About Algeria | Discover Algeria

No other city on the Algerian country or even on the African continent is more associated with high bridges than Constantine. Constantine is the third largest city in Algeria (Northeastern province), about 80 kilometers from the Mediterranean coast. It was called "Cirta" by the Numidian king Syphax who turned it into his capital and later it was renamed "Constantina" in honor of the Emperor Constantine the Great. The city was invaded and ruled by the Phoenicians, the Romans, Ottomans, and French. Constantine‘s geography is unique for having a deep river gorge running right through its center called "the Rhumel River".

Constantine is often referred to as the "City of Bridges" due to the numerous picturesque bridges connecting the various hills, valleys, and ravines that the city is built on and around. Some are for cars and vehicles and others are for pedestrians.

The most important bridges are the following:

One of many high bridges that cross the Rhumel River gorge, the highest and most spectacular of all is the Sidi M’Cid suspension bridge that is opened in April 1912.It is also known as the Suspended Bridge with a length of 164m and which remained the highest bridge in the world till the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado opened in November 1929. It is Constantine’s iconic monument .It was designed by French engineer Ferdinand Arnodin. The bridge links the Casbah to the slopes of Sidi M’Cid hill. Views of town and the gorge, 175m below, are stunning. It is the most spectacular bridge in Constantine.

El Kantara Bridge which leads toward north is the oldest stone bridge in Constantine. It’s was built in 1863 and bears the markings of Roman and French architectural style. The bridge is 128 meters long and 125 meters high.

==> Hotels in Constantine: https://www.monvols.com/hotels?destination=Constantine

Sidi Rached Bridge was designed by in 1912 by Paul Sejourne. It is most memorable because of its length of 447 meters. From it, there is a magnificent and beautiful view over the Rhumel River.

The Devil’s Bridge, a tiny beam bridge, is only for pedestrians. It was built in the 17th century during the Ottoman Empire ruling. The name is associated with the sounds that the river makes below.

Falls Bridge is formed by a series of arches on top of a waterfall .It was built in 1925. It is 80 meters high and is one of the most beautiful bridges in Constantine.

The Perregaux Bridge was constructed by the French Engineer Ferdinand Arnodin in 1962. It is 125 meters long and is believed to be the smaller version of the Sidi M’Cid Bridge.

The City des Chasseurs Bridge connects the city to the University Mentouri of Constantine. It was designed by the internationally recognized architect Oscar Niemeyer and he is considered a key figure in modern architecture.

The New Cable-Stayed Bridge of Constantine was designed by the famous Dissing Weitling architectural firm and finished in 2012. It is 750 meters long and 130 meters high. It is used by both pedestrians and cars. In 2008, the project was awarded the International Best Architecture Project.

Actually, this historical city with its fascinating bridges deserves too much care and must gain more of an international recognition. The poet Malek Haddad, born in this city in 1927, once wrote: “You do not introduce Constantine. It introduces itself, and you salute it. It reveals herself and we discover each other.”

Written by ARAB Sabrina

Algeria has hundreds of hot springs or fountains that back to thousands of years. The most famous one is Hammam Essalihine (the bath of the righteous or thermal baths of Flavius) which is a tourist and therapeutic site that is situated in the middle of an enchanting mountainous and forested region (Aures Mountains); precisely in "El Hamma" district, 7 km from Khenchela, an Algerian province. According to the inscriptions, it is an ancient Roman bath that has existed for 2000 years, the reason why this spa is classified a protected national historical heritage.

The source of Hammam Essalihine is nestling at the bottom of a valley dominated by beautiful wooded mountains (1.500 m above sea level) which combines a unique natural landscapes with the old Roman vestige to give the most picturesque spot of the country that leads to the attraction of thousands of visitors all year around from all over the country and from abroad (it records up to 700,000 visitors a year), either to enjoy the landscapes of the Aures region or for therapeutic reasons.

Hammam Essalhine spa is known for the therapeutic virtues of its waters. Its water is so pure and very rich with minerals, and its temperature is around 70°C. The water’s chemical composition gives it therapeutic properties indicated for rheumatic, respiratory and dermatological diseases. In addition that this resort can treat several diseases ,it offers all the appropriate treatments like relaxation, massage and functional rehabilitation equipment, in addition to the hydrotherapy sessions offered by a couple of physiotherapists.

In this spa, there are two pools; the rectangular pool and the circular pool, one for men and the other for women, with eight meter in diameter and a depth of 1.45 m, as well as 44 thermal cabins. Despite of the historical importance for the region of this tourist structure, it lacks a lot of infrastructures.

It is really highly advised to preserve this sauna by a regular maintenance throughout the improvement of services and the protection of its immediate environment and the multiplication of hotel facilities to accommodate visitors and spa guests, and provide all the needful services to make the region a major destination for thermal tourism.

Written by ARAB Sabrina

In Algeria, the kechabia is an indispensable part of the traditional male costume, in addition to common Maghreb traditional costumes like burnous, the gandoura… which are part of the Maghreb heritage. The kechabia is the perfect garment to face the harsh winters that‘s why all the Algerians cherish it .The Know-how is perfectly mastered by the "Ouled Nail"(Biskra, Djelfa,…), a great Arabized Berber tribe in Algeria.

