20 thousand years in age. This lost and mysterious city is literary ‘out of this world’ as theories about how it came to be range from space aliens to genies to by-gone civilisations. To get a feel of the UK’s media on Algeria, check out these articles: The Independent, The Guardian, The Times, The Spectator.
But what is most impressive about Algerian tourism are the hosts, Algerians races you never heard of, speaking in different languages, wearing diverse traditional cloths, and cooking different cuisines. Algeria’s freedom meant saving a world heritage that celebrates over 20 thousand years of human creativity and diversity.
Political and Social Activism
The spirit of resistance that characterised the independence struggle continues to inspire political and social activism. Young Algerians are increasingly engaged in advocating for democratic reforms, human rights, and environmental sustainability. Their activism is a testament to the enduring impact of the independence movement on shaping a just and equitable society. To keep the youth engaged in the decision making, and keep true to the democracy, the Algerian government appointed many young ministers who can champion the youth voice at the top.
Conclusion
As Algeria celebrates its Independence Day, it is a time to honour the sacrifices of the past and reflect on the enduring significance of freedom. The journey from colonial rule to sovereignty has forged a nation built on resilience, pride, and hope. For future generations of Algerians, the concept of freedom remains a guiding principle, shaping their aspirations and actions as they continue to build a prosperous and just society. The legacy of independence is not merely a historical milestone but a living, evolving force that will continue to inspire and empower Algerians for generations to come.
