The Algerian Cultural Week in the Netherlands, organized by the Algerian Embassy in The Hague, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Algerian Revolution, brought together several Algerian artisans in various events, notably the festival of Embassies in The Hague and Delft festival. Among the participants were Mr. Fouad Azzi, a renowned haute couture designer, and Mr. Karim Haddaoui, a talented ceramist.
After discovering Delft during a festival on September 9th, both artists chose the royal city as the ideal backdrop to showcase part of the rich and diverse Algerian cultural heritage through a photo shoot highlighting Traditional Algerian Attire and Ceramics.
Models, dressed in traditional Algerian garments from Azzi’s collection and displaying delicate ceramic pieces crafted by Haddaoui, were featured in iconic locations throughout Delft, including the Prinsenhof Museum Garden, Oostpoort, Hortus Botanicus Garden, the Delft bridges, and the Vermeer Centrum Delft.
As they harmoniously blended with the city’s picturesque surroundings, the vivid colors of the Algerian costumes created a striking contrast with Delft’s historic architecture, producing a captivating and unique atmosphere.This visual exchange between Algerian tradition and the Dutch setting caught the attention of passersby, enriching the cultural and artistic character of the event. Azzi’s creations, such as the Karakou and Glila of Algiers, the Mlehfa, Chaoui dress, the Constantine Gandoura, and the Tlemcen Caftan Al kadhi, stood out with their gold and silver thread embroidery, embodying a subtle blend of tradition and modernity.
The models also showcased exquisite ceramic pieces, including plates, lampshades, jars, paintings, and bonbonnières, created by Mr. Karim Haddaoui, an Algerian ceramic artist.
These refined works, adorned with Islamic and Berber motifs, reflect the richness of Algerian heritage and are considered true treasures of the country’s craftsmanship.
Rooted in the ancient history of the region, they demonstrate ancestral know-how passed down through generations, while incorporating contemporary influences. Their vibrant colors and floral patterns give them a unique, lively dimension, further enhancing this artistic heritage.
The Azzi Atelier, specializing in haute couture and embroidery, was founded in 1965 by Mr. Azzi Med Lakhdar.
Creativity at the atelier has been passed down from father to son, expressed through a wide range of traditional clothing such as the Constantine Guendoura, the Algiers Karakou, the Tlemcen Caftan Al Kadhi, the Kabyle dress, the Chaoui dress. The Azzi Atelier regularly participates in cultural and economic events, both nationally and internationally, in cities such as Paris, Shanghai, Seoul, and Milan, and has received many prestigious awards.
As for Mr. Karim Haddaoui, he is an accomplished ceramist, a fine arts graduate, who has enjoyed a rich career s an art teacher and president of the Chamber of Crafts and Trades of Algiers.
His work has been recognized with numerous awards, both nationally and internationally, including the Alpha d’Or prize in Valencia, Spain.
Encouraged by the success of this event, the Algerian Embassy plans to organize further similar events across the Netherlands to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.
