Culture and sustainable development in the region of Gurara with a special reference to Ahellil

Abstract EN

The region of Gurara in the South-West of Algeria is known by its rich and diverse folk culture which has its roots far back in history.

some of them, like Karkabu, had been brought to the region by the African slaves during the trans-saharan slave trade era.

others, like Ahellil subject of this research are exclusively linked with the indigenous people of the region.

the paper deals with Ahellil as being one of the driving factors of tourists, nationals and foreigners, to the region of Gurara through its annual festivals.

the flow of tourists to attend the yearly festival of Ahellil has generated employment in different sectors particularly services including accommodation and catering, transport and craft products.

thus, this cultural event has an increasing economic impact on the region; the number of tourists has steadily been growing since the first national festival of Ahellil in 2006.

the paper also explores the origin of this folk music and the way it is performed and the themes of its poems.

then we examine the factors that made of this folk chant a unique musical genre which attracts visitors from everywhere and therefore helps in boosting the economic development in the region of Gurara.