About Algeria | Discover Algeria

The Algerian flag was officially adopted on July 3, 1963.It is a flag that marks the independence of Algeria from France and releases it of its status as a French colony. It is the symbol of national sovereignty. It is composed of a red crescent and a star in the middle. The background of the flag is divided in two: the left side of the flag is green, the right side is white. The white of the Algerian flag represents purity, peace and freedom while the green, the crescent and the five-pointed star are representative elements of Islam.

Its origin is controversial. According to some resources, it was the Emir Abd-el-Kader who led the forces of liberation against France would be the founder of the flag of Algeria. Other historical research by Algerian historian Yahia says that it was Emilie Busquant, the wife of Messali El Hadj, who designed the final form of the current Algerian flag but that the colors and layout of the flag were fixed previously in 1934, during a meeting of the North African Star (ENA), in 1934, with the militant Benachenhou Hocine, that are chosen the colors of the flag and that Emilie Busquant is then in charge of its making. She sews the flag of the ENA which is an association founded in France by a core of emigrant workers mainly from Algeria, and which initiated the appointment of a working group, whose mission is the realization of the Algerian flag. The main member of ENA was Messali Hadj. After the dissolution of ENA, it became a flag of PPA (Algerian People's Party) that is created by Messali El Hadj.

This flag appeared in public at the demonstration on April 16, 1934 in Algiers and particularly in the Upper Casbah. Following this demonstration, a hermetic closure of the Medina followed by a fierce repression followed to search for this flag. Thereafter, this flag appeared at the Lala Seti forest camp in Tlemcen, which was held from July 22 to 26, 1944, and where for the first time the scout cadres (450) sang the patriotic song " Min Djibalina"(from the top of our mountains), written by Abdelhafid Belkired. The flag,also, appeared on several other occasions, such as, at the harvest Janboree in France on August 1947and World Jamboree in 1952 in Canada …

It was in Setif on 8 May 1945 that the Algerian flag, in its present form, made its appearance during the demonstrations. During these events, it is carried by Saal Bouzid, a student who is then assassinated by the French police.

The current flag is adopted in 1958 by the Provisional Government of the Algerian Republic (GPRA). It is hoisted at the Monrovia conference (in which the GPRA participates) in August 1959, where it is officially recognized by several African countries. It is subsequently formalized and standardized by the Algerian State according to the law of 25 April 1963.

The Algerian Flag (Written by ARAB Sabrina)

In Algeria, today, about 60% of the total population speak Algerian Arabic (or Darja)) that is used as a lingua franca, but in writing, Algerians use classical Arabic. Algerian Arabic dialect is originated from the classical Arabic and it has been mixed with Berber and French and is spoken throughout the country with slight differences according to the region. An accent of speaking Darja differs from one region to another. For instance, an Annabi (person from Annaba province) may have more difficulty in understanding an Orani (person from Oran province) and vice versa. However, this is usually not a barrier to communication since the accent is more often used to recognize the regional origin of the speaker. El Darja is mainly spoken in Constantine, Annaba, and Oran... The classical Arabic is the official language in Algeria. It is practiced by public administrations and all public institutions of a cultural and educational nature. However, administrations use French as their working language in their dealings with investors.

Nearly one-third of Algerians speak one of the Berber forms; Kabyle, Tamazight, Chaouiya,Thamzabith, Thashelhith, Thaterguith, etc.

Kabyle (or Thaqbaylith) is the second Berber speech most used with six million speakers. It is spoken in the provinces of Bejaia, Tizi-Ouzou, Bouira, Boumerdes and in some communes like Setif and Bordj-Bou-Arreridj. Also, a significant number of Kabyles live in other major Algerian cities such as Algiers, Blida, Annaba or Oran, and the Algerian diaspora in France and Canada must be taken into account. In addition to Thasahlite which is generally regarded as a Kabyle dialect.It is a Berber variant distinct from eastern Kabylia and in the Babors massif that is more or less influenced by the kabyle and the chaoui dialects according to the geographical proximity with these two variants. These speakers are thus found in the eastern communes of the province of Bejaia (Aokas, Ait Smail, Taskhriout Melbou, Tizi N'Berber), the western communes of the province of Jijel (Ziama-Mansouriah, Erraguene) and the northern province of Setif (Babor, Oued El-Bared, Ait Tizi).

The Chaoui (Thashawith) dialect is spoken by about two and half million people in the east of the country, especially in the province of Batna(Aures), Khenchela, Oum-El-Bouaghi, Tebessa, Souk Ahras, Part of the province of Guelma, and Biskra. It is the second most spoken Berber language in Algeria. It forms a linguistic continuum between the kabyle and the chaoui.

The Chenoui dialect is present in the province of Tipaza, Ain Defla, and the coastline of the province of Chlef in the west of Algiers (180,000 speakers).

The languages of the North Algerian Sahara and the Sahara include Mozabite (Thamzabith) which is the vernacular language in the valley of the Mzab (South of the Saharan Atlas), spoken by more than 200,000 speakers, Tuareg (the Tamasheq) which is spoken in southern Algeria like Hoggar, Tamanrasset…

In addition to other languages such as French that is practiced by many Algerians. It is taught as a first foreign language. It is particularly used in economic circles where it is essentially the language of work. Besides English that is taught as a second foreign language and used in economic and tourist circles, but to a lesser extent than French.

Language Variation in Algeria (Written by ARAB Sabrina)

It's summer and the desire to dip in the sea is increasing as the temperature increases. And it is certainly not the beaches that are lacking in a country where the sea front exceeds 1200 kilometers. The Jijelian coast is certainly a very beautiful coast of the Algerian coast. Jijel is located in the North-East of Algeria; on the Mediterranean coast .It covers an area of 62.38 kilometers. It is a very ancient city, created in the 10th century BC. Its name refers directly to the place where the city was built, Jijel or Djidjeli means hill.

