Anthropology: The History, Culture, and People of Algeria

Research in Anthropology leads us to Algeria. It is the largest country on the African continent.

Diving into the entire African continent, one country at a time. One will be amazed by the cultural differences, various languages, foods and diet choices. To mention a few. But also, by the architecture and fashion aesthetics used on the continent.

The following link is an introduction to a series of research and reports. They will be done in view of bringing more light to the African continent. Anthropology: Africa is a Multi Dimensional Continent Perceived as One Country

First of all, this is Algeria (The Largest Country on the African Continent). It is found at one of the African peaks. Algeria is a country made up of people looking like a mix of the entire world coming together. Therefore, it is the mother land of people, looking like those living from the farthest to the nearest corners of the world. To show this diversity, below are pictures of Algerian women.

Algerian Map. Source: Flag Location Map of Algeria, shaded relief outside (maphill.com)

But, because of its location, and Algeria being the largest country on the African continent, illegal immigration actors use Algeria as one of their major routes. Hence, the country has struggled in recent decades with the effects of the high rate of legal and illegal immigration. Immigration from one part of the world that uses Algeria as one of the ways to better opportunities. And the other, are those who made Algeria their adoptive land.

The following links will assist you in learning even more about Algeria. Tourism – Consulate General of Algeria (algeria-cgny.org) History of Algeria – Chronicle Fanack.com History of Algeria – Wikipedia Algeria | International Organization for Migration (iom.int.

This article is written first of all to bring to light not only Algeria as a country. Algeria is the biggest country in Africa. Secondly, to raise awareness about the land, the history of its people and its borders. Thirdly, it shows major attributes that make Algeria the country that it is today. And finally, to share information about Algeria’s ways of dealing with immigration and the current global health crisis.

 

Did you know that Algeria is the 10th largest country in the world and the largest on the African continent?

Located on the north side of the Continent. Algeria spreads over an area of 2,381,741 square kilometres (919,595 sq mi). In country size, it ranks in 10th place, after Kazakhstan. With the latter spreading over 2’725’000 km².

The following map shows the 10th largest countries in the world.

 

Ancient times 

Did you know that Algeria was known as the kingdom of Numidia in ancient times? 

Indeed, it is recorded that in 202-40 BC, Algeria was known as being a part of the Numidian kingdom. Before the Kingkdom started to expand later on into neighbouring countries such as Tunisia, Libya and Morocco.

Therefore, nesting on the land is one of the oldest sites in Africa. It is located in the state of Setif in the province of Batna. More precisely, in the city of Madghacen, where one will discover the Kings of Numidians’ Tomb.

However, following consecutive defeats in various battles against the Roman empire, Algeria has seen its power being taken away by a number of invaders.

The following are to be considered when learning about the history of Algeria and its different invaders.

First, the land was conquered by the Roman empire in 106 BC. Then by the Numidians between 430 and 431 AD. Later on, the German Invaders took control of some parts of the land between 433 and 533.

Soon after, the Byzantines came, in the year of 534. And finally, came the Islamic movement that arrived in the region.

War and Independence

Between the years of 1830-1847, Algeria was considered to be a French colony. Since the French colonizers conquered the land and tried to make the country, or at least some part of it, an official French province.

However, under the French rulers, Algerians saw their rights being lessened. The access to education above the primary level was also limited. Which led to fewer chances for better employment in the job market, and worsened living conditions for the most part of the population.

As a result, from 1920, a national movement started to rise to fight for the rights of Algerians on their own soil. But also, for the rights of those who chose to live on French territory. Following their active participation in the First World War, where Algeria took part in providing substantial capital, living resources such as grain, sheep, vegetables, tobacco and wine, and human resources.

Among the groups that were created to fight for those rights. Groups such as the Algerian Nationalists Movement, the Association of Algerian Muslim Ulama are to be considered. And the name of Messali Hadj. The latter being the name of one of the founders of a more radical revolution movement. These were all created out of frustration and the need to gain back their rights. Hence, increasing access to better opportunities.

Consequently, the Algerian War, also called the  War of Independence, started in 1954 and ended in 1962. This war was filled with a series of battles and attacks between both the Algerian and the French sides.

This led to a death toll of over 25,000 military soldiers and over 5000 civilians on the French side. And the death toll is estimated at over 1,400 000 on the Algerian side.

