11/18/2024
Postage stamp commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Algerian Revolution
The personalized postage stamp "70th Anniversary of the Algerian Revolution" was presented at the Museum of African Art in Belgrade. The marking of the anniversary and the symbolism of the issue were discussed by the Director of the Museum, Marija Aleksić, PhD, the Ambassador of Algeria in Belgrade, H.E. Fatah Mahraz, and the Acting Director of the Post of Serbia, Zoran Anđelković.
“This revolution was not only a struggle for Algerian independence, but also a symbol of resistance to colonialism in general. Yugoslavia, in this context, was the first European country to recognize the Provisional Government of Algeria,” said Aleksić, PhD. She explained that this decision was an expression of strong support for the Algerian people and that it was very concrete, in the form of numerous humanitarian actions and the provision of medical assistance to the wounded, many of whom were evacuated and treated in Yugoslavia.
Zoran Anđelković expressed his satisfaction that the Post of Serbia contributed to the commemoration of the anniversary of the Algerian War of Independence. “The friendship that was formed during the Algerian struggle for independence and self-reliance, against colonialism, continues today, and in today's difficult global times, our ties have even greater significance”, said Anđelković.
He added that it is important to cultivate a culture of remembrance: "Owing to the people who were on the spot, a trace remains not only of our presence and assistance in the Algerian Revolution, but also of the true struggle of the Algerian people who won the battle for freedom and independence."
"Forged through history, Algerian-Serbian friendship dates back to the era of the liberation war and the valuable multiple assistance that the Yugoslav leadership and the Serbian people provided to the Algerians during their struggle for independence. This active solidarity will remain forever engraved in the hearts and memories of all Algerians", said Ambassador Mahraz.
He explained that the postage stamp pays tribute to two greats: Stevan Labudović, a cameraman for "Filmske Novosti" (literally “filmed news”, also known as the Yugoslav Newsreels), and Zdravko Pečar, a war correspondent for leading Yugoslav media and founder of the Museum of African Art, who made a valuable contribution to the Algerian struggle for their independence from colonial rule, and "were armed exclusively with a camera and a pen."
Ambassador Mahraz thanked the organizers of the issue and the Post of Serbia for their philatelic contribution and previous cooperation in the form of three postage stamps that it has issued since 2013, in honour of the friendship between Algeria and Serbia.
The personalized stamp was prepared by the Museum of African Art, the Association of Friends of Algeria, "Filmske Novosti", the "Adligat" Society and the Embassy of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria in Serbia, in cooperation with the Post of Serbia. The Museum of African Art and the Association of Friends of Algeria provided expert assistance in the implementation of the issue. The artistic realization is the work of Nadežda Skočajić, academic graphic artist and the creator of the stamps for the Post of Serbia.