The real Algiers: A journey through the Casbah, modern wonders and culinary delights
In this episode of Explore Algeria, we delve into the heart of Algiers, where history and modernity meet.
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00:00Algiers, nicknamed Algiers-la-Blanche for its buildings of a sparkling white, is a
00:07dynamic metropolis nestled on the Mediterranean coast, offering a fascinating mix of traditions
00:13and modernity.
00:14I am in the heart of the Algerian capital, in the Dédale of Rouen, which is the Casbah.
00:23This is where the soul of the city resides, which we will discover today, through its
00:27history, its culture and the traditions of these countries.
00:30Let's explore it together.
00:32Ranked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Casbah is an exceptional example of
00:37medieval Islamic cities.
00:39Spanning over 50 hectares, it houses nearly 50,000 inhabitants.
00:44Its narrow streets and its mixed white houses create a real labyrinth, where each corner
00:50murmurs a story.
00:51In the Casbah, people have been able to preserve the traditions and the arts, the beliefs and
00:57how people lived before.
00:59And also, it has a historical importance, in relation to the Battle of Algiers, in relation
01:04to the Algerian Revolution of 1954.
01:07The Casbah was also the beating heart of the revolution, because the fighters were here,
01:13everything was done here.
01:14The markets, shops and the stalls of local artisans allow you to immerse yourself in
01:20the animated atmosphere of the neighborhood.
01:22Algiers, or Al-Jazahir in Arabic, is not only anchored in history and tradition.
01:31The city seeks to stay in the era of time by modernizing itself.
01:35One of the examples is the new Jama Al-Jazahir, the Great Mosque of Algiers, which combines
01:42modern design and authenticity.
01:45Inaugurated in 2024, this incredible architectural work is the largest mosque in Africa and the
01:52third largest in the world, built on 27 hectares of land.
01:56Its huge prayer room can accommodate 37,000 believers.
02:00It is not only a place of worship.
02:02The complex includes 12 buildings, including a university, a cultural center and a library
02:08that houses a million works.
02:10And we must not miss the highest minaret in the world, with its 265 meters high.
02:16Its observation platform offers an impressive panoramic view of the bay of Algiers.
02:25The culture and art of a country are revealed not only in its architecture, but also in
02:30its cuisine.
02:31I take you with me to discover the secrets of the most famous Algerian dish in the world.
02:36Algeria is known for its hospitality and its cuisine, rich in color and flavor.
02:45Aunt Fathia will accompany us on this culinary journey.
02:48So what are we going to prepare today?
02:51Couscous, margabeda, sauerkraut.
02:55Ilyamil is a way of preparing couscous, and each region, city or village has its own recipe.
03:01We eat it early in the morning.
03:04We eat it raw, salted and cooked.
03:08And stuffed with beans and mint.
03:10Mint.
03:11Mint.
03:12There is no mint.
03:13The white sauce, based on onions, chicken, zucchini, chickpeas, cinnamon and black pepper,
03:18must simmer for about an hour.
03:21It already smells good.
03:23It is very important to prepare the couscous well by steaming it and soaking it
03:28so that it does not dry out.
03:31Once on the plate, it is watered with broth and accompanied by vegetables and meat.
03:36It's delicious.
03:37Very, very good.
03:38Thank you very much, Shukran.
03:45We now head to Tipaza, about 60 kilometers from Algiers,
03:49a site considered to be one of the most extraordinary archaeological complexes in the Maghreb.
03:54In 1982, its Phoenician, Roman, Paleochristian and Byzantine remains were inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
04:02This archaeological site in Tipaza has a great historical and archaeological value
04:11because it was a commercial center and it was an area of crossing between the city of Iqosim,
04:18which is now the capital of Algeria, and the city of Io, which is the city of Shershah.
04:23Between ancient houses, mausoleums, temples and basilicas,
04:26what makes this site unique is its exceptional setting,
04:30combining calm, serenity and magnificence of a forgotten Roman colony.
04:35It is not by chance that the French-Algerian writer Albert Camus was inspired to write our Tipaza.
04:42The style he dedicated to it is essential.
04:45It is from this magical place that I say goodbye to you.
04:48After discovering the historical and modern side of Algiers,
04:51and experiencing simply unforgettable experiences.
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