Nabil Boudraa, a professor at OSU with Berber heritage, recently returned from a research trip to Algeria to uncover the hidden history of North Africa. Boudraa explored various cultural products like poetry, folk tales, and recipes to piece together a truer version of their history. His work focused on reclaiming a history that has often been inaccurately written by conquerors such as the Romans, Arabs, Turks, and French.
During his trips, Boudraa also delved into the local customs and traditions, such as spontaneous get-togethers and elaborate couscous recipes. He found the relaxed and carefree way of life in Algeria a stark contrast to the fast-paced nature of Oregon, where he misses playing soccer with friends and colleagues. Boudraa encourages travelers to be flexible about local customs and explore different parts of Algeria to fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of the country.
As a Berber native, Boudraa hopes to shed light on a history that has long been overshadowed by external influences. By studying cultural artifacts and practices that survived through oral tradition, he aims to rewrite the narrative of North Africa from the perspective of the Indigenous population. Boudraa’s research offers a unique insight into a region rich in history and culture, providing a glimpse into the untold stories of a people whose history has been overlooked for centuries.
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Photo credit today.oregonstate.edu