The Anthropology of Light in the Medinal Built Environment: Ancient Fabric of Blida, Algeria

Abstract

The anthropology of light is considered a relatively new field; it focuses on the interaction of light with the built environment and how it carries cultural, symbolic, and spatial meanings across societies. First introduced by Danielle Morali in 1994, it was later expanded by Mikkel Bille and Tim Flohr Sørensen in 2007, who examined light as material culture within the framework of social experience, focusing primarily on Western contexts. Building on the limitations of previous research, this study shifts the attention to the medinal world, where light plays a fundamental role in shaping spatial perception and social practices. Specifically, it explores the anthropology of light within the built environment of El-Djoun, the historic core of Blida, Algeria. Using qualitative methods such as walking interviews and architectural surveys, combined with a quantitative questionnaire. Through these mixed methods, the research adds a new dimension to the interdisciplinary approaches combining anthropology and architecture, contributing to our understanding of medinal dynamics. The results demonstrate that the medina's luminous feature is not incidental but embedded in its architectural fabric, expressing deep-rooted religious beliefs, cultural identity, and spatial philosophy. This research not only enhances our understanding of the medina’s socio-spatial dynamics but also demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary approaches that bridge anthropology and architecture.