Funerary Writings in the Press

This book, titled “Funerary Writings in the Press: Components and Characteristics,” builds upon two previous research projects. The first was completed at the Research Center in Social and Cultural Anthropology between 2009 and 2013, titled “Testimonial Inscriptions in Western Algeria: Between Standardization and Innovation.” The second was part of national research projects (2011-2014) under the title “Testimonial Inscriptions in the Cemetery of Ain El-Baida in Oran and the Cemetery of Amdouha in Tizi Ouzou.” In the first project, we identified the common written forms found in the Ain El-Baida cemetery in Oran (1956-2013), based on field observations. We also traced the evolution of these forms over long periods, referring to the Chronological Index of Arabic Inscriptions, the African Review, and the works of Von Max Bersheim. As for the national research project, it aimed to establish a local concept through a comparison of two cemeteries, which we initially thought would be distinct. However, upon studying the written content in both cemeteries, we found that the forms shared a common religious dimension and leaned towards hope (prayer and asking for mercy). This was particularly evident in the Amdouha cemetery, where the focus was on the introductory writing of testimony and takbeer (declaration of God’s greatness). Additional elements (such as the third stone/"book") were used in this cemetery to express the emotions of the family.