Algiers | Discover Algeria

Some facts about Algeria

Algeria is a North African country. It lies between Morocco and Tunisia. The capital of Algeria is Algiers. The climate of Algeria is dry weather mainly. The winters are humid, and the summers are searing hot.

The majority of people in Algeria are of Arab-Berber origin. There is also a small European population of about one percent. Berber is an indigenous tribe. Berbers maintain that they are not Arabs. For long, there has been a lot of violence with the Berbers asking for autonomy.

Algeria is primarily a Sunni Muslim country. Christian and Jews make up for less than one percent. Most Algerians speak Arabic. But spoken Arabic is not consistent with what is written. Arabic written in Algeria has a much simple system of vowels as compared to the Arabic written in other countries.

Algeria is an Islamic state. The way of life and culture in Algeria is that of an Islamist state. It governs the political and economic system in Algeria and the legal system too.

Algerians are family people. They place a high regard to the value of family in their lives. Their social relations are very much based on strong bonds. Family always comes first. No individual is above the family. Algerians maintain a hierarchy in the family system. The elder people get a place of prominence for making decisions and approving them.

Algerians are gregarious people. When they meet they speak at length. They ask on one another’s family, job, house and other general things.

Filed Under: Algeria, Traditions & Customs Tagged With: Algeria, Algiers, Arabic language

Algeria: Living Life to the Fullest

No matter where a person is, it’s always important to live life to its fullest. Create fun, take advantage of every opportunity and travel as much as possible. Having an active, full life is important to our mental and physical well being, and for the well being of entire families.

Holidays are great opportunities to travel since many people have time off from their jobs and schools. Try taking the family on ski holidays 2012-style by going to Algiers in North Africa. Many of the ski resorts offer group prices, which can help those with several children.

Here are a few of the extras that some of the ski resorts offer for groups:

Free name changes on charter flights
Pre-booked specially priced ski passes and ski packs
Free lift passes for group leaders
Free ski hire or carriage hire for group leaders
Flexibility on airport departures
Low deposits
Free gifts, such as a case of Virgin Wines with reservations made before July 11, 2011 for ten or more at certain resorts.
Two for one lift packs

Most ski deals offer on-site ski instructors and schools, equipment rentals and sales, and ski apparel, such as hats, coveralls, boots and sun goggles. Easily found everywhere are both the four-star and family restaurants, so there‘s something for everyone.

Hotels are plenty, but so are the houses for rent. Live life to the fullest in a real home with laundry facilities, a fireplace and a full pantry. Many of them have several roomy bedrooms and they’re close to restaurants, clubs, one-of-a-kind boutique shopping and fitness facilities.

Filed Under: Algeria, Living Tagged With: Algeria, Algiers, North Africa

Customs in Algeria

Algeria important customs includes the concept of honor. Honor is an important building block of the culture. Any behavior of someone in the family is attributed to the entire family. The population in Algeria firmly believes that an individual can bring shame on the family.

During travel to Algeria, it is important to not insult the people. Criticizing or insulting the person can quickly spoil the relationship. Greetings are important in Algeria, and this has been true throughout history. The greeting can be quite lengthy.

A handshake can last quite a while to show affection and hospitality. During a greeting, it is customary to ask about the person’s family, job, weather, and other relevant things to their life.

Meeting women in Algeria follows traditional customs. A person should avoid excessive eye contact with a woman. The initial act should be a nod. It is customary to wait to see if a hand will be extended to you. The majority of the population in Algeria speak French and Arabic.

Gift giving is important in Algeria. This custom is used to firmly establish the relationship, and the gesture of giving the gift supersedes the actual gift given. It is the gesture that really matters.

Children in Algeria truly enjoy sweets. Also, the gift will not likely be opened in your presence. It is customary to open the gift later. If invited to the home of an Algerian, the host will most commonly be Muslim.

It is important to observe certain rules of etiquette. For example, it is not a good idea to bring alcohol. The shoes of the guest should be removed before entering the home, and men and women will most likely be seated separately.

In conclusion, the eldest guest should be acknowledged first. Next, greet every person individually. These are just a few tips that will help a person be successful when traveling to their land.

Filed Under: Algeria, Traditions & Customs Tagged With: Africa, Algeria, Algiers, Libya

Algerian Cuisine

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Due to the Ottoman occupation, Algerian cuisine has a fair bit of Ottoman-Turkish influence, and the different regions of the country have additional cultural influences on the food. The main culinary regions are Algiers, Oran (influenced by Moroccan cuisine), Constantine (with Tunisian influence), Kabylie and Sahara.

While each region certainly has its own specialties, there are some commonalities. Algeria produces vast quantities of fruit and vegetables which form a large part of their diet. Lamb is one of the more popular meats, and seafood and fish commonly supplement the diet.

