Features
The Rustamid dynasty of Ibadi Kharijite imam was a Muslim theocracy of Persian origin that ruled in central Maghreb (Morocco, Western Sahara, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Mauritania) from 776 to 909 AD. The Rustamid's capital was the city of Tahert (also known as Tiaret or Tihert) in present-day Algeria, with its authority believed to have extended east as far as the Nafusa Mountains in modern day Libya. The Ibadi form of Islam is different from the well-known Shia and Sunni forms. While there is dissension as to the origins of the Ibadi movement, some scholars are of the opinion that it is one of the earliest forms of Islam, while others believe that the Ibadis are an off-shoot of the Kharijites, referring to Muslims who rejected the leadership of the Islamic prophet Muhammad's son-in-law and cousin, Rashidun Caliph Alid ibn Abi Talib. Today, there are still Ibadi adherents in Tunisia, Libya, East Africa and Algeria.
read more..
Features
As one of the top and most sought after football players, Madjid Bougherra has proven to be a rising star in the world of international football. He is known for his diversity as he is able to be a midfielder as well as a defender, and while playing for the national team of Algeria, he also plays for the Rangers. His parents, both Algerian, made the decision to move France, as many other Algerians were doing at the time, with Bougherra's mother giving birth to him in Longvic on 7 October 1982.
read more..
Features
The wide open deserts, with inconsistent rivers, mountainous regions and challenging hills, creates a unique landscape that is an attraction in its own right. Over and above the brown and beige slopes of the deserts and lush oases that are found along the way, Algeria has fascinating natural phenomenon, such as the Tin Bader Crater, that adds to the magnificence of the countryside. The Tin Bider Crater is referred to as a complex crater that was created millions of years ago, and is a fascinating site that has been studied by geologists.
read more..
Features
It was known as El Eurfa – a wide open plain that was home to nomadic tribes. The two major tribes that inhabited the area co-existed harmoniously across the plain and relied on each other for trade. The tribes would also sell their products in the nearby city of Oran and in Mers el-Kebir, and focussed on agricultural products such as wool, meat and honey, as they were avid bee-keepers. From the early 1800s the face of the plains began to change, slowly being transformed into a popular seaside resort town.
read more..
Features
The city of Djelfa, capital of the Djelfa region in Algeria, was established by the French military in 1852 as a post for their troops. Located in the Ouled Nail Mountains, the town is situated 1 138 meters above sea level. But it is not the town or its history that has made the region a popular destination for tourists – it is the rock art, which dates back to between 7000 and 5000 BC, that can be found, and the region has a wealth of Neolithic rock art to share. It seems that the rock art was first discovered during the 1850s, but was only recognized officially from the year 1914.
read more..
Features
The new movie Outside the Law will premier at the French Film Festival. It was directed by Rachid Bouchareb, who was born in France but is of Algerian descent. His film is able to reach out to a modern audience, while bringing history to life through the eyes of three Algerian brothers who end up in France. It tells the story of the Algerian War to free the country from French control. Outside the Law does contain violent scenes, but brings home the cruelty and suffering of war, along with its consequences.
read more..
Features
The title Lalla is given to women who are considered saints or of a high ranking, much like the title Sidi for men. From the start Lalla Fatma N'Soumer proved to be a force to be reckoned with, a girl with her own way of thinking and in later years a woman that was revered by others and became a legendary figure. Lalla Fatma N'Soumer became synonymous with the Kabyle Resistance Movement and was a key figure in the fight against the French invasion of Algiers.
read more..
Features
The Tamanrasset Province in Algeria is known for two spectacular nature reserves, namely the Ahaggar National Park and the Tassili n’Ajjer National Park. There are a few other attractions in this province that are worth seeing even though a little effort has to be put in to reach them. Just outside the town of Tamanrasset, also referred to as the Capital of Sahara, is a wonderful site to visit. Tamanrasset is the general base camp for those who want to take on the adventure of visiting Assekrem, where challenges and spectacular views are waiting to be enjoyed.
read more..