CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE - issue 02/2015

LE MONDE ALGERIA
Enticing Algeria
Martyr’s
Sanctuary
FACTS &
FIGURES
The largest country on the African continent has had an eventful
history, spanning over the centuries until today.
Text: Waltraud Steinböck
Fascinating country.
Algeria is dominated by Atlas
Mountains, and stretches
towards the South, deep into
the Algerian Sahara.
PHOTOS: FOTOLIA, STEINBÖCK (2), MICHEL DOR, OFFICE NATIONAL DU TOURISME
Panorama
of Algier
Algeria is located on the southern Mediterranean
coast, dominated by Atlas Mountains,
and stretches towards the South, deep into
the Algerian Sahara. And it is a fascinating country
with an eventful history.
Upon the invitation of Ambassador Mohamed
Benhocine, I had the opportunity to spend a few
days in Algiers, the capital city, and its historic surroundings.
The Phoenicians established a commercial
base here in 1200 BC and soon the Romans and
the Vandals followed. After its destruction in 950 AD
the city was rebuilt by the Berbers. In the 16th Century
Algiers was a playground for Muslim pirates
and was therefore placed under the rule of the Ottoman
Empire. This era ended in the 19th century
when the French conquered the country and imposed
colonial rule that lasted until 1962.
After a warm welcome at the Airport from the
management of Touring Club d’Algerie we were
brought to the impressive Hotel El-Djazair, former
the famous “St. George” with a fantastic view to the
bay of Algiers. The city‘s main attractions can be traced
back to the Ottoman period. The Casbah, numerous
mosques and palaces built according to
Moorish architectural style can be seen there, as can
the Citadel from the 16th Century. This is a historically
fateful location for the country. The Dey of Algiers
was known to have beaten the French Ambassador
numerous times with a fly swatter during a
visit in 1827 because he refused the repayment of a
loan that had been granted to Napoleon. This offence
was punishable by war causing the beginning of
French rule in Algeria.
The city wall in this area is 12 metres high, and
there are many narrow and winding streets to discover.
A beautiful view gives the balcony St. Raphael.
Leading upward all the way to the Boulevard Che
Guevara is an outdoor staircase, which opens up
onto a terrace built according to plans by Morton
Peto in 1866. It is 2 km long and is bordered by beautiful
ornamental railings. The Ketchaoua Mosque is
interesting both structurally and historically: under
French rule, it was made into the Cathedral of St.
Philippe and was converted back into a mosque in
1962. The building offers a strange mixture of styles
– including Romanesque-Byzantine styles with Turkish
and Arabic elements.
Located in the Bay of Algiers, on a steep cliff
measuring 124 meters in height, lies the Basilica of
Our Lady of Africa. This architectural jewel that contains
Byzantine, Arab and Western Romanesque elements
of architecture was completed in 1872 and is a
pilgrim church. From 2007 to 2010 it underwent an
elaborate refurbishment and renovation. The interior
is dominated by blue ornaments throughout and its
Black Madonna wears a richly embroidered robe.
Above the church’s tabernacle, a blue and golden ciborium
is exhibited.
The Monument of the Martyrs (Maquam Echahid)
is presented in an imposing manner. It was created
in 1984 to commemorate the victims who had
had fought for the country’s liberation.
The Jardin d‘Essai (Garden of Test, El-Hamma) is
located in the east of the city. In this botanical garden
one can admire plants from all over the world on a
vast area of 80 acres.
Tipasa on the West Coast is worth visiting and
can be reached from Algiers within one hour by car.
This UNESCO World Heritage site, which now lies
in ruins, was once founded by the Phoenicians and
built under the Roman Emperor Claudius for relaxation
purposes. The ancient port here has excellent
fish restaurants. The ruins of three churches can be
seen here – the Great Basilica and the Basilica of Alexander
on the western hill and the Basilica of St. Salsa
on the eastern hill. Furthermore, two cemeteries
with numerous coffin monuments, decorated with
mosaics, the baths, a theatre and an amphitheatre as
well as a Nymphaeum have also been preserved here.
Cherchell, known as “Caesarea” in the Roman
era, hosts a museum about the royal family of Juba
(25 BC). It is worth visiting the tomb of Queen Cleopatra
Selene II, wife of Juba II, which is now a
UNESCO World Heritage site.
At the moment it is necessary to obtain a visa to
visit this fascinating country. Not many people speak
English. Therefore, visitors should speak French or
Arabic when communicating with the locals in order
to getting to know the country even better.
Lobby at Hotel El-Djazaïr
Algeria
Official name: People‘s
Democratic Republic of
Algeria
Capital and largest city:
Algiers
Official language: Arabic
Other languages:
Berber language (constitutionally
national)
French (business and
education)
Ethnic groups:
99% Arab-Berber
1% European and others
Religion: Sunni Islam
Demonym: Algerian
Government:
Unitary semi-presidential
republic
- President: Abdelaziz
Bouteflika
- Prime Minister:
Abdelmalek Sellal
Legislature: Parliament
- Upper house: Council of
the Nation
- Lower house: People‘s
National Assembly
Independence from France
- Declared 5 July 1962
Area
- Total: 2,381,741 km2
(10th)
919,595 sq mi
Population
- 2015 estimate:
39,500,000
- 2013 census:
37,900,000
- Density: 15.9/km2
37.9/sq mi
GDP (PPP) 2014 estimate
- Total: $551.720 billion
- Per capita: $14,256
GDP (nominal), 2014 estimate
- Total $227.802 billion
- Per capita: $5,886
Currency:
Algerian dinar (DZD)
Basilica of
Our Lady
of Africa
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