On land and under the sea, Jijel has much to offer in terms of landscapes and nature. Here are the best Jijel beaches in terms of beauty and the calm: Sidi Abdelaziz, Black Rock, El Ouldja, The Caves, The Afftis, The Great Lighthouse, and The Red Beach…

The province of Jijel is charmed by the beauty of the landscape with its beaches, allowing everyone to enjoy a seaside space and thus spending vacation there. It has a great tourist potential and its many beaches and coves attract many holidaymakers who come to enjoy the sea, the sun, the long golden sandy beaches, but also the green hills and mountains that border the coast. The favorite beach of locals and tourists is the beach of Grand Phare or Ras El Afa which located only 6 kilometers from Jijel. This portion of the coastline which stretches over 120 kilometers, remains particularly popular and the preferred destination of the summer visitors. It is also a well-known dive site, and many clubs offer underwater excursions .Not far from this great sandy beach, there is a small cove that allows for divers to enjoy jumping in the water from the rocks and observe the colorful fishes of the Mediterranean coast.

In addition to Kotama Beach which is a large tourist beach that allows guests to enjoy ice-creams, fresh drinks, Algerian dishes, and a magnificent sunset. Truly, Jijel is a delight for holidaymakers who are in search for an ideal vacation.

The Algerian Beaches: Jijel’s Beaches (Written by ARAB Sabrina)

The Flag of Algeria

We swear by the lightning that destroys, *** By the virtuous and fragrant blood,
By the shining, fluttering banners, *** In the steep and majestic mountains,
That we have risen to revolution in life or death *** and we have resolved that Algeria shall live
So bear witness, bear witness, bear witness!

We are soldiers in the name of righteousness have revolted *** And for our independence to war have risen.
Had we not spoken up none would have listened *** So we have taken the drum of gunpowder as our rhythm
And the sound of machine guns as our melody, *** and we have resolved that Algeria shall live –
So bear witness, bear witness, bear witness!

O France, the time of reproach has passed *** And we have closed like a book;
O France, the day of reckoning is at hand *** So prepare to receive from us our answer!
In our revolution is the end of empty talk; *** and we have resolved that Algeria shall live –
So bear witness, bear witness, bear witness!

From our heroes we shall make an army come to being, *** and on our dead we build glory,
Our spirits shall ascend to immortality *** And on our shoulders we shall raise the standard.
To the National Liberation Front we have sworn an oath, *** and we have resolved that Algeria shall live –
So bear witness, bear witness, bear witness!

The cry of the Fatherland sounds from the battlefields. *** Listen to it and heed the call!
Let it be written with the blood of martyrs *** And be read to future generations.
Oh, Glory, we have held out our hand to you, *** and we have resolved that Algeria shall live –
So bear witness, bear witness, bear witness!

Source: Wekipedia.

Our kabyle ancestors distinguished themselves not only by their way of life and the regions they occupied (mountainous regions with a harsh climate), but also and above all, they knew how to distinguish themselves by their clothing. The burnous (avarnous or abidi in the Berber language) is man’s favorite ornament of all the traditions and customs inherited and which unfortunately tend to be lost gradually. It symbolizes both the originality and the pride of our ancestors since it is a sign of virility, authenticity and maturity.

This dress, which is both beautiful and simple, is worn by all men, whether rich or poor and it has a great value because it is the work and fruit of long and harassing work of our mothers and grandmothers. Almost always the new burnous is destined for the young people who are preparing for marriage. They wear the burnous the night of henna "El-Hani"(marriage), concealing their faces in the hood "Akelmoune". Nowadays, to modernize it, a few colors are added, giving it more ancestral values those rooted in the Berber society. But the white remains the most preferred because it symbolizes the spirit of an entire region(kabylia) and identity. It is passed down from generation to generation.

The way to weave the burnous is not an easy task. Spinning has its own tools; first of all the wool is cleaned of thorns (issenanene) and dirt. After that, they use Iqardachen, the indispensable pair of frames with their thousand metallic points that untangle the wool fiber by friction in both directions and prepare it for Issogra spinning. Izzdi, is a tool that is used to assemble the thread by rolling it on the calf. In order to weave the burnous, one need Ifegaguen, the two beams lower and upper next, or Tirigliwine, the left and right uprights with Ighounam, the two reeds. Akhdor, the stick, smooth or Taoqazt-guelni , Tayazzilt, weaving comb, Tijebadine iron jaws that tend weaving in width. These are the six weaving tools

Nowadays, the Kabyle burnous is threatened "Do not give me a burnous , teach me to weave it", the technique of weaving burnous requires a rehabilitation in the emergency before the total forgetfulness and the irremediable loss. The burnous is not a simple habit. It is the symbol of maturity, responsibility and authority. It is above all the emblem of honor. Aït Menguellet, a kabyle singer ,dedicate a song of nostalgia for this precious cloth " Almoussiw, chdagh yeghli ovarnoussiw"(Where is my dagger, I slipped I lost my burnous ). This emphasizes the symbolic importance of burnous in the Kabyle society. After his fall, the man seeks his weapon to defend his burnous, he cares more for the protection of his emblematic suit than for himself. So we must keep the burnous close to our hearts do not let it fall to the ground. Before you disappear, transmit its values and how to weave it to your children.

