Algeria
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Cheikh Raymond
Constantine, Algeria
Archival Overview
Revered Algerian Jewish virtuoso of the Andalusian Malouf tradition, master of the oud, whose concert orchestra united Jewish and Muslim musicians in the shared sacred heritage of Constantine.
Biographical Record
Raymond Leyris, known universally as Cheikh Raymond (1912–1961), was born to an Algerian Jewish merchant and raised in the ancient musical traditions of Constantine. Apprenticed under Malouf masters Cheikh Chakleb and Cheikh Abdelkrim Bestandji, he achieved peerless mastery of the classical Andalusian vocal suite (nuba) and the oud.
Cheikh Raymond's orchestra, which featured a young Enrico Macias (his son-in-law) on guitar, performed at both Muslim and Jewish weddings, celebrations, and religious festivals across Constantine, representing centuries of interfaith cultural symbiosis. On June 22, 1961, amidst the tense final months of the war, he was shot in the back of the neck in the spice market, an unsolved tragedy that triggered the mass exodus of Constantine's Jewish community.
Key Life Milestones
The Definitive Malouf Radio Broadcasts
Recorded historic complete suites of the Malouf for Algerian national radio, preserving rare musical heritage.
The Tragedy of Souk El Asser
Assassinated in the heart of Constantine, mourned by both Jewish and Muslim lovers of classical Andalusian art.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialConstantine, Algeria