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. |
