The real Algiers: A journey through the Casbah, modern wonders and culinary delights

euronews (in English)

In this episode of Explore Algeria, we delve into the heart of Algiers, where history and modernity meet.

Transcript

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.

05:00For more UN videos visit www.un.org

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