Useful Information about Algiers

Algiers always has been a place that held the interest of the visitors, but even during the years of the Ottoman rule, it was dangerous because it was a pirate stronghold. If someone traveled there by boat, the main form of transportation in the port city, he or she ran the risk of being captured if on a non-Ottoman vessel unless a peace had been bought from the pirates.

Once inside, one would also have to be wary of religious observances like the Islamic periodic fasts and the policy of not consuming alcohol. It was considered very impolite to eat or drink in front of someone who is fasting, and the restaurants did not open until after sun down when the Muslims were allowed to eat and drink. Religious tolerance was an issue as well in Algiers. Although there was not much discrimination against people of different faiths, tensions did exist, and so non-Muslim travelers would have to be wary.

In spite of the dangers in getting to Algiers and despite cultural and religious differences within the city, the Ottoman Algiers would still be a great place to visit. To visit a pirate stronghold in itself would be interesting and moreover, there were also many sights to see inside the city. The architecture, influenced by the Ottoman genius Sinan, was the best represented in the mosques of Algiers, like the Mosque of Djamaa Djedid. Lezard Street and the gates to the city itself would also be main attractions, not to mention the Bay of Algiers and its islands like Peñon, most of which today no longer exist. The mountains and all of the geography that was part of the city would serve as attractions to a visitor, and the Casbah in its peak during the Ottoman rule offered the traveler a unique opportunity to see the lifestyle of the people of Algiers. Inside the city, mules were a popular form of transportation as well.

Unfortunately, the Algiers of the Ottoman Empire no longer exists; it has been changed by the French colonization and by modern developments. Here and now step back into the Algiers of pirates and plundering, of the great Casbah and the famous mosques-- the Ottoman Algiers.

Sights
Despite there being not many specific sights in Algiers, the city is quite pretty. Most of the old buildings are found in the Kasbah.

The Kasbah of Algiers is small, but in the houses towering over the narrow winding streets about 100,000 people live. The area has a long history of popular unrest. The Algerian war of independence started here. During the years that followed the annulling of the elective process the FIS was set to win, the area became rather unsafe. Foreigners were advised not to visit the Kasbah. Things seem a bit better now, and the Kasbah is still one of the most interesting parts of the city. What you do in the Kasbah is just to wander around the small streets and enjoy the medieval atmosphere.

Museums
Algiers has a few good museums that show artifacts from its long history: Roman times, Arab rulers of the middle ages and Ottoman and French times.

¤  Museum of Antiquities
Antique mosaics, Roman glass work and sculptures and Islamic art are on display. Parc de la Liberté Hours: 9am-12 noon & 2pm-5pm daily except Friday morning and Saturday
Admission: Free.

¤  Bardo Museum
This museum has an impressive collection of indigenous artifacts from various regions of Algeria. It is housed in a beautiful Moorish style mansion. The museum features exhibits on prehistoric findings and ethnography as well as regional jewellery, costumes, leatherwork and weaponry. 3 avenue Franklin Roosevelt, at the top of rue Didouche Mourad Hours: 9am-12 noon & 2pm-5pm daily except Friday morning and Saturday.

¤  Museum of Queen
If you remember the great band of queen come see this. You can even get autographs. And buy great souvenirs.