More information about this topic is found on the following blogs: Algerian War | Britannica  Algeria – Nationalist movements | Britannica Algeria – The Algerian War of Independence | Britannica

Current events

Immigration

Due to economic reasons and the country being one of the high spots used by illegal immigration actors. Algeria is dealing with rising waves of illegal immigration. Since last year, it has been reported in the Human Rights Watch that Algeria has been actively expulsing, detaining and repatriating illegal immigrants and asylum seekers from its territory. Illegal immigration coming from other African countries such as Niger, Mali, Cote d’ Ivoire, among others. But, also asylum seekers coming from Yemen, Palestine and Syria. More data about migration to Algeria are found in the following link. Algeria Net Migration Rate 1950-2021 | MacroTrends

The Health crisis

Furthermore, due to the global health crisis, Algeria has confirmed 45,2956 cases of Covid-19 and 3,824 related deaths in the month of July 2021.

Instructions and restrictions have also been put in place and closely followed since the rise of the pandemic last year.

Instructions

Wear masks in public places and transport, temperature checks and the disinfection of public vehicles, also quarantine and tests have been given.

Restrictions

The number of open businesses in an area, among others, is slowly being reduced. Not complying with the wear of a protective mask in public places can be followed by a fine. Also, limited the number of participants at events and the use of market public transports.

Algeria Specific Information | U.S. Embassy in Algeria (usembassy.gov)

Algerian Reliefs, Population and Economy

Secondly, let us explore Algeria together in detail. We will therefore discover the names of some of its regions, such as Tamanghasset, IIlizi, Adrar and Tindouf, considered as some of the largest provinces in the land.

Algerian Provinces

Indeed, the country is divided into 58 provinces. Therefore, Algeria is a country with a multitude of small tribes, such as the Berbers, Amazigh, Touareg and the Algerian Arabic, to mention a few.
The map below illustrates colourfully the division of the land, the names of each province and their regional location on the map of Algeria.

Algerian Economic and Life Facts

Also, moving from the life expectancy, with an average of 75 for males and 78 for females. A few languages are spoken in the land, such as Arabic, French and the less internationally known, the Tamazight.

The following graph illustrates in detail some facts about Algeria.

Tip: Bring your French dictionary along. Because French is the second most spoken language. Thus, it is easier to find a translator even in remote areas. And the graph ends up with details about its economy and industries.

Despite the fact that the Saharan desert makes up over 80 percent of the land. Mountains, valleys, plateaus and the Mediterranean sea are also found. The latter is found on the north side of the country.

The following countries surround the Algerian borders. Tunisia and Libya on the east side, Niger, Mali and Mauritania on the south and on the west of its borders are Morocco and the Saharan Desert.

Brief overview of the Economy in Algeria

Algerian statistics as shown below are the ones gathered from the year 2020.
Population, 44.1 million GDP, current US$ billion 1 44.9.
GDP per capita, current US$ 3286.7 National poverty rate.
5.5 International poverty rate ($1.9)a.
0.4 Lower middle-income poverty rate ($3.2).

a
3.7 Gini indexa.
27.6 School enrollment, primary (% gross).

b
1 07.3 Life expectancy at birth, yearsb.
76.7 (a) Most recent value (2011).
Source: WDI, Macro Poverty Outlook, and official data.
Notes:(a) Most recent value (2011).
WDI for school enrollment (2019); Life expectancy (2018).

Data of Algerian economic and growth statistics Source: 1-mpo-sm21-algeria-dza-kcm.pdf (worldbank.org)

Overview of the Algerian Population

Algerian Population

More so, with a population of close to 44 million. Algeria is the ninth-most populated country on the African continent. And according to worldometer infos, it ranks in 33rd place among the world’s most populated countries.

Equally, like most African countries, Algeria is made up of close to 50% of the younger population under 50 years.

To illustrate the above, the differences in age and gender gap in the Algerian population are shown in the graph below.

 

Traditions and Customs in Algeria

As is customary observed in most parts of the African continent. Algeria, consequently, puts a huge emphasis on rituals observed for celebrations such as weddings, funerals and religious festivities.

Even though, certain practices, various rituals and some habits are slightly differently observed according to tribal groups. These are, however, for the most part observed with the same level of devotion.

