Sebiba Festival in Djanet, Algeria
الحاج عبدي | Elhadj abdi
01/03/2025 القراءات: 17
The city of Djanet is an important historical center, built and expanded along the banks of the Agriou River, the main artery that attracted the inhabitants of Tassili n'Ajjer to its shores. It also served as a cultural hub and a unique fortress. Djanet is considered one of the earliest settlemfor the people of Tassili. In the past, Djanet was known for its flourishing economy, based on barter trade, as it was a transit point for caravans. The city's name is derived from the caravans resting there and using the grazing land for camels, where they would camp in the valleys, especially the Agriou Valley, which is covered with diverse plant life. This brings us closer to one of the stories explaining the origin of Djanet's name. It is said that one of the elders was searching for his camels withents his son when the son spotted the camels lying down and said, "Nughtin Tilmine Nang." The father, unable to see them as they were hidden among the trees, replied, "Nughtin Jant." And thus, the name "Djanet" was given to the oasis.
Groundwater played a significant role in settling the people, as they built their homes close to the palm groves that were the initial foundation for the creation of the oasis. Agricultural activity contributed to self-sufficiency and facilitated trade based on barter between settled people and nomads. Agricultural products such as dates, wheat, and barley were exchanged for milk, butter, cheese, and meat.
Djanet consists of three palaces: "Agherman," located on both sides of the valley. Each group of tribes built its own "Agherm" palace and used it as a living center and a defensive fortress. These palaces include: "Mihan," "Azlawas," and "Ajahil." These palaces celebrate a tradition during the month of Muharram, on the tenth day, known as the "Sabeeba Festival." Various sources agree on one fact: the Sabeeba is associated with "all of Djanet." It is both a heritage treasure and a gift passed down from the ancestors of Djanet, a defining feature of the city that has embraced its people for thousands of years. Its meaning is difficult to interpret, but it has remained a historical landmark and a religious event.
During the festival, the region attracts foreign tourists from various nationalities, as well as visitors from across Algeria. In 2008, UNESCO classified Sabeeba as a World Heritage event due to its historical significance. The Sabeeba Festival is also a religious occasion that attracts foreign and Algerian tourists within the framework of religious tourism, as the festival is linked to Ashura. It provides an opportunity to learn about the cultural heritage of Djanet, including the "Mihan,"
"Azlawas," and "Agoum Ajahil palaces, as well as ancient mosques and religious schools (Zaouias). The statistics provided by the National Office of the Cultural Heritage of Tassili indicate a significant influx of tourists during this event.
Djanet-Sebiba Festival-Algeria
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