Read more:

Wearing a burnous is an art. There are six ways to wear this habit of symbolic value and identity that are known in the southern foothills of Djurdjura. A man who goes to the market must wear the burnous on his shoulder (avarnous ghef thayets). It is the outfit of the head of the family (imsewaq), the official habit of the ceremonies of reconciliation and conflict resolution, which enhances the social rank of his wearer. Put the burnous on the shoulders, falling on his legs (avarnous ghef thoyat) is the ordinary port of the burnous of the onlookers who wander the alleys of the village in soft weather. To dress with a burnous (yelsa avarnous) is to pass the chest in the neck the hood in the back and to reject a backwards. The burnous is often a hideout. Wrapping in his burnous (yetsel avarnous) Kabyle posture sitting in group in the village (tajmaat) is also said to bundle up in his burnous (yekmounes doug varnous). Tying the burnous (tamoukrist) is the posture of the man who does a manual task without leaving his burnous and finally the sixth way to wear this coat is to put the hood aside (aqelmoun deg diss) as a pocket is the wager of the person returning from the market where it makes light commissions not requiring large baskets. There are probably a variety of other ways to put the burnous, but is it so important at a time when a whole generation ignores its existence. Mouloud Feraoun in his famous autobiographical novel The Son of the Poor: "My father, before leaving, confided to me the burnous that his father left him. I hope to be able to pass it on to my son with all the positive values he symbolizes, so that we are us and not the others and all that we share with humanity. "

(Written by ARAB Sabrina)

ALIVAVA Park in Bejaïa downtown

Source: Facebook Page Béjaia City
ALIVAVA Park in Bejaïa downtown

The Algerian economy is a fundamentally dependent on hydrocarbons to 98% of exports and imports 75% of the needs of households, public and private enterprises. Since 2000, Algeria has benefited from the increase in the price of crude oil in the financial situation that is improved considerably as a result of the increase in the price of oil barrel. However, this highly dependence on oil costs Algeria a lot. As a consequence, the Algerian government is on the path of austerity in the event of an economic crisis and their revenues have dropped dramatically in a brief period (2016). In the absence of reforming its economy, Algeria enters into the vicious circle of austerity.

Austerity is a governmental program of an economic nature which imposes itself on the private and public sectors when incomes are low and insufficient to cover expenses. The option of reducing costs is used to balance them and between the revenues. Its aim is to reduce excessive expenditures and encourage saving, close the door of employment, mitigation of infrastructure projects to alleviate the financial burdens incurred by the public treasury. Thus, austerity is unpopular among people, as the poor often pay the price of austerity more than others.

With the sustainable drop in hydrocarbon prices, Algeria is forced to enter the austerity phase at the beginning of the year at the risk of exploding the anger on the street.

On 4 October 2016, in the Council of Ministers, the Algerian government presented a draft budget law, focused on controlling public spending. On the program: reduction of capital expenditure and rising commodity prices. This text already promises a heated debate in the Assembly. The grumbling began in the public service. As austerity measures pile up and prices rise, officially rising by 6.2% in November 2016, the daily life of the Algerians darkens and many are threatened in their jobs and thus the become afraid of tomorrow. In January 2017, Algerians will have to pay more for everyday consumer goods. In addition to raising some prices, the draft budget bill includes a series of tax increases, several projects, planned in the five year program 2014-2019 have already been frozen. In order to cope with the fall in oil prices , the austerity plan seems to be engaged; project proposals will also be limited to the sectors of education, health and higher education, and an end to recruitment in the civil service, the freezing of subsidies and the structuring projects already announced. Anger rises against the policy of austerity. When the 2017 finance law confirmed the inevitable deterioration in the standard of living of Algerians, the anger exploded. The riots started in the Bejaia city, in Kabylia, then the violence spread to several towns of the country .The Algerian authorities are afraid of a scenario similar to that of January 2011, when, in the insurrectional context of neighboring Tunisia. The inevitable threats of "repression" of the Minister of the Interior were then added a "campaign of explanation" in the official media ensuring that subsidies for products of wide consumption would be maintained in 2017.

The government continues to show its confidence. "Despite the collapse of the oil market and the reduction of half of the oil tax, Algeria resists and continues to improve its economic performance," said Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal in September, in order to calm the population. The state did nothing when the barrel was at 110 dollars. So how do we make believe that it is going to do something now with less revenue!? If nothing is done within two years, absolutely ,we are going to find ourselves in a much worse situation than Egypt.

(Written by ARAB Sabrina)

The Algerian capital, Algiers, sometimes nicknamed "El-Behdja "or "Algiers the White", is by its status, its size and its functions, the first city of Algeria. It includes the most important national concentrations of populations, service activities, facilities, infrastructure, research centers, industries and major urban projects, major economic and financial institutions, major decision-making centers and diplomatic representations. Algiers is the political, administrative and economic capital of the country. The territory of the Algiers province covers an area of 1190 km² and it has 13 administrative districts and 57 municipalities.

Algiers is located in the North-Central part of the country and occupies a geostrategic position interesting from the point of view of economic flows and exchanges with the rest of the world .It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the North, Blida province to the South, Tipaza province to the West and Boumerdes province to the East.

Since its history, Algiers has been rich with events which have succeeded one another with the multitude of conquests that it has known and which have shaped its building and its space. The old town, the Casbah, has always been home to the Algerian culture. It has been declared as a national heritage site and integrated in the list of World Heritage sites. The historical architectural heritage includes several mosques and palaces dating from the 11th to the 19th century.

Algiers is a hub of national activity and a crossroads of exchanges thanks to its airport and ports. Its airport; Houari Boumediene, with a capacity of 12 million passengers per year, is the third terminal on the African level due to its capacity. The Port of Algiers is the largest port in the country, accounting for 32% of national imports and 20% of all non-hydrocarbon exports. There are four ports: Algiers, Rais Hamidou, El Djamila and El Marsa.

In Algiers, there are two university poles one in the East and the other in the West, eight important schools and more than fourteen institutes. For companies, Algiers is a veritable breeding ground. Additionally, more than 62,000 young trainees are trained in vocational training establishments in all sectors and modes of training. In the area of scientific research and technological development, Algiers is home to 3 national agencies, 34 research structures including 8 under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and 101 research laboratories.

In the capital,The health sector has 4 public hospitals, 13 specialized hospitals, 10 health sectors and 61 polyclinics. The youth and sports sector has 82 football stadiums, 23 sports halls, 13 swimming pools and 219 sports fields. Algiers has 126 hotels, with a capacity of 17,740 beds, 2,777 restaurants, a spa and a dozen classified monuments. Among the most attractive hotels; Hilton Hotel that provides first-class facilities and relaxing atmosphere due to its beachfront location.