The kechabia is made of the sheep and camel wool or hair (in Arabic called loubar) and in order to make a pretty kechabia, it is necessary to choose perfect wool or hair. Therefore, the wool of young camels whose age must not exceeds the first years , is the preferable .Actually, all Algerians prefer kechabia which is made of pure camel hair threads (luxurious kechabia) because unlike sheep wool, camel wool is softer and more flexible. Furthermore, it is strong and waterproof, a shield against pollution, absorbs moisture, retains the air, and it allows both to guard against freezing cold as hot weather.

The kechabia is made in two stages. The first is based on the work of wool that only women master it because they have the gift of patience, tact, mastery and rigor; qualities that make kechabia a traditional prestige clothing. Then, it is the men who will be in charge of the assembly that’s to say sewing and embroidery, in the second stage. It comes with two colors, in general, brown or dark yellow and sometimes in dark. Eventually, the colors of the kechabia vary depending on the age and species of the animal. It takes seven days to make a kechabia with hood and it costs between 25000DA and 70000DA; depending on the material in which it is made of. However, the kechabia is threatened with extinction because of the scarcity of the raw material, namely wool and camel hair, essential inputs in manufacturing this ancestral craftsmanship and traditional outfit.

Despite the presence of the Romans, Phoenicians, Ottomans, and French in Algeria, the traditional Algerian costumes have kept its personality and presence. For the Algerians, the burnous and the kechabia are, more than ever, their favorite stuffs. They are available in their closets. This anti-freeze, traditional and luxury garments never gone out of fashion despite the counterfeiting; the appearance of "hybrid" kachabias, woven wool mixed with synthetic fibers or wool mixed with camel hair or flannel.

Written by ARAB Sabrina

The Cirta National Museum is located in Constantine province (East of Algeria).It covers an area of 2,100 square meters including 1,200 square meters of building and 900 square meter for the garden. It contains a range of the richest collections of antiques (almost 7000 antique pieces), paintings and ethnographic pieces that make it a major destination for tourists visiting the city either locals or foreigners .It presents the prehistory of the city and all Algeria; a collection of 19th century paintings and ancient remains of Numidian, Roman, Ottoman and even Colonial, as well as the remains of Tiddis and Kalaa Beni Hammad, discovered in Constantine and the surrounding area.

It was on April 15, 1931 that the Cirta Museum opened its doors, for the first time, to the public under the name of "Gustave Mercier Museum "(General Secretary of the Archeological Society). The museum kept this name until July 5, 1975, then it was given the name Cirta; the ancient name of the city of Constantine. In 1986, it was elevated to the rank of National Museums and renamed the Cirta National Museum and now it becomes a public museum.

The museum is structured in three different sections:

The Archaeological Section consists of several galleries whose collections are the product of donations, discoveries and excavations carried out in different sites of the city. It includes thousands of antique objects, some of which are exhibited in twelve rooms in chronological order to help the visitor to have an overview on the history of the city and its regions from prehistoric times to the present day.

The Fine Arts Section exhibits nearly 120 watercolor paintings and sculptures that date back to the seventeenth and twentieth century, including two black pencil paintings dating back to the 16th century depicting a woman and a child who would probably be the wife and son of an emperor. It also includes various subjects belonging to several schools: European and Algerian. Among the painters, we mention Gustave , Marius Debat, Gabriel Ferrier, Fromentin, Issiakhem, Allalouche Amar...

Ethnographic Section was opened in 1998 and it contains a set of traditional gold and silver jewelry, traditional dresses (Constantinian outfits), carpets, copper utensils, and weapons, in addition to a large quantity of inscriptions and manuscripts dealing with various scientific fields.

In attempt to promote this precious heritage, the administration of the Museum diversifies the exhibitions, which each time invite the public to discover part of this rich Algerian history. Furthermore, the museum has opened drawing, mosaic and pottery workshops for children to develop their artistic sense and intimate relationships with the arts through an initiative called "every child an artist" during which known artists are invited to accompany these children in the development of their works. Eventually, thanks to the various initiatives, exhibitions and activities planned during the current year, the museum has received more than 6000 visitors. Its stunning antique pieces render it a marvel that deserves a long visit. Here the schedule of the Visit:

From Saturday to Thursday from 8:00h to 12:00h am and from 13:00h to 17:00h pm

Friday from 13:30h to 17:00h pm .Entry: 200DA

Written by ARAB Sabrina

Actually, the origin of the inhabitants of Canary Islands has many mysteries .Many believe that the inhabitants of the Canary Islands are nothing but Berbers. Many arguments attest that these Islands were occupied, for over 1,000 years, by Berbers from North Africa. The Berber king Juba II had visited these Islands and decided to occupy them and include them in his Kingdom. He populated them with Berbers from different regions of North Africa.

When the first French navigators landed in the Canary Islands in 1406, for the first time, they found themselves in the presence of tall fair skinned with black or blonde hair natives, who called themselves the Guanches "Igwanciyen , in Tamazight" which means in their language, close to the Tamazight" men of Tenerife" .This last word comes from "Tin Irifi", which means "place of thirst". Thus, the Guanches are Amazighs who came from North Africa. Jean de Bethencourt conquered the land and he became the "King of the Canary Islands", after that, he bequeathed his conquest to his nephew, who finally offered his kingdom to the King of Castile in 1418. Sixty years later, after having evangelized, deported or forcibly assimilated the populations under their control, the Spaniards decide to submit the entire archipelago. In 1483, they colonized Gran Canaria, then La Palma, but the Island of Tenerife, very populated, still resists under the orders of King Benchomo and inflicts even a terrible defeat to the famous conquistador Alonzo Fernandez de Lugo, in 1494 in La Matanza of Acentejo ("The Massacre of Acentejo"). This African victory over the Europeans, fallen into oblivion of history, is without doubt one of the most important and unexpected. The Guanches showed a fierce resistance against any occupation ,that’s why, most of them perished in resisting the Spanish and French conquest, most of the survivors were sold as slaves, many also embraced the Catholic faith by force and married the Spaniards and their now Spanish names soon became confused with those of the conquerors. .

