Rediscovering Paris through the resonance of Arabic tones
In the heart of Paris, the City of Light, lies a rich tapestry of Arabic culture that has been woven into the fabric of the city for centuries. From the bustling streets of the Latin Quarter to the vibrant neighbourhoods of Barbès and beyond, Arabic language and culture have left an indelible mark on the French capital.
The Grand Mosque of Paris, nestled in the Latin Quarter, is a testament to the long-standing relationship between the city's Arab population and this iconic Parisian neighbourhood. Built in the 1920s, it acknowledges the historical ties that bond Paris and the Arab world.
Paris is home to approximately 4 million speakers of Arabic, making it France's second-most-spoken language. This rich linguistic diversity is reflected in various aspects of Parisian life, from cafes and music to art and food.
During the interwar period, the Latin Quarter became a cultural hub for North African populations, with many café-hotels run by Algerians. Le Café du Métrô on Boulevard Saint-Germain was a gathering place for students and politicians from Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria, contributing to the vibrant intellectual atmosphere of the time.
Barbès, at the foot of Montmartre, is known as the European capital of Arab music due to its historical significance in the Maghreb music scene. The neighbourhood is home to Le Cabaret Sauvage, a concert venue with a long history of hosting Arab music events, and Sauviat Musique, a record shop that has been in business for nearly a century and helped propel the neighbourhood into a cultural hub for Maghreb music.
In 2021, a square in Barbès was named after Cheikha Rimitti, an Algerian singer who lived and performed in the neighbourhood and played her last show at the Cabaret Sauvage before her death in 2006. The square features lyrics from her song "Nouar" inscribed in gold letters on the ground, honouring her legacy.
The Arab World Institute, which opened in 1987, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Arabic language and culture. The institute hosts weekly poetry readings and a vibrant lineup of exhibitions, providing a platform for Arab artists and intellectuals to share their work with a wider audience.
Arabic has been taught in Paris since at least the 16th century, with the Collège de France being one of the earliest institutions to offer Arabic studies. Today, places like Chez Baya, a Tunisian restaurant in the 11th arrondissement, have become popular spots where French speakers show interest in learning Arabic.
Paris in Arab Letters, a book by Coline Houssais, asserts that Arabic is a language of France. Houssais fell in love with the language in Paris and believes that it has enriched the city's cultural landscape. The book explores the historical and contemporary role of Arabic in Paris, highlighting its influence on French vocabulary, such as "pasteque" (watermelon), "magasin" (shop), and "jupe" (skirt).
The Sorbonne, a famous university in Paris, has notable alumni in Arabic literature, including Mohammed Hussein Heikal, Taha Hussein, and Tawfiq al-Hakim. These intellectuals, along with countless others, have contributed to Paris' cultural and linguistic fabric, making the city a truly multicultural hub.
However, a search for a prominent female artist performing on August 16, 2025, in a concert in the Parisian quarter named after Cheikha Rimitti yielded no results. It remains to be seen who will continue to carry the torch of Arabic music and culture in the heart of Paris.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
- Abdominal Fat Accumulation: Causes and Strategies for Reduction