Below is a picture of a wedding celebration. Followed by the picture of an adorned bride, dressed according to the customs of the ethnic groups she belongs to. And last is a picture of the type of meal one will easily find in Algeria.

Religions in Algeria

In spite of Islam being predominantly the religion practiced in Algeria, there are other religious choices, such as Christianity, Buddhism, among others.

The graph below shows the disparity in religious choices practiced in the country. However, this graph is dated 2012, which could be drastically different than in the current state.

Algeria and Globalization

Thirdly, although the globalization movement has transformed and watered down cultures and rites around the globe. As a result of the multitude of people coming from different regions of the world. Seeking different locations, embracing and adopting other cultures and countries as their own, at the same time sharing their own.

Algeria has, however, been able to maintain its culture, rites and most of the population of origin. Therefore, the country was still made up of over 50% of Algerian Arabs in 2000. Also, the dietary choices and religious beliefs have, for the most part, remained the same.

The graph below, although dated 2000, shows the ethnic composition of the Algerian population.

Miscellaneous

Finally, visit the country through the following pictures of the most visited places in the country.

By visiting Algeria in image. Seeing its surroundings, discovering its architectural styles and learning about the names of big people who were born in the country. One will, therefore, not only remember what was said about Algeria but also remember it in images.

Picturesque Beach Sights

The truth is, the Saharan Desert makes up for over 80% of the country. However, some of the most beautiful and picture-perfect beaches on the continent are also found there.

The City Areas

The Rural areas

Some Renowned Names and Faces from Algeria

Names such as Cheb Khaled, singer of the Iconic song Aicha, who has been repetitively awarded and honoured for his talent, was born in Algeria.

Also, a renowned football player Karim Benzema, born in France and from Algerian origins, has also been awarded and honoured. 

And of course, Algeria is the mother land of one of the most inspiring novelists, philosophers and poets. The writer Albert Camus, who shared and brought light to ideologies such as Absurdism. He was Awarded the literature prize in the year of 1956 and has written the best sellers and renowned novels such as The Stranger, The Plage and The Fall.

sources: Khaled | Diskographie | Discogs Equipe Tricolore: Karim Benzema: Didier Deschamps schließt endgültig die Türe zur Nationalelf (fussballeuropa.com) Albert Camus Biography – Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements of The French Philosopher, Author & Journalist (thefamouspeople.com)

Traditional Architecture in Algeria

Influenced by a mix of architecture styles, the Algerian traditional style is rich in structures, colours and varies in sizes. From the pictures below, we can definitely see that there is a trace of the Renaissance, Neoclassical and the Byzantine eras. The first picture shows a traditional house building seen from the inside. The second shows the M’zab valley in the Ghardaïa Province Wilaya in Algeria. And the third  shows Notre Dame d’ Afrique Basilica. And the last picture shows the Timmoun Building

Sources: Twitter History of Algeria auf Twitter: “Centuries old traditional Algerian house architecture https://t.co/VKui1Koj4M” / Twitter Traditional berber architecture in Mzab, Algeria : ArchitecturalRevival (reddit.com). Notre-Dame d’Afrique Basilica – Algiers – Arrivalguides.com Envoûtante Timimoun (lematindalgerie.com)

Modern Architecture in Algeria

Observe the architectural styles and eras, such as the Modern Art era in the first picture of the Algerian Opera. Appreciate the era of the Beaux arts style in the building in the second picture, with a view of the Musee of Modern Art in Algeria. Furthermore, observe the Contemporain era in the building in the third picture, which portrays the university of Msila.

Sources: Algeria’s first opera house is a welcome gift from China | Middle East Eye édition française  (94) Pinterest University | University of M’sila (univ-msila.dz)

Cultural Significance in Anthropology

In conclusion. We can confidently say that Algeria is a land with both advantages and disadvantages. However, it remains open to the world. Embracing legal migration and with its African touch, will let everyone feel welcomed. As long as the person is open to discovering not only the high spots and the best dishes. But also to meet the locals, have a cup of coffee or tea in the nearby shops, and improve their French or maybe learn Arabic.

Visit Algeria in the image in the video that follows:

Informative video of Algeria. Source: Top 10 Most Beautiful Cities in Algeria | Algerian Cities – YouTube