Boufarik's century-old bathhouse declared a historical heritage site

A historic public bathhouse in Boufarik, located in the Blida province of Algeria, has been officially designated as a historical monument. The establishment, which has been operational for a century, is believed to be the first of its kind in the Blida region.

The classification as a historical site took place during the commemoration of May 8, 1945, a date marked by the tragic massacre of over 45,000 Algerians. The bathhouse, known locally as "Zenket El Arab," has a rich past that extends beyond its function as a place for hygiene.

Originally, the building housed a tobacco shop owned by a European individual. In 1920, it was purchased by the late Ouachehi and subsequently transformed into a public shower facility. In the years leading up to the Algerian War of Liberation, it became a clandestine hub for activists of the Party of the Algerian People (PPA).

Rachid, the current owner's grandson, shared anecdotes about the bathhouse's role during the liberation struggle. He recounted that his grandfather, Messali Hadj, used the facility to secretly meet with his militants. Furthermore, older family members revealed that the bathhouse, equipped with a dozen rooms and a basement, served as a hidden storage for weapons and ammunition during the war, all while appearing innocuous to the French army from the outside.

Historically, public bathhouses were scarce at the turn of the 20th century, especially in central Algeria, where traditional Moorish baths were more common. The recognition of this Boufarik bathhouse highlights its significance not only as a historical structure but also as a site intertwined with Algeria's struggle for independence.