Just 25 km from Algiers, the project of the new city of Sidi Abdellah (smart city))was created in order to meet the needs of the urban expansion of the capital with a view to create a scientific and technological center which will contribute to the strengthening of the metropolitan area. Its program consists of major structuring facilities, such as universities, hospitals, business centers, administrative offices, shopping centers, golf courses, a fleet of 50,000 homes and other multimedia equipment.

Algiers (Written by ARAB Sabrina)

ADVENTURERS FROM ALGERIA ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE WORLD’S FIRST VINTAGE AIR RALLY ACROSS SOUTH AMERICA

Vintage Air Rally launch a competition to find a team from Algeria to win 15 FREE places on Ushaia2USA the world’s most ambitious vintage air rally
Ushuaia2USA, supported by Puma, GREAT and Randolph Eyewear, will cover 9,000 miles and 19 countries, in just 42 days
The six-week flight will begin in Ushuaia, the world’s southern-most airport at the tip of Argentina – dubbed ‘The End of the World’
The unique crossing will take in some of South America’s most treacherous terrain before finishing in Florida
All pilots will compete in 1900s-built vintage aircraft in the rally devised by former army pilot Sam Rutherford

VintageAirRally is looking for a team from Algeria. They want people with a head for heights and a sense of adventure to win the chance to take part in the world’s first vintage air rally across South America – representing Algeria in competition with other teams from other countries around the world.

Daredevil pilots are being offered the opportunity to join the Ushuaia2USA Rally, which will see planes dating back to 1900 fly the length of South America, recreating the route of pioneering aviators of the 1920s.

It will be the first time vintage planes (and vintage helicopters) will attempt a journey across this kind of terrain. Due to the age of the planes, many requiring hand starting, emergency landings and unintended stops in unexpected parts of the continent become extremely likely.

Vintage Air Rally has 15 FREE places available for the once-in-a-lifetime trip, which will also fly over some of the globe’s most inaccessible and hostile locations. Not just mountains, glaciers, desert and jungle – but also some of the most lawless parts of the planet.

Entry for the spectacular journey opens today, with costs including travel, shipping, accommodation, food, fuel, permits, fees, immigration and insurance covered for the 42-day expedition in spring 2018. Everyone is welcome to enter. Even those with no flying experience can enter by simply finding a pilot with a plane and creating a team (also free for them).

The Vintage Air Rally Ushuaia2USA will take off from Ushuaia, the southern-most tip of Argentina, dubbed ‘The End of the World’ in March 2018. Over the next six weeks, the 9,200 mile journey will cover 19 countries, touching down in treacherous terrains such as the windwept expanse of Patagonia, the peaks of the Andes, the swamplands of Paraguay and the jungles of Peru.

The Rally will also take in the wilds of the Amazon rainforest, fly low down the spectacular Panama Canal and over the volcanoes of El Salvador, offering pilots and passengers the chance to discover the rich and varied culture of South and Central America.

The penultimate stop on the rally will be Cuba, where a cigar party will be held in Havana to celebrate the pilots’ endeavours, before the final procession into Florida (a flight that was impossible for over four decades) where the coveted Vintage Air Rally trophy will be presented at a gala dinner.

Additionally, the most exemplary team will be awarded the “Spirit of the Rally” Trophy following a vote amongst the teams.

Vintage Air Rally is the brainchild of Sandhurst-trained British Army helicopter pilot Sam Rutherford. After years flying special missions – including a secondment with the American Drug Enforcement Administration, fighting the drug cartels in Central America – Rutherford decided to create the VintageAirRally. These would be air rallies to bring together fans of vintage aviation from across the world – and make them available to everyone.

Ushuaia2USA comes off the back of the success of Crete2Cape Vintage Air Rally which took place in November 2016 and saw teams of planes recreate the 1920s aviation pioneer route across Africa, from Crete to Cape Town. The winning team came from Canada, whilst Spirit of the Rally was won by an American duo. German and South African teams took second and third places respectively.

Vintage Air Rally Director Sam Rutherford said:

“This is a unique journey and we want Algeria to join us. We’re looking for characters with character who want to join us. Vintage Air Rally isn't about smart hotels. It's about grit (and glory), going to places usually out of reach. If you’re someone who thrives on adventure, excitement and derring-do then this is for you.”

“The Rally connects some of the most beautiful and evocative points of the American continents, combining the challenge of flying these magnificent aircraft with the element of competition which was equally prevalent in the early days of pioneering aviation.

“I am extremely thankful to our sponsors and supporters, who have made the VintageAirRally aim achievable. That we can offer this unique opportunity to anyone, anywhere – is a world first and a tremendous privilege”

To register for U2U 2018 please visit: http://www.vintageairrally.com/rallies/upcoming/ushuaia2usa

The Algerian coast is divided into fourteen coastal provinces. Each province contains a number of harbors, fishing shelters and beaches, approximately sixty four landing sites along the Algerian coast. The biggest ports of Algeria are: Algiers, Annaba, Oran, Beni Saf, Cherchell, Dellys, Djen Djen, Ghazaouet, Mostaganem, Skikda and Tenes. They are used for either for the international trade such as exporting gas and petroleum and importing household needs and cars…or fishing and transporting people.

The fishing sector in Algeria is considered an economic activity, by its capacity to contribute in the improvement of food needs, the creation of thousands of jobs and the consolidation of the national economy. As part of the implementation of the sustainable development policies adopted by the Algerian government, the Ministry of Maritime Navigation and Fishing has drawn three five-year plans. The first is on aquaculture, the second on maritime and ocean fisheries, and the third on support for artisanal fisheries. These three plans set production targets up to about 230 000 t / year, raising the level of national consumption of fishery products to 6.2 kg / h / year, creating 100 000 jobs in addition to annuities in foreign currency. The objectives to be achieved are not only based on increased catches, but also an integrated, sustainable, responsible, professional and ecological economic fishery. The species caught by the fishers in the Mediterranean Sea are as follows: sardines, sharks, demersal fish, crustaceans and mollusks, etc.