Therefore, the inhabitants of this archipelago are the result of a European-Berber interbreeding .All the Canarians are proudly display it, despite being most often mixed with another but the Amazigh fiber or DNA is much stronger than all the rest ; the Berber blood flows in their veins. The Igwancyins of the Canaries (Gran Canaria) would like to come to North Africa to meet Amazighs with whom they shared the same roots a long time ago in order to find traces of their most distant ancestors.

Today, most of the Canarians claim this inheritance. They formed a lot of organizations to demand their rights and recognition .Among those organizations "Inekaren" , a Canarian revolutionary organization that wishes to make known to all the Imazighen its point of view, from the Canary Islands, that they are Amazighs and they enjoy their Amazighity and that the Canary Islands are only Amazigh territory.

Written by ARAB Sabrina

The project of extension of the Houari Boumediene International Airport of Algiers is expected to be opened on November the first, in coincidence with the celebration of the Algerian war for independence. This mega project whose construction works were entrusted to the Chinese company CSCEC , costs more than 80 billion DA. The financing resource of this new terminal is provided by the Airport Management Company of Algiers almost 45 billion DA, while the rest is financed by the Treasury.

The project of the new international airport Houari Boumediene which covers an area of 20 hectares (200,000 square meters) will be able to accommodate 10 million passengers per year and handle 1,800 bags per an hour, in addition to the current international airport (6 million passengers per a year) .It is divided into three lots: passenger terminal, parking vehicles and traffic lanes and parking planes and taxiways. The big innovation in the design of this terminal is the clear separation of arrival and departure areas. It is really structured to meet the expectations of the travelers.

From the sky view, this impressive work is arranged in a giant T-shape with its basement, two levels and intermediate mezzanine .The blue of the thousands of glass tiles that cover its facades, overhung with hundreds of white arcade and distinguishes this mastodon from the surrounding buildings and completely eclipses the current terminal. It is considered nevertheless an architectural jewel with its atypical disposition in a semicircle and its futuristic architecture. In addition to a sublime architecture which is the airport hotel, a 4 stars hotel built in partnership with Hayat Regency.

Inside the airport, you certainly will admire the beauty of the halls through the windows of one of the many panoramic lifts set up. In all, the different levels of the building are connected by 54 lifts and 34 escalators, plus of course traditional staircases for walkers. From the plane, passengers will rally directly to the police checkpoints via corridors with treadmills, three on each side. Besides, many premises are provided for the various shops and services, in addition to ultra comfortable waiting benches. The decor is breathtaking with a huge glittering floor that reflects the light of thousands of recessed spots in the ceiling. Cylindrical poles of one meter twenty in diameter, just as bright, go up, from 35 meters underground, up to at the last level, that of the departures. It is there that the travelers going abroad, since the building will be reserved for the international flights, will wait and will carry out the formalities of use. This also the saving of time is guaranteed with the 120 registration banks set up, against only sixty for the current terminal. As for the arrivals hall, shops and services are also planned. After the customs and police formalities, the passenger will leave directly at the jetty where boarding takes place, 400 meters long. The boarding will be done on both sides of the aircraft, through 21 accordion-shaped gangways. At the different levels, the halls extend as far as the eye can see. On an area of four hectares of offices, shops and checkpoints, it will not be easy to find its way and that is why adequate signage is planned for the orientation of visitors.

In addition to the construction of the new railway line connecting Bab Ezzouar with the International Airport of Algiers and the Algiers metro linking El Harrach center with Algiers International Airport, whose implementation is supported by the public company Cosider. Both are still under realization.

Written by ARAB Sabrina

The palace of Ahmed Bey (the last Ottoman ruler of Constantine from 1826 to 1848) is one of the finest Ottoman era buildings in Algeria and it is considered the living trace of the Ottoman civilization in the country. This huge building (5609 m²) was built at the location of old houses contiguous to each other in Constantine Province. It was finished shortly before the capture of Constantine by the French colonialism and used to serve as a hospital for French troops under the name of “Hotel Division”. After the independence, it was used as a site for some cultural events. In the early 1980s, the palace was restored and given back its original plan and look by a Polish Company. In 2009, this magnificent palace opened to the public and became a museum of arts and popular traditions.

The Palace’s construction was undertaken in 1826 and was inaugurated in 1835. For its construction; Hajj Ahmed Bey had recourse to two famous artists, El Hadj El Djabri, a native of the city and El Khettabi, a Kabyle man. He used materials from all over the world in order to build his palace; columns (about 247) and other pieces of marble were imported from Italy in exchange for shipments of wheat, the cedar wood was brought from the tribes of Aures and Kabylia , the cut stones were taken from the ruins of ancient Cirta and nearly 47,000 earthenware tiles fill the palace walls to half-height. There were 167 different types from Tunisia, Italy, Marseille, Syria and Holland, participating as much in the refreshment of the places as in their embellishment. The palace thus became a museum of the most curious and richest pieces of pottery, carpentry and sculpture.

