« Islands and islets have a long history and a unique natural wealth that the islanders preserve by continuing, among other things, to practice fishing techniques in harmony with their environment.”
As La Presse notes, islands have always carried a certain magic. Scattered specks of land cast into the sea, they seem forever on the verge of drifting away. These territories, suspended between land and water, have seen it all—invaders, civilizations, sanctuaries, quarantines, and prisons. This in-between nature gives rise to a distinctive insular identity, reflected in traditions, crafts, cuisine, and even in the temperament of their inhabitants.
On Kerkena—the archipelago of the charfiya—the curious traveler steps into another world entirely.
With their collection Saveurs et savoir-faire (« Flavors and Know-How »), Éditions Alif, in partnership with EPMM and ALIF-AMVPPC, has just released a new book dedicated to this singular island under the title Kerkena, l’archipel de la charfiya. The book offers a portrait of an island unlike any other.
Nowhere else but in Kerkena can one own “plots of sea” or meet women who are raïs-pêcheur—female fishing captains.
The charfiya—a traditional, sustainable fishing technique passed down through generations—has been inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
So yes, Kerkena is more than just stunning sunsets and turquoise seas. It’s a living, breathing cultural landscape—and this beautifully illustrated book brings its unique story to life.
Source: La Presse