The port of Algiers is the largest port and is the first Algerian commercial port. It handles 33% of Algeria's international trade. In Algiers, there are four ports: Algiers, Rais Hamidou, El Djamila and El Marsa. New dynamics are taking place with the introduction of logistics chains and the development of the ports of Djen Djen (in Jijel province) and Bejaia so that they can play a pivotal role on a national scale. The bejaia province includes three ports which are Port of Bejaïa, Port of Beni Ksila and Tala Ilef port. The province of Jijel includes several ports: Port of Djen Djen, Port of El Aouana, Port of Jijel and Port of Ziama Mansouriah .

In addition to several ports that dotted the Algerian coast, for instance, Port of Ghazaouet and Port of Marsa Ben M'Hidi in Tlemcen province, the coastline of Tizi Ouzou comprises the following two ports: Port of Azeffoun and Port of Tigzirt ,province of Skikda contains Port of Collo, Port of El Marsa and Skikda Port, in Annaba province there are Port of Annaba and Port of Chetaibi, Oran province contains Port of Arzew, Port of Kristel, Port of Marsat El Hadjadj, Port of Bethioua, province of Boumerdes comprises of Port of Dellys ,Port of Djinet ,Port of Zemmouri , Mostaganem province: Port of Mostaganem, Port of Sidi Lakhdar,Tipaza province includes several ports like Port of Aïn Tagourait, Port of Bouharoun, Port of Bou Ismail,Port of Cherchell, Port of El Hamdania, Port of Gouraya…

The Algerian Ports (Written by ARAB Sabrina)

Algeria is full of many airports either in the local or international level. Here are some of the Algerian airports which are deployed in the Algerian provinces: Annaba (Rabah Bitat Airport), Batna (Mostapha Ben Boulaid Airport),Bejaia (Abane Ramdane Airport), Constantine (Mohamed Boudiaf Airport), Illizi (Djanet Airport), Ghardaïa (Airport of El Golea), Tamanrasset (Airport of Ain Guezzam and Ain Salah ), Hassi Messaoud Airport ,Jijel (Ferhat Abbas Airport), Oran ( Ahmed Ben Bella Airport), Setif ( 8th of May 1945 Airport), Tebessa (Sheikh Larbi Tebessi Airport), Tlemcen (Zenata Airport)…These airports, for sure, offers many services such as cafes , restaurants, shops for buying local souvenirs, cosmetics and books…The national airline operates the majority of Algerian civil airports.

But the Algiers Houari Boumedienne International Airport, an Algerian airport located in the town of Dar El Beida, 16 km east of Algiers is considered the most important of all Algerian airports. It is the first Algerian airport by its importance and the best airport of Africa in 2015 for its large size, organization and efficiency of its terminals, and is ranked the tenth in terms of traffic. Its current capacity is approximately 12 million passengers per year for a real flow of more or less 4.5 million in 2009. It consists of an international terminal, inaugurated on July 5, 2006, terminal for domestic flights, and a third for charter flights.

The national airline Air Algeria (Air Algérie) is the main operator at the international airport of Algiers; it uses it as an airport correspondence platform and operates several lines to Europe, Africa, Canada, China, and Middle East. As for Tassili Airlines subsidiary of the oil company Sonatrach, it serves Morocco, Spain, France, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Several foreign airlines operate flights to Algiers such as Air France, Aigle Azur, Tunisair, Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa and British Airways.

Algiers airport allows flights to and from Africa: Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire; Europe: Ireland, United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Russia and Turkey; the Middle East: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria; North America: Canada; Asia: China.

Houari Boumedienne Airport offers banking services with several banks offering currency exchange services, Internet, cafes, public telephones and post office are available in all public areas of the terminals. Even there are facilities for disabled travelers .The airport is fully accessible for people with reduced mobility, with elevators, ramps, escalators and disabled toilets. Parking spaces reserved for the disabled are available in front of the terminal, not far from the main entrance. Passengers requiring special assistance must contact their airline prior to travel.

The Skyscanner is the best way which can allows you to find the cheapest flights to Algeria (from hundreds of airlines including Turkish Airlines, Air France, Air Algeria) without having to enter specific dates or even destination.

A little further away from the airport, the Palace Apart Hotel, located in a popular tourist area by the sea, offers meeting rooms, restaurant, bar, spa and sauna.

The Algerian Airports (Written by ARAB Sabrina)

The North African country of Algeria is a melting pot of influences, from Berber to Roman to Arab to Ottoman to Spanish and French. This blending of cultures has given way to a fantastic architectural scene, much of which still exists today. There is too much beauty to be seen in this lovely country starting with the architecture. The famous Kasbah of Algiers stands in the middle of one of the most beautiful maritime sites of the whole Mediterranean which constitutes a unique type of Islamic city commonly called medina. It is a place that is must be seen by any visitors to the country.

The Kasbah has several doors; some of them used to be opened in the morning and closed at sunset and it is filled with palaces, mosques and homes, all with their own fascinating architectural features. One of the most noteworthy aspects of this Kasbah is the fact that many of the buildings date back from the original Ottoman period in which they were built between 1515 and 1830, and are currently undergoing restoration to return them to their former glory.

Unlike so many of Algeria’s other Kasbahs, the Kasbah of Algiers is one of the best preserved. The most famous buildings in the Kasbah is the 18th-century Ketchaoua Mosque, alongside the neo-Byzantine Notre Dame D’Afrique. In the lower part of the Kasbah, there is the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions that is located in the old palace of Khedaouedj El Amia (a beautiful princess who lost sight). The elegant house was built in the 14th century on the site of a Zaouia of the 12th century. At the top of the Kasbah, there is a hilltop citadel. This fort located at a high point (accessed by Bab El Djedid) gathered the palace of the Dey and the buildings of military utility. All these architectural masterpieces offer excellent views over the Mediterranean.

