Cultures of Algeria

Algeria's History and Culture:

Culture: Algeria Predominantly a Muslim country, Mostly Algeria is Islamic with a small portion of population is Christians. This explains the strong influence of the Islamic traditions in and etiquette social norms. Ethnic influences are also the evident in many aspects of the Algerian culture, especially in the country's handicrafts.

To its historical influences Algeria owes its fascinating culture. The country was colonized by France for more than a century. In fact, the second most spoken language is French in the Algeria (after the language of Arabic) because France is so close to the Algeria. Ethnic groups and Tribal and also contribute to Algeria’s unique culture, as the evidenced by its intricately designed carpets, beautiful handicrafts, handcrafted ceramics, pottery and glass. Those are made by the Tuareg people are of particular note.

History:

Algeria’s history is very old. Algeria’s ancient history can be traced as far back as 10,000 BC which is evident in discoveries throughout the country, particularly the rock and cave paintings of Tassili N’Ajjer National Park (Sahara Dessert). These paintings depict the way of life of the early Berbers who resided in the region thousands of years ago.

The Carthaginian Era marked the start of trade. Their poor treatment of the Berbers created antipathy amongst the locals. Berber soldiers eventually rebelled and destroyed the main city in the mid 2nd century BC. Berber rule was at its peak after that, but due to Roman influence, kingdoms were divided and fell under Roman leadership for the next 200 years. Evidences of this are found in the ancient city of Timgad (Aurés Mountains), where fascinating ruins still stand.

Arab conquests were involved between the period of the 7th century and the 1500’s, which converted most of the local people to Islam, followed by the Spanish occupation. In Oran Fort Santa Cruz is one of the most iconic remnants of this period. The Turks relinquished control and made Algeria part of the Ottoman Empire in the 1500’s. Reminders of this can still be found in many parts of the Old City (Casbah) in Algiers.

The French rule lasted for more than a century and is in the Algerian history described as one of the darkest times. Colonization led to the death of a large percentage of the country’s indigenous population. French settlers began to take over and reap agricultural riches from the lands. The War of the Independence ultimately gave Algeria freedom, though there was still tension between the Berbers and Arabs, and politics remained unstable. A civil war ensured, but eventually quieted down with the election of Abdelaziz Bouteflika as the President.

To date, the problems between the Islamic militants and government and, as well as the ethnic minority of the Berbers still exist, but the country is much more stable, despite the occasional threats of terrorism.

Culture:

Predominantly as mentioned above Algeria is a Muslim country, Algeria is mostly Islamic with a small population of Christians mostly Islamic rules are dominant in Algeria.

Rahi is the country’s distinctive musical genre. That is characterized by poppy folk tunes. And the Chabi music is also popular, along with the Andalusii music. Algeria has produced a good number of novelists and poets, including Asia Djebarr, whose works are widely translated.

It is customary and considered as respectful manner  to take your shoes off whenever entering in someones home in Algeria and especially while entering in the places of worship like (MOSQUES). This also applies to many other local and commercial buildings, even when camping in the desert while people go out side their homes for their weekends. Women must dress the modestly, especially in rural areas. If you can, avoid visiting during Ramadan as most people (even your tour guides) observe the fasting tradition. Should you be caught in a police roadblock, follow all instructions with respect. Avoid photographing military personnel and installations. This is all about beauty of Algeria because where people neat and clean the environment of that society is better like Algeria.