What impress the visitors, at the first sight, is the vast dimensions of this palace which is filled with gardens and series of courtyards surrounded by tiled arcades. It is always compared to the houses of the Arabian Nights thanks to its samples of Arab and Moorish architecture; galleries enclose gardens as well as a pool and a paved courtyard with marble pillars and parterres, shaded orange trees, earthenware tiles, painted doors and windows, white marble and paintings of the most vivid colors with a charming taste and numerous water flowing fountains which serve to maintain a continuous sensation of freshness.

The frescoes (cover almost 2,000 m² of surface) of Ahmed Bey’s Palace are an authentic reference documents that tell the story of a long journey of the master of the place which can serve as a reference for university researchers, men of culture and historians. They undoubtedly have the major attraction of this place by their exceptional character in Algeria and North Africa. They reveal a lot of secrets that allow reading the various historical events such as the battles against the French Army in which the Bey took part alongside the Dey of Algiers, as well as the Bey’s different trips to the Middle East.

The Palace opens from 9am to noon and from 1pm to 4pm, during the whole week except Fridays. The entry fees: 100 DA.

Written by ARAB Sabrina

A lot of multicultural civilizations have passed through Algeria and left indelible traces that bear witness to its history. In every city across the vast Algerian territory, there are monuments that are living witnesses to a memory of which we can be proud of. Among them is the Fort of Santa Cruz in Oran province, Northwestern of Algeria.

Oran (El Bahia) ,which is a pearl of Algeria and the country’s second largest port after Algiers, lies along an open bay on the Mediterranean Sea coast .It was founded at the beginning of the 10th century by Andalusian merchants as a base for trade with the North African hinterland, and it was developed commercially owing to its sea connections with Europe. It was invade by Turks, Spanish and French.

The Fort of the mountain (Bordj el Djbel as called by the locals) was built by the Ottomans and the Chapel of Santa Cruz was built between 1577 and 1604 by the Spaniards on the rocky spur of Aidour, better known under the name of Murdjajo in order to resist the Ottoman Empire. It occupies a strategic location; it stands 400 meters above the sea level where there are views of Mers el Kebir, the strategic military port of Oran. A small chapel, known as the Chapel of Santa Cruz, stands close to the fort. This chapel has been refurbished with a tower, which has a huge statue of Mary the Virgin that was built on 1850.

The city of Oran was the object of repeated attacks that’s why they have built the fort. This latter was built with iron, wood, sand, lime and water because of its climactic strategic point, carried up to the hill through winding and difficult paths. The fortifications of the place were composed of thick and continuous walls of over two and a half kilometers in circumference, surmounted by strong towers spaced between them, with a central castle or Kasbah where the Spanish governor established his headquarters. It was expanded repeatedly to strengthen the fortifications by cutting deep into the hill, following repeated enemy attacks. There is a subterranean communication between all the forts, the galleries passing underneath the town mounting and descending the various hills. The fort has even a rainwater storage harvesting system, with the largest tank having a capacity of 300,000 liters in order to resist in case of siege.

The fort of Santa Cruz has experienced various invasions, sometimes destructive, but it was rebuilt many times. Today, this magnificent colossus of stones is in good condition and it becomes an awesome tourist site to visit in order to discover a little-known history of Algeria of that period. In the interior of the fort, you can visit the walkway, the apartments of the soldiers who were staying there permanently, as well as those of the governor. In the immediate vicinity of the fort, a little below, another historical place to discover is the Chapel of Santa Cruz. It has been listed as a historical monument on October 6, 1950 under the French occupation and classified as a national monument on December 17th , 2008 at the end of a meeting of the National Commission of the Cultural Goods held on November 21st , 2008.

Opening:

The fort is open to visits from Saturday to Thursday. Entrance: 200DA

Written by ARAB Sabrina

Kefrida Waterfall, Bejaia

Bejaia city is dotted with beautiful and mesmerizing landscapes that attract thousands of visitors every summer from all over Algeria and even foreigners. Among Bejaia’s fascinating natural landscapes is the famous waterfall of Kefrida. This breathtaking site whose name derives from the Latin expression "Aqua Frigida", meaning "fresh water" or "cool fountain", is located in the town of Taskriout near the village of Ait Idriss, more than 50 kilometers east of the city center of Bejaia. This fountain is cascading from a height of more than 50 meters of Taskriout Mountain to a natural pool which is surrounded by large rocks and plants. This swimming pool is located in the middle of wild nature. Among the plants that surround this small pond that is shaped over the years by the waters which fall from the heights of the mountain, we find the fern, oleanders, reeds and other wild shrubs.

In addition to the beauty of the greenery that surrounds this picturesque site, the coolness and the calm which reigns there attract and tempt people towards it. At the beginning of summer as usual, the Kefrida waterfall is crowded by people since this captivating site represents an ideal place to break the anxiety rhythm of everyday life by delighting with the soft, fresh breeze and the floral scents. For those who are fond of beautiful landscape of water flowing down the rocks of the mountain and the pure air, actually they must not miss this charming place because it is more than ideal for lovers of nature and green spaces to hike with family to spend pleasant and intense moments in the serenity of its panorama.

The site also represents a source of pecuniary support for young artists in the region who perform arts and crafts through installing, all along the road leading to the cascade of Kefrida, small shops for the sale of local products like traditional items, pottery, souvenir items, or seasonal fruits such as grapes, pear, figs and prickly pears.

