The Waada of Sidi Yahia Bensfia in the region of Ouled Nhar in Tlemcen: a historical and sociological approach

Abstract

Though this study, we will study the Ouada (the tradition of celebration of the Saints) as a social phenomenon. The Ouada is a popular festival that brings together manifestations of popular culture, popular beleifs, customs, traditions and folklore. It is Know in the popular memory by the names of Zerda, Taam, and Raakb. In this research, we will analyze the historical and sociological dimension of the Ouada phenomenon that honors Saint Sidi Yahia Bensfia, which takes place in the region of Oulad Nhar locatd southwest of the tlemcen city, on the Algerian-Moroccan border. Our study comes from our awareness of the importance of this type of subjects related to the sacred in the imagination of the popular, but also the need to highlight some of the effects of religious and customary rituals in social behavior. We can emphasize here the role of customs and ritual practices in the orientation and control of the behavior of individuals within the tribe. However, understanding these ritual behaviors and their norms requires a deep analysis that must go beyond immediate appearances and access hidden reasons. All this can only be done by examining the reasons for these popular practices and religious rites and their functions in social life. Thus, it is easy to demonstrate the importance of this historical and social approach of the Waada of Sidi Yahya Ben Safia Sidi