Arabic flatbread called khabz is the main bread consumed by Algerians, and it is present at every meal. The national dish is merguez. Merguez is a heavily spiced lamb sausage, though sometimes other meats are used. It is typically grilled and serve alongside couscous. Other regional dishes include berber couscous and karantita. Karantita is similar to the Italian farinata dish, which is crisp bread made from chickpea flour. In Algeria it is heavily seasoned with cumin and harissa and is served hot. Tlemcen is famous for their pastille, which is an elaborate meat pie that generally takes two days to make.

Algerian cuisine is typically highly seasoned. Spices such as red chillies, caraway, cumin, black pepper and more are generally used in abundance.

Interestingly, Algerians are the second largest consumers of honey in the world. It can be found in pastries, teas and juices. Mint tea is the beverage of choice in the mornings but it also accompanies ceremonies and desserts. Coffee is consumed in great quantities, and Turkish coffee is among the most popular. Seasonal fruits are often served at the end of meals, though baked pastries such as nougat, asida and makroudh are also popular.

Algerian cuisine combines flavors like Scott Kay jewelry uses intricate designs; each dish is a work of art incorporating local produce and meats, along with abundant yet harmonious spices.

Filed Under: General, Traditions & Customs Tagged With: Al-Qaeda, Al-Qaeda Organization in the Islamic Maghreb, Algeria, Algiers, Kabylie, Oran, Ramadan, Reuters

Consulates and Embassies in Algeria

There numerous embassies and consulates representing many international countries that are located in Algeria. These agencies all play an important role in Algeria. Have you ever wondered if there was really a difference between a consulate and an embassy?

An embassy, which can also be known as a diplomatic mission, is considered to be a group of people from an individual country or nation. These people live on-site in Algeria and are representatives of their native countries. An embassy is a diplomatic office of individual countries ambassadors and other diplomatic personnel. Most typically, embassies are located in the host country’s capital. As an example, there is a British embassy that represents the nation of Britain within Algeria.

A consulate serves a different purpose to the citizens of the country it represents. A consulate is actually a branch of an embassy and it is often located in the embassy building. Its main focus is to help its citizens with getting into a country. The German consulate, for example, provides Algerian nations with visa for entry to the United Kingdom.

Because of its close ties to the French, the French embassy in Algiers is of particular import. The main French Embassy is located in Algiers in Peltzer Park, but there are French consulates located through the country. This embassy not only maintains diplomatic ties with Algeria but also has other special functions. For instance some of the French Embassy’s divisions include the Military Mission, the Economic Mission and the offices for Cultural Action.

The French Consular Services advises citizens of France living in Algeria, as well as those who are visiting. In additional the professionals at the Consulate also help Algerians who want to travel to France. Both passport and visa applications are found at the Embassy. Help can be found from the Embassy for medical emergencies as well.

Filed Under: Algeria Tagged With: Algeria, Algiers, France

Algerian Museums

Algerian Museums Algeria is home to some of the most historical and fascinating museums. This is due, in part, to the country’s long and varied history. You will discover in the heart of Algiers in a beautiful garden, the MusÃ©e National des Beaux-Arts. This name translates to the National Gallery of Fine Arts and this museum contains a extraordinary museum collection of prints, sculptures, paintings and other artwork by both Algerian and international artists.

For example there are works created by Mohamed Racim. This artist is known best for his production of fantastic miniature sculptures. This artist, during a period when Algeria was a French territory, fought against the French occupation using his art skills. He used his skills as a way to promote pride in Algeria. He and his art are credited as part of the goal of independence. Mohamed Temmam and Bachir Choach Yelles are two other well-known Algerian artists whose pieces can be found at the museum.

There are many artists from around the world that are represented at the museum. Some of these include Pierre-Auguste Renoir and lithographer Ferdinand Victor Eugene Delacroix. Also there are works on display by Nasreddine Dinet.

Dinet was born in France, but spent almost 50 years in Algeria. He was well known as an Orientalist artist. He converted to Islam and took the Islamic name that translates to “Defender of the Faith”. His love for Algeria and Algerians is manifested in his artwork.

Another wonderful museum in Algiers is the National Museum of Antiquities. This museum contains pieces from all across the country, while it presents the history of Algeria. Because of these pieces, visitors to the museum can get a wide-ranging look at Algeria. For example, visitors can see totemic warriors hailing from the Libyan period as well as a large coin collection. The museum is a way for locals and visitors alike to discover Algeria.

Filed Under: Algeria Tagged With: Algeria, Algiers, Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Come To The Casbah

: Image by Roderick Parks via Flickr

The Casbah of Algeria is actually a citadel with other buildings surrounding it. Many Algerian cities, as well many cities and towns in northern Africa feature these walled citadels.