Written by ARAB Sabrina

The province of Guelma (Calama) is considered one of the poles of tourism in Algeria since it possesses treasures that go back to ancient times and civilizations which are stand as witness to the past of this ancient region. The Roman Theater, which is located in the heart of the city of Guelma, is one of the most important ancient tourist sites in the city that attracts tourists from inside and outside the country and even from abroad, along with the mineral baths that promote a revolution in the town's tourism sector and provide great access to the public treasury.

Historically speaking, this theater was built between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, at a cost of about thirty thousand gold pieces at that time. It was built during the reign of Emperor Septemus by the nun, Anya Elia Stiterta. This monument is one of the rare historical artifacts across the world in terms of geometric and architectural form with rock terraces that were dedicated to the Roman VIPs and to the general public or public servants, with a large wooden platform, believed by historians to have been devoted to the fight of predators, especially black ones. It can accommodate about 4500 person.

Nowadays, the monument maintains its shape and structure, to some extent, which has been completed for thousands of years, after resisting all the volatile climatic conditions over the ages and times, as well as the restoration of this old edifice over the years. The Theater has been restored artistically by competent people; giving us an impressive scene of marvelous Roman masonry and a perfect idea of what it was originally .It was completely rebuilt in the early 20th century. After the first stage of its reconstruction, it hosted on May 1908 theatrical performances of what would become the annual festival of Calama. The Roman Theater became the centerpiece of the major artistic concerts hosted by the city of Guelma. It was accompanied by famous Arab and oriental singers, artists and other giants of art and Arabic culture. The Roman Theater continued to be active with the largest art concerts until the mid 1980s. It was restored in 2007 with the second edition of the National Festival of Contemporary Music, which produced photographs that remained immortal in the minds of all those who attended.

Then, for those who are curious and fond of exploration of the roman ruins, this site is an ideal place for them .The entrance fee is for 70DA.

Written by ARAB Sabrina

Algeria as any nation in the world is fighting the cancer disease through building a lot of medical centers and providing qualified staff in sake of curing such disease.

In Algeria, there are seventeen public cancer centers spreading throughout the national territory. The biggest hospital for curing cancer in Algeria and even in Africa is built in the bottom of the Algerian Sahara, exactly in Adrar Province (south of Algeria), in addition to two other cancer control centers in El Oued and Bechar (both are in the south too) in order to reduce the waiting time for the patients who suffer from such terrible sickness. Such an anti-cancer center has a capacity of 140 beds including double and single rooms which are equipped with modern medical materials that fit the international standards.

The Algerian Minister highlighted that the epidemiological data of cancers from the national network of cancer registries are part of the global trend, indicating that these data indicate that the annual incidence of cancers will continue to increase from 41,870 cases in 2015 to 49,000 cases in 2020 and 61,000 cases in 2025.Thus, as an attempt to fight such disease ,the state has allocated more than 37 billion DA for the acquisition of drugs of the classes of oncology and hematology, and the medical, paramedical and technical staff of hospitals that care for cancer patients. Improving the supply of medical oncology is reflected today in the existence of 41 services and 77 functional units covering the 48 provinces, with the availability of oncology drugs, while the improvement of the supply of radiotherapy results in the existence of 36 linear functional accelerators, 10 of which are at the private sector level against 7 accelerators in 2013, "said by the Minister of Health.

In addition to that, the Ministry has launched a training program to train doctors and medical staff in charge of cancer to provide much more care for the cancer patients and in order to identify more accurately the need for medicines used in cancer therapy. The ministry of health also has strongly supported the investments in the field of the production of drugs used in cancer to get rid of the shortage in terms of drugs and provide efficient treatments for the patients.

Written by ARAB Sabrina

The Amazigh people are strongly stuck to their ancestral traditions through keeping their customs vivid and alive from generation to another. As an evidence, they celebrate almost of their Berber heritage and traditions each year till nowadays. Among those sacred traditions that still exists till now is "Bouafif "or "Amghar Waqrouche" which is celebrated each year on the first day of spring (1first of March) in the Berber calendar.

The first of March, for the Berbers, is the entrance of spring which means the entrance of happiness and fruitfulness. This day is marked by preparing a special meal called "Adhries", a dish that goes back probably millennia. It is couscous steamed with a medicinal plant called "Thapsia", Adheries in Tamazight.

The night of this day is culminated by enjoyments via a very ancient custom which resembles the American Halloween, to some extent. Instead of the scary clothes and scenes in the American one, the Berber Halloween tries to provide joy among people. I am talking about "Bouafif" which is an ancient Kabyle practice or tradition bequeathed by their ancestors .This tradition consists of forming a group of villagers (young males or children) to compose musicians and dancers disguised as women or old man and who go from door to door to collect eggs, sweets, money,… for a fun .The sounds of flute and "bendir"(tambour) accompany them. Whenever the group arrives in front of a house, the inhabitants open the door after hearing the phrase "Ekker adyeskker rebbi saad-ik, Amin" (Wake up and God will blow the luck in your home, Amen). As a symbol of gratitude for these moments of happiness, locals offer treats and eggs to them after enjoying their dancing and beating on the tambour to compose rhythmic sounds. It is a custom that never dies since it belongs to the Amazighs. It is the Amazigh way to say good bye to winter and welcome to spring with delight.

Written by ARAB Sabrina

The famous and fabulous jewel that enhances the beauty of the Algerian woman is "khit errouh" or "zerouf " in the Algerian dialect ,which literally means "thread of the soul". This jewel is rooted in the Algerian traditions .It is very traditional Algerian jewel that all Algerian women should possess and which is transmitted from mother to daughter and it is kept throughout a lifetime, thus, some families have very old khit errouh and therefore it becomes very expensive and worth a fortune today.