Source of this image: Pinterest

The Kasbah is an awesome place to learn about the history of Algiers and Algeria as a whole which evokes the influence of conquests and colonialism on this country. The Kasbah is a masterpiece of architecture and town planning and remains one of the world's most mythical labyrinths. Its impressively thick and high walls, its picturesque simple houses with narrow windows to limit direct sunlight and thus keep houses cool during the summer, its narrow roads and the atrium in the middle allows hot air to escape upwards and get replaced with cool air from the lower levels give it a chance to be integrated in the UNESCO world heritage site. The Kasbah comprises of some palaces that are exquisitely decorated with ceramic tiles are omnipresent and add a colorful touch. As an example, some ceilings look like Persian carpets decorated by intricate design and rich colors. Despite some changes that were made through time, but the structural beauty remains apparent just from walking around the site.

Kasbah of Algiers (Written by ARAB Sabrina)

Hammam Maskhoutine (bath of the damned or the bath of the accursed ones) is located 15 km from the city of Guelma in northeastern Algeria and is one of the many spas in this region. It is actually a group of 10 different hot springs in a single valley. The temperature of the water in the springs can be as hot as 98 °C (208 °F); it is possible to boil eggs in the outflow channels. The overall flow rate of the thermal complex is 1,650 liters per second: nearly 100,000 liters per minute. The water is saturated with minerals such as iron and calcium carbonate. These minerals, as well as the heat, have been regarded as therapeutic for sufferers of ailments such as rheumatism and arthritis. Over the millennia, water has built a majestic limestone cascade rich in colors and conoid shapes.

The name of the site Hammam Maskhoutine comes from a local legend in which a rich and influential king married his sister named Ourida(the rose), the most beautiful women ever seen ,in spite of the formal defense of the Koran and the elders of the tribe. As he looked for wife, he could not find any other for his liking except his own sister. The wedding was accomplished and accompanied by fantasias and dances ended by an immense feast. Plates filled with couscous and whole sheep are served to the guests. As the wedding procession, including the incestuous couple, moved up the valley, a curse caused the skies to darken, and the entire wedding party was struck with lightning and turned to stone. The elements are turned upside down, the thunder growls, the demon 's fire comes out of the earth, the burning waters flood the place of the feast, and when calm is restored, the king and his sister, guests, dancers and slaves changed into stones.

Guelma city is known for its thermal springs. It has 8 stations and includes 20 underground springs.Really, Hammam Maskhoutine is a unique site in the world. One has also to admire a large cascade formed of limestone with water spouting from its summit, water coming from the bowels of the earth, accompanied by steam that diffuses in the open air that gives an unforgettable view which attracted attention from locals and tourists alike since the era of the Roman Empire. The streams of water flowing on the limestone deposits of the waterfall create a fantastic image in contact with the rays of the sun. No one can pass without looking and enjoying this splendid natural scenery in the open sky. At the bottom of this waterfall, there is a basin where people bathe. A bath in is like a real makeover. Its waters rich in arsenic give a second youth to the skin.

The Chellala complex, located in the municipality of Hammam Debagh, is one of famous thermal complexes in the city .It is the best equipped. It is renowned for its exceptional therapeutic waters. It is built on an area of 24 hectares. Hotel and therapeutic facilities are designed in such a way as to offer the best possible treatment to the patients. It has 112 bungalows, ideal for family stays and a hotel with 66 rooms. The Chellala complex is characterized by their exceptional therapeutic qualities, scientifically recognized in the treatment of many pathologies, including, rheumatology, respiratory tract, dermatology, urinary tract disorders, digestive disorders, cardio-arterial diseases, psychosomatic affections.

Hammam Maskhoutine in Guelma City, When Nature reveals about its Beauty (Written by ARAB Sabrina)

Timgad is a Roman-Berber town in the Aures Mountains of Algeria, about 35 km east of Batna province. The full name of the town was Colonia Marciana Ulpia Traiana Thamugadi. Thamugadi is the Berber name of the place where the city was built, which means a peak or summit. The ruins are noteworthy for representing one of the best extant examples of the grid plan as used in Roman city planning. Timgad was integrated in a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982 as a fantastic example of a Roman colonial town that is a regularly recommended Algerian and foreign tourist attraction.

The city was founded by the Emperor Trajan around 100 AD as a military colony. It was intended to serve primarily as a bastion against the Berbers in the nearby Aures Mountains. At the time of its founding, the area surrounding the city was a fertile agricultural area, about 1000 meters above sea level. It was originally populated largely by Roman veterans of the Parthian campaigns who were granted lands in return for years of service. The city enjoyed a peaceful existence for the first several hundred years and became a center of Christian activity starting in the 3rd century. In the 5th century, the city was sacked by the Vandals before falling into decline. In 535 AD, the Byzantine general Solomon found the city empty when he came to occupy it. In the following century, the city was briefly repopulated as a primarily Christian city before being sacked by Berbers in the 5th century. Because no new settlements were founded on the site after the 7th century, the town was partially preserved under sand up to a depth of approximately one meter. The encroachment of the Sahara on the ruins was the principal reason why the town is so well preserved.

The original Roman grid plan is magnificently visible in the orthogonal design, highlighted by a high triumphal arch (12 m) called the Arch of Trajan (it is also known as the Timgad Arch)which was partially restored in 1900. The arch is principally of sandstone, and is of the Corinthian order with three arches. Besides to a 3500 seat theater that stills in a good condition and is used for contemporary productions like summer parties and other festivities. The other key buildings include four thermals, basilica and the Capitoline Temple which is dedicated to Jupiter and is of approximately the same size as the Pantheon in Rome. Nearby the capitol, there is a square church with a circular apse dating from the 7th century. In the Southeast of the city, there is a large Byzantine citadel built in the later days of the city. In addition to a library which is also one of the best examples of the logistics of Roman town planning. It consists of a large semi-circular room flanked by two secondary rectangular rooms, and preceded by a U-shaped colonnaded portico surrounding three sides on an open court. The portico is flanked by two long narrow rooms on each side, and the large vaulted hall would have combined the functions of a reading room, stack room, and perhaps a lecture room, colonnaded streets and myriad temples .Timgad is the embodiment of Roman urban architecture. The discovery of the library give an impression of the grandeur of this place.It is historically important as it shows the presence of a fully developed library system in this Roman city, indicating a high standard of learning and culture.