The Casbah of Algiers is located amongst the ruins of the old Icosium, which is an ancient Roman city that legends says was founded by companions of Hercules. The Casbah has two parts: the Low city and the High city. Within the Casbah, you can find mosques from the 17th century. These include one built by Dey Baby Hassan – the Ketchaoua mosque – that is flanked by two minarets. Mosque el Djeded was built in about 1660 and features four coupolettes. Other mosques include El Kebir, Dar Aziza, and Ali Betchin.

The Casbah was featured in an integral role during the Algerian bid for independence. The National Liberation Front used the Casabah as a place to plan its insurgency. It was also used by the Front as a have to execute attacks against the French as well as law enforcement agents.

To the untrained eye, the Casbah looks like it is filled with maze-like lanes and alleys, all of which are lined by picturesque homes. If a visitor finds himself or herself lost, all they need to do is head toward the sea and they will regain their bearings.

The Casbah has been featured in many popular culture references. The movie Algiers was perhaps the introduction of the American public to the Casbah. There are many references from this movie, including “Come with me to the Casbah,” that have been used in additional media. For instance the cartoon character Pepe Le Pew uses this line quite often in his attempt to woo the unfortunate cat of his desires.

In a later film, The Battle of Algiers, most of the main characters are found to be living in the Casabah.

Filed Under: Algeria Tagged With: Algeria, Algiers, Battle of Algiers

Algerian Relgious Sites

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In Algeria, Islam is considered to be the main religion. And due to this influence, most of this country’s religious sites have ties to Islam. Nearly every city and Town in Algeria has at least one mosque. The purpose of a mosque, primarily, is the core location for worship, but it is also the heart of the Islamic community in which it exists. These mosques also serve as community and educational centers.

Mosques have very recognizable and distinctive architectural form. These mosques have soaring spires, brilliantly shaped domed roofs and very intricate decoration. Due to the beauty and intricacy of these mosques, they usually stand out within other surrounding buildings. Because of the religious basis of this buildings, tourists are generally not allowed to tour the interior of mosques; but they still remain a very popular attraction for tourists to Algeria.

There are three mosques that are perhaps the most significant in Algeria — the Ketchaoua Mosque in Algiers, The Great Mosque of Tiemcen and the Great Mosque of Algiers. Other notable Algerian mosques include the Pasha Mosque in Oran, The Mosque of Constantine and the Al-Kawthar Mosque in Blida.

However, not every religious building is based in the Islamic religion. The Notre Dame d’Afrique is a Roman Catholic Church located in Algiers. This church was completed in 1872 and is located on a cliff that overlooks the bay. It currently serves as Algiers basilica. This church contains lavish mosaic patterns and religious iconography and pictures. An inscription on the wall behind the alter translate to Our Lady of Africa, pray for us and the Muslims.”

This reflects the complicated and rather lengthy Algerian history that saw religion playing a very crucial role. When visiting any of the numerous religious sites within the borders of Algeria, visitors will gain insight into this fascinating culture.

Filed Under: Algeria, Traditions & Customs Tagged With: Algeria, Algiers, Catholic Church

Algeria’s Largest Cites

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Algeria is a complex collection of cities. With a count of 48 wilayat (provinces) and 553 dairas (counties), Algeria’s population is spread over a geography that spans out to be the biggest North African nation on the map. A few cities topple over in population beyond others. Let’s take a look at the three largest cities in Algeria.

Algiers tops the list as the biggest city in Algeria. This capital city, according to a 2007 U.N. estimate of the metropolitan area, soars upward of 3,354,000 people. Located along the western bay of the Mediterranean Sea, Algiers is known for its stunning white buildings that lay along the waterfront. Architectural beauty can be seen here in buildings like the government offices, to the Kasbah quarter, Ketchaoua Mosques and more. Algiers is also home to the oldest mosque in Algeria. The Great Mosque has graced the city landscape since 1097. This economic and sporting center of the nation is filled with striking buildings that add to its aesthetic appeal.

The second most populated city in Algeria is Oran. Oran is situated on the northwest coast of Algeria. It’s metropolitan area has a population count of approximately 2 million citizens. Points of interest in Oran include three universities and an 18th century mosque. In 2005, Oran held its first international marathon that attracted runners from the world over.

Constantine rounds out our list. The third largest city in Algeria, Constantine is a collection of culture and important historical sites. The Gustave Mercier Museum holds both ancient and modern art pieces. Sporting events take place at the Ben Abdelmalek Stadium, which seats 20,000 spectators. Constantine is also home to some of the most amazing bridges in the world. A deep ravine, which the four massive bridges traverse, add to the picturesque beauty of Constantine.

Cities like Algiers, Oran and Constantine show the world the cultural and architectural beauty of the nation.

Filed Under: Algeria, General, Travel Tagged With: Algiers, Kasbah, Ketchaoua, Largest Cites, metropolitan area