Originally, khit errouh is from the city of Algiers and it is generally worn on weddings. It is a type of tiara that consists of rosettes (old models) in the form of “drops” and gold “Zerraref” pendants set with diamonds or other precious stones, depends on the status of the family. A wealthy family, for example, will not hesitate to make it with stones of great value, such as diamond. It can be matched with earrings, a ring or a bracelet. In general, the parents bought it for the trousseau of their daughter. If not, they can ask for the dowry of their daughter.

The shape of “Khit errouh” is also special, it consists of small round shaped components inlaid with precious stones, in the center the shape is much larger with obviously several stones encrusted. On this form is attached another part shaped water drop large enough, it is the same for the two small balls contiguous to the central ball.

This precious jewel is worn through the front, surmounting a silk scarf called “mhramet leftoul” (the famous long scarf that Algerians wear traditionally on the head) ,with traditional outfits. The Algerian women wear khit errouh exclusively with Karakou (Algerian traditional outfit), but when they wear another outfit, it is put on the neck. This jewel adorns the brow or the neck of the woman and specifically the bride in a beautiful way that’s why it still worn nowadays.

Written by ARAB Sabrina

The heart of the city of Constantine holds the most prominent monument in Algeria and one of the most important mosques in the Muslim world , it is the Mosque of Emir Abd El Kader. The idea of building a large mosque in Constantine dates back to 1968 as a desire to build a mosque capable to accommodate 10,000 worshipers. Originally, it was only a simple mosque but since the President Houari Boumediene took a keen interest in the project, the mosque has been transferred into one of the most beautiful structures in Constantine. It became a very large and impressive mosque and an Islamic University to teach “Chariaa” (the first Algerian modern Islamic University).

From the architectural point of view, the mosque is a masterpiece with all the details incorporated in its construction. It is an architectural gem in the heart of the city which is realized by the architect Mostapha Mansour .This building is really impressive both in its size, the beauty of its architecture and the richness of its decoration in an Arab Muslim style. It has twin minarets up to 107 meters high with a majestic dome of 64 meters .The mosque has two big prayer rooms ;one for men and one for women ,that can accommodate more than 15,000 prayers . A holy light springs from afar at the level of the Mihrab indicating the direction of the Mecca. The mosque is annexed to a modern Islamic university, the University of Emir Abd El Kader for the Islamic Science. This university consists of three levels. On the ground floor the central space is occupied by the large conference room above which is the courtyard with its large pool, surrounded by large corridors in the form of glazed arcades.

Written by ARAB Sabrina

The Grotto of Beni Aad is an underground hydrological system that is, according to specialists, the largest underground cavernous network known in Algeria ,which is located in the Tlemcen National Park in the municipality of Ain Fezza ;about 10 kilometers from the city of Tlemcen ( the Algerian West ). It was discovered by Berbers; it is dated back around 65,000 years. Such cave was served for some time as a warehouse for farmers in the region for the preservation of their products, including potatoes, onions, tomatoes and fruits. According to some sources, it was used too by the Mujahideen (Algerian martyrs) as a refuge during the National Liberation War before the colonial army realized it and blocked the path. This grotto was closed during the black decade and it was reopened to the public in July 2006, after its restoration.

The Grotto of Beni Aad or “les Grottes de Beni Aad” goes as deep as 57 meters and keeps very cool temperatures throughout the year (around 13 degrees). Besides the freshness that provides inside, this fairy site reveals remarkable charm and legendary beauty with a gallery and several well-appointed rooms with adequate lighting .This natural site hides a vast treasure of interesting mineral formations with differently shaped minerals protruding from the ceiling, floor, and all the walls..The calcareous concretions draw stalactites and stalagmites with the most varied forms and of all beauty; an extreme elegance of the natural drawings of animals, vegetables and fruits of the mixtures between stalactites and stalagmites.

In addition to its terrific and picturesque view inside, we notice a magnificent view of the mountains outside with high cliffs bordering a deep ravine by the Mefrouch River, name given to the dam overlooking the town of Tlemcen. The pink and red escarpments of the river gave birth to the famous waterfalls of El Ourit. The winding road that climbs to the caves offers, for its part, beautiful landscapes to the plains of Ouled Mimoun (33 km from Tlemcen).

Apart from its natural beauty, this wonderful site have not been accompanied by nearby infrastructures such as a hotels, restaurants or cafes, despite the cultural and tourist importance that this site represents, there are just few shops selling some souvenirs of the region.

The visit inside requires one hour or more depending on your appreciation of the place. The opening hours are from 8.30 am to 12.00 am and from 13h00 pm to 17h30 pm during all the week.

Written by ARAB Sabrina

The dense forest of Akfadou conceals in its heart a majestic tourist site ,it is the Black Lake ( Agoulmim Averkane, in Tamazight Language) which is a natural lake located in the Akfadou mountain range in west of the Bejaia province ,in Algeria. Historically speaking, during the Algerian war, the mountain of Akfadou played a leading role in sheltering the Algerian martyrs in order to fight against the French colonialism. In the early 1990s, this huge forest was infested by terrorists and thus people were forbidden or afraid to go there. But with the decline of terrorism, the Black Lake is again visited.