Ancient Ruins in Algeria: Timgad (Written by ARAB Sabrina)

The National Park of Taza is a small park in Algeria, located in Jijel Province in a town named Taza, 30 kilometers North-East of Jijel. Compared to other national parks in Algeria, the Taza National Park is one of the smallest; covering an area of 3,807 hectares (9,410 acres).It is one of the oldest protected areas in Algeria. It was established in 1923 by the French colonial administrators in Algeria. It is the largest forest in Algeria of cork.

The Taza Biosphere Reserve comprises the whole of Taza National Park. It aims to combine conservation of the environment with the sustainable use of natural resources, allowing the local economy to flourish. Some of the habitats, plants and wildlife are important or unique in North Africa and internationally. About 5,600 people, mostly of Berber origin, live inside the reserve, largely sustaining themselves on small agricultural holdings, cultivating vegetables, fodder crops and tree fruits. Tourism is also important to the local economy. Management of the reserve includes eco-development projects, with beehives and fruit tree seed being distributed to villagers, and forest tracks and electricity supplies being improved for remote communities.

The park adjoins the Mediterranean Sea in magnificent landscapes between rocky coasts, sandy beaches and moist forests. The landscape of the Taza National Park consists of fascinating grottoes and caves, long stretches of sandy beaches, beautiful woodlands and breathtaking cliffs, accommodating a wide variety of species that have made the Taza National Park their home.

Taza’s moderate climate and temperatures has assisted specific tree and plant species to flourish in the park. Cork and oak trees, cedars, Mediterranean willow are found there. Besides to more than 100 plant species are used in medicine and pharmacy. Also, on its soils and in its waters are listed many mammals, birds, marine species. One of the endangered animal species found in the park such as Magot Monkey, the Barbary ape and nuthatch(bird) which is a rare bird and one of the symbols of the park and the region. It is recognizable by her white eyebrow, its gray-blue back and beak and its beige belly. If you visit the park in late spring, you may have the privilege of seeing the nests forming and eggs hatching. Some species are very rare and follow a conservation program in the park that is a chest to lot of species unique to North Africa. It is about twenty species of raptors, reptiles and insects also find refuge in the park of Taza competing for the land covered with oaks, cork and cedars.

Even though it does not cover a large area, the Taza National Park is still a diverse park with varied ecosystems and wonderful wildlife for visitors to enjoy. It was even recognized as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, reaffirming the uniqueness of this spectacular national park with a varied flora and fauna.

ARAB Sabrina

Ramadan is a test and an internal struggle against our bad habits. It means to abstain completely from foods, drinks, intimate intercourse and smoking ,before the break of the dawn till sunset during the entire month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic year. Ramadan in Algeria, of course, is sacred and a precious month. It is precious by the moments shared with the family for Iftar (break fasting)around a table that is too much garnished with varied food such as chorba (soup),bourak (stuffed bricks), zlabiya (pan cake that is fried and plunged into honey) and kelb-ellouz (cake made from semolina, almonds and honey) the best accompaniments of a good green tea with mint…Above all , Ramadan is the "master chef" of mothers, who compete with the preparation of the heartiest dishes and the most ancestral recipes.

In Algeria, Coriander, mint and sparsely are the main product of the Algerian cuisine and essential ingredients for bourak and chorba which is considered the main entrance to a Ramadan meal. Thus, young children take the opportunity of selling it during this holy month.

In Ramadan, Algeria becomes thousand and one night in the evening. Almost every evening after the Iftar, cultural and public events during Ramadan have been organized thus breaking the monotone the rest of the year. All the Algerian provinces vibrate the evenings of Ramadan through concerts, theater, cafes and nightclubs until dawn. In recent years, the evenings of the month of Ramadan have become opportunities for young events companies in Algeria.

During the month of fasting, Algeria slows down and the national economy is the one who pay. Absenteeism and under-production cost the State a lot. Algerians confuse working and being at their workplace; during Ramadan, absences become lot. The working hours during the month of Ramadan applicable in the institutions and public administrations are from 9 am to 4 pm, from Sunday to Thursday. Most of Algerians prefer to take their vacation during Ramadan month.

Algerians celebrate the month of Ramadan despite the economic crisis. Inflation and financial difficulties are weakening families to celebrate the holy month. In the alleys of the small market the prices of fruits and vegetables have increased much in the month of Ramadan, unlike other months. This month is especially the month of all excessive spending for some families, but it is not the case for poor ones. So, governmental organizations distribute food baskets to poor families. Approximately, more than 175 baskets (the number varies according to the need) of food have been distributed for three times in each Algerian communes. Besides, there are solidarity restaurants throughout the national territory.

For this year, however, and for the five or six years that follow, Ramadan will have this peculiarity of coinciding with the season of the great heat. We can guess a bit about the crisis for some seasonal areas like seaside resorts, coastal hotels and everything that goes with such as restaurants, swimming pools and domestic tourism. Algerian families prefer to eat at home and the formulas at discount no longer interest them. But despite all, Ramadan remains the most charming month of the whole year.

Written by ARAB Sabrina

Marriage in Algeria is a social practice and is typically traditional. It is first of all an act of alliance that is accompanied by a series of transactions. Traditionally, marriage has a purely family character. The girl in Kabylia marries preferably with a cousin, a relative or someone from the village. This is a way of safeguarding the name of the family, as well as the assets they may have in common.

