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Algiers

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Algiers

Capital and main port of Algeria, situated on the narrow coastal plain between the Atlas Mountains and the Mediterranean; population (1998) city, 1,519,600; urban agglomeration, 2,135,600. It is a major commercial centre for trade in and export of grain, iron, phosphates, wines, citrus fruits and vegetables, as well as oil from central Algeria. The main industries are oil refining, petrochemicals, and metal working. The city is a popular winter resort.

History

Algiers was founded by the Arabs in 935. The old town is dominated by the Kasbah, the palace and prison of the Turkish rulers who took the town in the early 16th century. The new town, constructed under French rule after 1830, is in European style. The Battle of Algiers, between the Algerian nationalist population and the French army and settlers, took place here during the Algerian War of Independence 1954-62.

The name is derived from Al-jazair, an Arabic word meaning islands. Four islands were joined together in the 10th century to form a well-sheltered harbour. From 1530, when the Turkish pirate Khair ed-Din (Barbarossa) expelled the Spaniards, until its conquest by France in 1830, it was a hotbed of piracy, exacting tribute from all the maritime nations. It was third in importance among French seaports and a coaling station.

The University of Algiers dates from 1879. The city is served by an international airport, Dar el-Beïda, which lies to the east.



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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
The post-mark (Algiers) had aroused my interest and curiosity, es-pecially at this time, since it was Algiers that was presently to witness the termination of my coming sea voyage in search of sport and adventure.
Pellucidar by Burroughs, Edgar Rice View in context
My father must have told us that night about Cervantes as well as about his 'Don Quixote', for I seem to have known from the beginning that he was once a slave in Algiers, and that he had lost a hand in battle, and I loved him with a sort of personal affection, as if he were still living and he could somehow return my love.
My Literary Passions by Howells,William Dean View in context
Morison to write a letter to the British consul at Algiers, dictating the exact phraseology of it with a fluency that indicated to his captive that this was not the first time the old rascal had had occasion to negotiate with English relatives for the ransom of a kinsman.
The Son Of Tarzan by Burroughs, Edgar Rice View in context
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