Algiers is the capital and largest city of Algeria. The city's population is estimated to be around 5 million. It is located on the west side of a bay of the Mediterranean Sea on the slopes of the Sahel Hills in the north-central portion of Algeria. The city forms a large amphitheater of dazzling white buildings that dominate the harbor and the bay.
The city's name is the French version of the Arabic name al-Jazāʾir (الجزائر), "The Islands".
The original town was founded by Berbers as a small trading port and was part of the ancient Carthage Empire and the kingdom of Numedia, Ancient Greeks knew the town as Ikósion, According to the Greeks the town was founded by 20 companions of Hercules when he visited the Atlas Mountains during his labors. After the Punic Wars, the Romans eventually took over the administration of the town, which they called Icosium. In the 5th century, the town fell to Vandals, and in the 7th century, Arabs took control of this port and the town was transformed into a city. The city remained under various Arab dynasties. In the 16th century, the Spanish threatened it and the local emir appealed to the Ottoman corsair Barbarossa, who expelled the Spanish and placed Algiers under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Formally part of the Ottoman Empire but essentially free from Ottoman control, and due to its location on the periphery of both the Ottoman and European economic spheres, Algiers became the major base for the Barbary Coast pirates for 300 years; By the 17th century, up to 40% of the city's 100,000 inhabitants were enslaved Europeans.
French invaded and occupied the city in 1830 and Algiers became the capital of French Algeria. Many Europeans settled in Algiers, and by the early 20th century they formed a majority of the city's population. In 1962, Algeria gained its independence.
Algiers has one of the most pleasant climates due to its position in the Mediterranean.
53% of the population is Arabic-speaking, 44% from a Berber-speaking background, and 3% foreign-born. French is the most common and popular foreign language.
Algiers's rich history can be seen in its architecture, from its Moorish mosques, Ottoman-style palaces, and Berber fortifications to its French colonial houses, and modern boulevards.
The Casbah is the citadel of Algiers and the traditional quarter is clustered around it. In 1992, (UNESCO) declared it a World Cultural Heritage site. Jamaa-el-Kebir is the oldest mosque in Algiers first built-in 1097. The New Mosque Jamaa-el-Jedid dates from the 17th century. The Ketchaoua Mosque is located at the foot of the Casbah.
The cathedral of Notre Dame d'Afrique, the Bardo Museum, a Moorish palace built in 1799, and the new National Library, are notable buildings. Monument des Martyrs is an iconic concrete monument commemorating the Algerian war for independence. Djamaa el Djazaïr (Arabic: جامع الجزائر), also known as the Great Mosque of Algiers houses the world's tallest minaret and is the third-largest mosque in the world.
The most popular markets are in an area known as Didouche Mourad Street. It has a wide range of elegant and international shops.
Popular Algerian street foods include Garantita which is consumed as a snack and typically served hot. Mahjouba is a traditional Algerian pancake made with semolina. Frite Omelet is fast food that is made with two main ingredients potato and eggs. A popular sweet is “Zlabiya” and is available in many shapes and types.
Kesra or khobz f'tir is a traditional Algerian flatbread. Mutton is the most eaten meat in the country. Green tea with mint is generally drunk in the afternoon, and thick espresso and black coffee are very popular.
The airport is located 20 km from the city. Algiers has a variety of public transport services which include the national railroad company, the Algiers Metro, and the Algiers tramway. But still, the Taxis are a fast and cheap way to get around in Algiers.
Football is the most popular sport, there is an enormous sporting complex and is the center of major sporting events.
