Algeria is continuing operations to recover archaeological pieces of its historical heritage from abroad.
This time, it was a sword of Emir Abdelkader that was recovered, according to a press release from the Ministry of Culture published this Monday.
Minister of Culture and Arts Soraya Mouloudji received a visit from the Algerian Ambassador to France, Said Moussi, who gave her the recovered sword which was to be sold at auction in France, according to the ministry’s press release.
The acquisition of this archaeological piece “of high historical value” was carried out on October 8 by the services of the Algerian embassy in France, indicates the Ministry of Culture in its press release.
The recovery was possible following the discovery of the auction operation of the piece in question through the monitoring unit recently created at the Ministry of Culture, adds the same source.
Algeria recovers a sword of Emir Abdelkader made in silver
This unit is responsible for monitoring and returning national cultural property abroad, according to the press release from the Ministry of Culture.
The sword of Emir Abdelkader which was recovered is made of silver, specifies the Ministry of Culture. 107 cm long, it dates from the period between 1808 and 1883, underlines the same source.
The ministry indicates that the recovery comes following the guidelines of the President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune for the strengthening of the protection of national heritage, the safeguarding of collective memory, and the restitution of cultural property abroad.
The sword in question and the accompanying documents will be exhibited in the national collections with other archaeological and artistic pieces recovered by the Ministry of Culture in coordination with Algerian diplomatic representations abroad.
During the year 2023, Algeria has already recovered archaeological pieces from abroad as part of operations led by the Ministry of Culture.
Last July, Algeria recovered a rifle dating from the 19th century that was intended to be sold at auction in Zurich, Switzerland. The operation was carried out by the Algerian embassy in Bern with the participation of members of the Algerian community in Switzerland.
