Algeria celebrates enduring legacy of copperware craftsmanship
UNESCO-recognized art continues to thrive amid modern challenges and generational transmission
ALGIERS, Algeria (MNTV) – Algeria’s centuries-old tradition of copperware craftsmanship is gaining renewed recognition and preservation efforts, more than a year after UNESCO added the practice of “metal engraving in gold, silver, and copper” to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2023.
Artisans and cultural experts across the country are working to keep the legacy alive, as this ancestral art form continues to embody Algeria’s rich cultural identity and aesthetic innovation.
Known for its intricate patterns and regional motifs, Algerian copperware has historically blended local creativity with diverse influences, including from the Ottoman era, reported Algeria’s El Watan.
“This craft is not just about shaping metal—it’s about storytelling, identity, and heritage,” said Nabila Aït Saïd, an archaeology specialist and lecturer at the National School of Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ENSCRBC).
She noted that copper was widely used during the Ottoman period to create iconic Algerian objects such as the moud (alms measure), brasero, and oil lamps.
Historical accounts from foreign travelers like British scholar Thomas Shaw and Spanish writer Diego de Haedo confirm the authenticity and prosperity of copperware traditions in Ottoman-era Algeria.
However, the French colonial destruction of key areas in Algiers’ Casbah and the city center disrupted the continuity of this tradition. Despite such setbacks, artisans have persevered.
In the eastern city of Constantine, Salah Mekki, a renowned coppersmith based in the historic Dar El Mekki, continues to produce handcrafted items that reflect generations of accumulated expertise.
Mekki, who has exhibited in both national and international forums, sees the craft as a family legacy.
“I have always seen my passion for this noble profession as a commitment to defending Algerian cultural heritage,” Mekki told El Watan.
“Each pattern engraved on our objects is a reflection of our ancestral culture.”
Copperware remains a thriving art form in major cities such as Constantine, Algiers, and Tlemcen.
Designs often include symbolic motifs like the evergreen cypress tree (representing life), carnations (a beloved flower), and tulips (a symbol of mysticism).
These motifs are common on utensils such as teapots, braziers, sugar bowls, lanterns, and decorative vessels.
According to Meriem Guebaïlia, director of the Ahmed Bey Museum in Constantine, Algeria’s rich mineral deposits, especially copper, have long supported the craft.
“The evolution of coppersmithing is deeply tied to the land itself,” she said.
Tlemcen’s legacy is also preserved in landmarks like the 14th-century Sidi Boumediene Mosque, where copper lanterns reflect the high degree of compositional skill and artistry achieved by local craftsmen.
The enduring influence of master artisans—such as El Hachemi Benmira in Algiers, the Khodja family in Constantine, and the Benkalfat family in Tlemcen—continues to inspire a new generation of coppersmiths who view their work not only as craftsmanship but as cultural transmission.
With the backing of UNESCO and a growing domestic appreciation for heritage preservation, Algeria’s copperware artisans are ensuring that this historic craft remains a vibrant part of the nation’s cultural fabric.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
