The Role of Qur’anic Schools in Preserving Cultural and Religious Identity: A Case Study of the Association of Algerian Muslim Scholars – Relizane, Algeria

دور المدارس القرآنية في الحفاظ على الهوية الثقافية والدينية جمعية العلماء المسلمين الجزائريين –غليزان الجزائر- أنموذجا

Abstract

This paper explores the pivotal role of the Association of Algerian Muslim Ulama in preserving the cultural and religious identity of Algerian society through its educational and reformist activities. Founded in 1931 as a response to the French colonial policy of cultural assimilation and religious conversion, the Association established Qur’anic and educational schools as tools of resistance and identity preservation. It countered colonial curricula by promoting Islamic teachings, the Arabic language, and Algerian national consciousness. In the contemporary context, the paper highlights how the Association continues to respond to modern challenges, particularly the influence of digital culture on youth, by strengthening its educational initiatives and reinforcing values rooted in Algeria’s Arab-Islamic heritage. The study uses the Relizane branch of the Association as a case study to illustrate these efforts.