Chapter 4 – Cultural Policy and the Maluf of Testour

Tunisian independence in 1956; afterwards Maluf became the national musical heritage and the
Rashidiya became the model for Maluf practices

It had been systematically studied by the Rashidiyya Institute.

After independence the Western conservatory (founded 1896) turned into the National Conservatory of
Music and Dance. Maluf became the cornerstone of the new curriculum.

The ministry published Maluf notations, spread it to areas where it was unknown, gradually education
up until diploma level was developed.

The programs were: instrumental overture (basraf); nuba or part of a nuba including a solo vocal or
instrumental improvisation in the same maqam; a song from the maluf outside the canon of nubat; an
ugniyya in a Tunisian maqam; and a new vocal or instrumental composition in the style of the maluf.

Instruments were chosen based on correct balance and intonation

Each winter, the representatives of regional groups got together and leaned a nuba and other repertoire
of Maluf.

Sufi practices were banned at the beginning, gradually in the 1970s they were incorporated back in the
system.

Testour is a small agricultural town seventy-five kilometers northwest of Tunis. Founded in 17 th century
by Andalusian refugees. Strong maluf tradition. Since 1967 annual national festival of the maluf.
(decentralization of the maluf by the government)