During the stage of the initial agreement between the fathers of the two spouses that generally took place in a public place, the family of the groom goes to the bride’s family and asks for her hand. If everyone agrees; they pronounce El- Fatiha (first Qur'anic verse), in the presence of two witnesses and the Imam. The day on which the families must formalize the engagement, in front of the witnesses, the father of the young man proposes a sum of money generally high to prove his financial position and especially to show the value that the girl has in the eyes of his family. The father of the bride only takes only a small sum.

First of all, women roll couscous and prepare delicious food and cookies by singing and reciting poems. After that, both groom and bride families invite individuals and families to the ceremony. The wedding celebration takes place over a period of three days, during which alternate rites that are essentially carried out by the groom's family. In the family of the bride there are few songs and dances, the feast taking place on the groom's side much more. In the afternoon of the wedding day, the groom’s family visits the bride family bringing gifts with them like semolina, meat, olive oil, vegetables, adornments and dress for the bride. Then, start the henna party accompanied with songs and dances and especially trills(Ilawlawen) .In the evening, they come back to the groom’s house to serve dinner for the guests and held Urar at night ;the women perform dances and ancestral songs accompanied with trills of course until a late hour. During this animation, the ceremony of the henna(thokna n-el-hanni) of the groom takes place .The groom’s family members and friends form a circle around him .His mother put on table a plate and a pitcher of water for the preparation of henna, and another plate containing durum wheat, fresh eggs, a silver jewel tafezzimt elfetta. This plate also is used in order to put money to the groom by the guests. Also, she lighted three or seven candles placed next to the plate of wheat and eggs (that symbolize the groom‘s coming children).In the coming day, the lunch is served to the guests who must bring gifts to the groom.

The bride is bathed and dressed in a traditional kabyle dress and adorned with jewels, anklets, wide bracelets, earrings, tiara and a necklace of clove and amber.

Shortly before leaving the family home, the veil is laid. On a horse, the groom put his own wife in addition to her trousseau and other provisions: candies and donuts of cakes, etc. The procession moves away under singing and clapping hands. Just at the entrance to her new home, the bride must put in her mouth a piece of sugar which she must keep until she crosses the threshold of her new home. The mother-in-law approached the bride, handed her a pot of milk or water to drink and a sieve full of candies to throw it behind her, or the bride is asked to break an egg on the threshold of the door, this it depends on the region. After the installation of the bride and accompanying persons, the men of the family are allowed to visit the bride to give her money.

It is on the seventh day that the parents of the bride, especially her mother, come to visit her. But in some Kabylian villages, the opposite happens. In other words, on the seventh day, it is the bride accompanied by her husband who will go to visit her parents. The seventh day is the bride’s first outing .She goes to the fountain accompanied by a group of relatives and friends and she fills a pitcher. The journey takes place in an atmosphere marked by traditional songs, trills and dances. It is with the seventh day that the festivities that surround the traditional kabyle marriage ends. Some of traditions mentioned above are still preserved till nowadays.

Written by ARAB Sabrina

Algeria has everything to seduce and attract visitors. Besides to the generosity and the hospitality of its inhabitants, Algeria has natural assets, cultural and historical heritage that allow it to practice many tourist activities such as: coastal tourism, outdoor and mountain tourism, thermal tourism, cultural and sports tourism, Saharan tourism, hunting and fishing...

The Algerian North is the ideal place to spend holidays and enjoy the Mediterranean coast and its beaches. The Algerian coastal provinces like Jijel , Bejaia , Skikda , Boumerdes, Annaba Oran,… possess a breathtaking and awesome shores that are in harmony with picturesque landscapes such as Aiguades and Cap Carbon in Bejaia city, in the east. To the west we can find Tlemcen and its mosques and palaces, Oran and its old huge buildings…

Moving to the South, towards the Algerian Sahara, which covers almost 85% of the Algerian area there are a lot of regions to enjoy; the famous Hoggar Mountain range, Djanet with its mythical dunes and oases and Tamanrasset with its typical Saharan landscapes, and so on. For instance, in the South-East of Algeria, we find the plateau of Tassil 'Najer. The place is distinguished by its lunar landscape and its rock paintings that are classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. In the center of Algeria, we find El-Oued and its domes and the M'Zab valley which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The valley includes five castles (ksour), unique fortified villages. Their architecture is original because adapted to the rather hostile environment of this rocky plateau. Among the most remarkable oases of the M'Zab valley is that of Ghardaïa.

Algeria is also a home to many monuments and buildings that are worth a visit like Maqâm Echahid (monument of the Martyr) and Algiers and its Kasbah which is a historical city where one can discover ancient mosques and Ottomans’ palaces and learn a lot about the Algerian history. Furthermore, Algeria keeps the stigmata of the passage of the Romans on the territory. Timgad is a good example; the Roman ruins make it easy to imagine the urbanization brought by the Roman settlers. It is considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The surrounding Aures Mountains also contribute to the great beauty of the place.

Our fabulous country of Algeria with its cities, deserts, mountains offers a great and exceptional charm and diversity of landscapes.

Take my hand, let me guide you throughout my lovely country, Algeria (Written by ARAB Sabrina)

The Algerian Flag

Ourar Beache , Beni Fergane , Jijel Province

Language Variation in Algeria

The Algerian Beaches: Jijel’s Beaches

The Flag of Algeria

The National Anthem of Algeria in english

The Burnous, Ancient Cloth in Algeria

ALIVAVA Park in Bejaïa downtown

The Austerity Policy in Algeria

Algiers , The Algerian capital

ADVENTURERS FROM ALGERIA ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE WORLD’S FIRST VINTAGE AIR RALLY ACROSS SOUTH AMERICA

The Algerian Ports

The Algerian Airports

Kasbah of Algiers

Hammam Maskhoutine in Guelma City, When Nature reveals about its Beauty

Ancient Ruins in Algeria: Timgad

Jijel Province: Taza National Park

Ramadan in Algeria

The Marriage Traditions in the Kabyle Regions

Take my hand, let me guide you throughout my lovely country, Algeria