The University of Algiers 1 commemorates the 62nd anniversary of the Central University Library arson attack

On Thursday, June 6, 2024, the University of Algiers 1 commemorated the 62nd anniversary of the Central University Library arson attack that took place on June 7, 1962, by holding a special ceremony at the university library. The event was attended by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Sheikh Mohamed Mamoun Al Qasimi Al Husseini, the Dean of the Great Mosque of Algiers, Mr. Tahar Hadjar, the former Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, a representative of the Ministry of Defense, representatives of the People’s National Assembly, and other state officials.

In his opening speech, the Minister shed light on the seriousness of this painful event, which is a heinous cultural and civilizational crime. He stressed that the French colonizer aimed to erase the identity of the Algerian people by burning their history and memory, embodied in the library’s rare collections of thousands of valuable books and manuscripts.

The Rector of the University, Mr. Fares Mokhtari, emphasized the importance of commemorating this painful event to preserve the national identity despite the colonizer’s attempts to obliterate the Algerian memory and destroy its cultural symbols.

The ceremony included an audiovisual presentation about the event and a showcase of the library’s rare manuscripts and precious books dating back centuries. Several interventions related to the topic were also made. On the sidelines of the event, a book fair was organized by the Sub-Directorate of Scientific, Cultural, and Sports Activities, the National Public Museum of Ancient Antiquities, the National Archives Center, and the National Office of School Publications.