Algeria

The Land of History – Algeria

A popular choice for European tourists –  Algeria is a mix of history, architecture and cultural infusions. With the Saharan desert stretching on for what seems forever, Algeria is a land of mystery.

https://uk.pinterest.com/explore/kunafa-recipe/ – Image 01 (Kanafeh dessert)

Algerian food is a culinary fusion of Arabic tastes. Being a predominantly Islamic country, pork is not common and not eaten by Muslims. But lamb, seafood, beef and venison are common protein ingredients. Kesra, a traditional flatbread in Algeria but couscous is eaten more frequently. Café-Restaurant El Salam located in Algiers, famous for its kebabs, merguez a spicy sausage and shakshouka, a dish of chutney with eggs cooked in at affordable prices. Lalla Mina also in Algiers, is a more upmarket restaurant serving delicacies such as tagines, couscous with meat and then order a slice of the sweet kanafeh, a vermicelli pastry. As you walk around the capital, you’ll notice many vendors selling hot Turkish coffee and mint tea. Try a steaming cup, you’ll find yourself lost in the unique tastes.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=835906 – Image 02 (Thamugadi Timgad)

Six hours away from Algiers, lies a significant archaeological site in Timgad. It’s a Roman city and from the distance looks like it’s just rubble and stone. It was built to as accommodation for the Roman Military and could house more than 10 000. The size of Thamugadi is impressive for an ancient city. Its open twice a day and closed on a Saturday. Take a flight from Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers to Timgad as it beats the long, hot drive to Timgad. It showcases how modernised the Roman Architecture was, ahead of its time for most African civilisations.

http://www.traveladventures.org/continents/africa/algiers-casbah.html – Image 03 (Casbah)

While in Algiers though, you should visit Casbah. A white metropolis from afar, with a history, almost engraved into its tilted walls – now a tourist attraction. Narrow walkways, steep buildings and labyrinth of streets make this an exciting insight into this ancient part of Algiers. From Ottoman-influenced architecture to its humble people. The Djemaa Ali Bitchine mosque is in Casbah, a beautifully tiled mosque built in the sixteenth century. The mosque was used as a church under French Occupation in Algeria, but in recent years is now used as a mosque.

http://www.traveladventures.org/continents/africa/algiers-casbah09.html – Image 04 (Djemaa Ali Bitchine)

The diversity of the Algerian fashion comes from Arab, Roman and African influences. Algerians dress more conservatively but also is to protect their skin from the harsh desert. Men and women wear a djellaba (a long-hooded robe), but women wear more detailed djellabas. Men wear more muted tones in comparison to women. Algerian men wear a fez, a short tight hat that represents Ottoman influence. Algerian women wear long dresses (karakou), with a loose trouser underneath it. A karakou is often worn with a velvet jacket with gold threads sewn through it.

https://za.pinterest.com/pin/373658100311243330/ – Image 05 (Traditional clothing)

Algeria will take you onto a cultural adventure as you explore its ancient ruins. Enjoy a spot of mint tea as you appreciate being taken back in history, to another time.