Agoulmim averkane is a real wonder and paradise on earth because of its beauty and richness in wildlife. It is one of the jewels of Djurdjura that offers a breathtaking picture, covered with flowers and surrounded by trees with the presence of almost 50% of the Mediterranean species of flora (oak, cedar…) that perfume the air with a sweet scent, and fauna (Barbary deer, birds, monkeys ...) that render the place more vivid. It is an ideal haven of peace in the middle of a lush forest of majestic oaks. An artificial dyke has been built on one side of the lake to maintain an appreciable level of water. The pure water of this lake reveals the splendor of the place and reflects in turn the blue of the azure sky, the immaculate whiteness of the clouds and the dark green oaks that surround it. Some trees bathe some of their trunks and roots in the lake water, making this place even more magical. This virgin site represents the authentic beauty of the Mother Nature and each part of Agoulmim averkane is a landscape postcard.

Thanks to social media, including Facebook and improved security conditions, this paradise has come out of anonymity in recent years. Every day, hundreds of visitors come from everywhere for a picnic or hiking. It is on weekends that the site attracts more people who are in love with nature. A lot of vehicles and minibuses parked nearby, after leaving groups of tourists from several towns bordering for a picnic, at the edge of the lake since it is ideal for a picnic. Families, groups of friends, hikers settled in the shade of the trees, savoring the calm and enjoying the song of the birds and the mowing of the cows which grazed and seemed not worry of the human presence.

Although the Akfadou forest occupies a remarkable diversity and richness both in flora and fauna to the point of becoming the lungs of Algeria ,this tourist place still ignored and unknown to the general public. As proof, the forest is still not classified as either a National Park or Biosphere Reserve whose objective would be to promote a balanced relationship between man and the biosphere.

Written by ARAB Sabrina

El Mehbes, for those who do not know it, is a pot or bucket made of copper either white or red, with different sizes and decorated edges. It is considered a very ancient bucket; it goes back till hundreds of years. Some historians said that El Mehbes is of Ottoman origin and the Ottomans were the first one who entered it in 1594 as their tradition, during their occupation of Algeria. On the other hand, other historians said, it is of the Andalusian origin and it was known since the eight century. Despite the differences in views about its origin, it was adopted and still adopted by Algerians families as their tradition till now.

In the past it was made of red copper, which is rather heavy, solid, with no hand and with simple decorations. Today, it takes different shapes and colors vary between yellow and white, while the red copper bucket has disappeared, and takes different decorations on it.

El Mehbes is a custom which is always associated with the bride's equipment, which some families seek to maintain despite the reluctance of some brides today to take it. Concerning its popularity nowadays; it knows a great spread just in some areas in Algeria such as Algiers, Tlemcen and Constantine, whose inhabitants still adhere to its use in weddings. Eventually, El Mehbes differs from one region to another; El Mehbes of Constantine is different from that of Tlemcen and the latter is different from that of Algiers’s in terms of decoration and shape.

El Mehbes has three functions, as originally used to save water; the first is linked to bathroom. It is taken by the bride to the bath filled with a collection of tools that accompanying women to the bathroom, including soap and shampoo ... The second function starts after the bride returns from the bath. The bride fills its bellow with honey, nuts, or sweets and takes it to her husband’s home .Also, El Mehbes has a decorative function, after eating what is inside of it, the bride cleans it and puts it on top of her closet or over the cabinet to decorate her house and whenever she wants to go to the bathroom, she takes it with her.

Written by ARAB Sabrina

The Ketchaoua Mosque is one of the most famous historical mosques in the Algerian capital. The word "ketchaoua" is derived from the Turkish language which means "tray of goats". It was originally built during the Ottoman Rule at the centre of the Casbah (Northern part of Algiers) in 1612. It is located approximately 250 meters west of the Great Mosque of Algiers. The history of the Ketchaoua Mosque is integral to the ancient history of the Casbah, which is recognized under UNESCO World Heritage List for its cultural and historical heritage.

Ketchaoua Mosque was massively rebuilt in the eighteenth century under the government of Dey Hassan when it was glorified as a structure of unparalleled beauty for its unique fusion of Moorish and Byzantine architecture. It was transformed and enlarged, making it one of the main mosques of the city. However, during the French Rule, it was converted into a church in 1832. In 1838, Pope Gregory XVI elevated the church to the rank of cathedral then, it was given the name of Saint Philippe Cathedral, which is remained so until the independence of Algeria in 1962. After the liberation of Algeria from the French colonialism, the cathedral was converted into a mosque again in 1962.On November 1962, the Mosque has hosted its first Friday prayer after 130 years.

The global architecture of this Mosque is rather rare in North Africa; it combines the mixture of the Byzantine, Moorish, Ottoman and French design. Nearly 1200 persons can pray there. At the entrance to the mosque, there is an ornamented portico, which is supported by four black marble columns. Inside the mosque, there are arcades built with white marble columns. The beauty of the mosque's chambers, minarets and ceilings of the mosque are accentuated by the distinct Moorish plaster work. The mosque, which now overlooks the public square in the Casbah, with the sea in front, has two octagonal minarets flanking the entrance, with Byzantine and Moorish design and decorations, presents a graceful sight. There is a tomb with the remains of San Geronimo enshrined in one of the chambers in the mosque. The vast prayer room is based on vaulted substructures that compensate for the sloping terrain. It then comprises a square prayer hall of 11.50 meters side overlooked by a large octagonal dome and surrounded by a double row of gallery .These galleries of arcades opposed to the mihrab which was decorated with gold leaf calligraphy and grids with geometric patterns. A precious tropical wood separates the main room from that of the women and some verses of the Qur'an adorn the prayer hall addressing the believer's fervor and submission to the God. At night, the mosque is adorned with lights that highlight it.

