Algiers Book Fair: Benjamin Stora discusses historical images and social challenges

At the 29th Algiers International Book Fair, historian Benjamin Stora presented his latest book, 'A Historian and Images: Algeria at War (1954-1962),' published by Dar El Hikma. The work explores how visual representations defined the Algerian War of Independence, highlighting the disparity in documentation between the French army and the Algerian resistance. Stora emphasized that books and images are crucial tools for navigating modern challenges like fake news. Addressing the recent attack in Trappes, France, he characterized the incident as a "racist and Islamophobic crime," warning that persistent stigmatization can lead to deadly violence. Regarding the joint French-Algerian commission on memory, the historian noted that while there are currently no formal updates, researchers remain in contact, underscoring the necessity of continuing this long-term collaborative effort.