Mohamed Touri, born Mohamed Besnassi, was an Algerian chansonnier and theatre actor. He was born on 9 November 1914 in Douirette (Blida) and died on 29 April 1959 in Algiers.
Early Life
Mohamed Touri was born in Blida, where he first studied the Quran and Arabic at the El Houda school. He later continued his education at El Madrassa El Houra (the Free School), an institution founded by the Association of Algerian Muslim Ulama in Constantine. He returned to Blida in 1928.
Beginnings in Theatre and Music
After returning home, he joined the theatre troupe of the Muslim Boy Scouts of Blida, El-Ikbal (“Success”), founded by Mohamed Kheddaoui, known as Si Moussa. He also became part of the El Hayat association, led by Mahieddine Lekhal, a respected master of Arabo-Andalusian music.
Through these groups, he met notable artists such as Dahmane Ben Achour and Mohamed Benguergoura.
In 1947, he joined the Arabic section of the Algiers Opera, directed at the time by Mahieddine Bachtarzi, one of the leading figures in Algerian performing arts.
Arrest and Death
In 1956, the French authorities arrested Touri due to his nationalist convictions and his contact with artists linked to the leaders of the Algerian national movement. He died in Serkadji Prison on 29 April 1959.
Legacy
Mohamed Touri left behind a rich artistic legacy that includes theatre performances, films and comedic songs. His influence remains strong in Algerian cultural memory.
The theatre of Blida now bears his name in recognition of his contributions to the arts.