Ketchaoua Mosque was submitted renovations many times .At the beginning of 2015, the restoration and reinforcement works are started by the Turkish Agency for Cooperation and Coordination (TIKA). The reopening takes place at the beginning of 2018. Its restoration is an excellent achievement. The architects have done their best to maintain this historic monument in terms of both architectural and aesthetic point of view.

In spite of the transitions over two different religious faiths in roughly the last four centuries, the mosque has retained its original grandeur and is one of the major attractions of Algiers. It still receives tourists from Algeria and from different parts of the world outside of prayer hours, of course.

Written by ARAB Sabrina

On July 2019, the Algerian team of football has entered into a new phase in the Algerian history, a phase of victory and progress, on parallel to the political change. For the second time in its history, Algeria won the African Cup of Nations of football against Senegal, after 29 years of a long wait since its first coronation, after defeating Senegal (1-0) in the final, Friday, 19th of July 2019 in Cairo International Stadium (Egypt).

Algerians had a football team since independence in 1962 to represent Algeria in the international football competitions, under the auspices of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF).Its first meeting in its history was on January 6th, 1963 against Bulgaria (scored 2-1). It won its first trophy in 1990, at home, at the African Cup of Nations .It qualified on five occasions for a final tournament in 1982, 1986, 2010, and 2014 and recently in 2019.

July 2019 was marked by the coronation of Algeria with the African Cup, after beating Senegal 1-0 with a very fast goal in Cairo Stadium. Algeria has opened the scoring as early as the second minute thanks to Baghdad Bounedjah's goal. The players dominated the rest of the game and held the score till the end. The Algerian team of football is a selection of the best Algerian players consisting of: Mbolhi , Zeffane, Mandi, Benlamri, Bensebaini , Feghouli (Tahrat 85), Guedioura, Bennacer , Mahrez, Bounedjah (Slimani 89), Belaili (Brahimi 84). They are nicknamed the "Desert Warriors" .Their brilliant coach is Djamel Belmadi, since 2nd of August 2018 and who led them, in just one year, to an overwhelming success.

Actually the Algerian authorities have organized 28 special flights to carry nearly more than 4000 supporters to Egypt to attend the match. After the crowning of Algeria with the cup, many Algerian fans gathered to celebrate the victory in Algeria and abroad; thousands of green, white and red flags have begun to float with the wind of victory for a night of intense celebrations .In the Algerian capital, the streets were stormed by the crowd of fans and the same scenes occurred in other cities all over the Algerian territory, to express their happiness.

Written by ARAB Sabrina

Kassaman or "the oath" is the Algerian national anthem. Its words were written by the Algerian nationalist poet Moufdi Zakaria (1908-1977), during the war of national liberation, when he was jailed in Algiers, on April 1955. According to a widespread version, he wrote the lyrics of Kassaman with his blood on the walls of the cell of the Barbarossa prison where he was incarcerated by the French colonial forces. Kassaman was written in a context of conflict with France and it was officially adopted as a national anthem directly after Algeria's independence on fifth of July, 1962. The first musical composition of the hymn was written by the Algerian Mohamed Touri, then by the Tunisian Mohamed Triki in 1956, then by the Egyptian composer Mohamed Fawzi. The last composition remains, today, the music of the Algerian anthem.

Here are the lyrics of the Algerian national anthem"Kassaman", in English:

We swear! by the thunders that annihilate on us
By noble and pure blood generously shed
By the bright flags flying in the wind
On the mountain peaks of our proud mountains
That we stood up for life or death
Because we swore to die so that Algeria lives
Be a witness! Be a witness! Be a witness!

We are fighters for justice
And for our independence we started the fight
No one lend ears to our claims
So we chanted them to the rhythm of the canons
And to the crackling machine gun
Because we swore to die so that Algeria lives
Be a witness! Be a witness! Be a witness!

O France! the time of the palaver is over
We closed it as we close a book
O France! here comes the day when you have to be accountable
Get ready! here is our answer
The verdict, our revolution will make it
Because we swore to die so that Algeria lives
Be a witness! Be a witness! Be a witness!

Our brave heroes will form the battalions
Our remains will be the ransom of our glory
And our lives, those of our immortality
We will raise our flag high above our heads
Front of liberation we swore allegiance to you
Because we swore to die so that Algeria lives
Be a witness! Be a witness! Be a witness!

Battlefields raise the call of the motherland
Listen to it and obey it
Write it with the blood of martyrs
And teach it to the future generations
O Glory! towards you we reach out
Because we swore to die so that Algeria lives
Be a witness! Be a witness! Be a witness!

Written by ARAB Sabrina

Constantine, the City of the Hanging Bridges

Hammam Essalihine Spa

The "Kechabia" Returns to Fashion

The Cirta National Museum

The museum is structured in three different sections:

The Berbers of the Canary Islands

The New International Terminal of Algiers

The Palace of Ahmed Bey

The Fort and Chapel of Santa Cruz

Kefrida Waterfall, a Natural Site Par Excellence in Bejaia

The Roman Theater of Guelma

Algeria Can Defeat Cancer

The Berbers’ Halloween

The Algerian Traditional Jewelry

The Emir Abd El Kader Mosque

The Grotto of Beni Aad; An Underground Wonder

A Majestic Tourist Site to Discover: the Black Lake

El Mehbes, Immortal Algerian Tradition

The Ketchaoua Mosque of Algiers

Algeria is the Champion of Africa

Kassaman, the National Anthem of Algeria