Popular Algerian philosopher and anthropologist Malek Chebel buried

Popular Algerian philosopher and anthropologist Malek Chebel who passed away on Saturday in Paris was buried Wednesday in his hometown at Skidda.

The 63 year old was an author of specialised books on the Arab world. Several people attended the funeral of Chebel who has been described as defender of Islamic rights.

“He was a very kind person. He even kept his Skikda accent. Thanks to him I discovered many aspects of philosophy,“one of Chebel’s fans said.

“All Algerians are really proud of him. He wore Algerian colours all his life and was one of the worthy representatives of Algeria,” his son Mikail Chebel added. Among personalities present at the funeral was Algerian culture minister Azzedine Mihoubi who described Malek Chebel as as a man who by his thoughts and words shone for nearly three decades.

“Malek Chebel came at the right moment. This was at a time when we needed someone like him to defend Islam and defend the Muslim identity as well as this nation sometimes linked to terrorism, violence and fear,” he said

The Anthropologist acquired his first reputation in France in the 1980’s after obtaining a Bachelors degree in clinical psychology east of Algeria.

Throughout his life, he worked to develop a liberal image on Islam especially on topics like Arabic sexuality.