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Pied-Noir, literally meaning “Black-Foot”, was originally a term coined to refer to any white settler born in Africa, later evolving into a slang name for French settlers in Algeria. After the Algerian War of Independence in 1962, which led to Algeria’s independence from France, more than a million French Pied-Noir settlers returned to France.
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The ancient fortress of Qalat Ibn Salama is situated on a hill near present-day Tiaret, south-west of Algiers, the capital city of Algeria. As a military fortress, Qalat Ibn Salama no doubt served the purpose of protecting the people in the area from foreign invaders. However, the historical fact that Qalat Ibn Salama is most recognize for is that Ibn Khaldun took shelter there between 1375 and 1379. It was during these four years that he began to compose his renowned Muqaddimah – the first volume of his book on the subject of universal history.
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Algerian singer, songwriter, dancer and actress, Biyouna, is not only popular in her home country of Algeria but has a loyal following of fans in the Algerian community in France. Born and raised in Belcourt, Algiers, in 1952 as a member of a family devoted to the arts, Biyouna took to the stage as a teenager and has been entertaining appreciative audiences ever since.
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The traditional Algerian music style known as chaabi (Arabic for “popular”), which first made its appearance in the late 19th century, is said to have been inspired by Arab Andalusian music, evolving under the influence of elements of blues, jazz, tango and chanson. Exploring themes of exile, loss, love, friendship and betrayal, chaabi often carries a strong moral message. Abdel Hadi Halo and the El Gusto Orchestra of Algiers have taken traditional chaabi and added their special flavor, resulting in a sound which appeals to a wide audience, both young and old, without compromising the spirit of the tradition.
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The history of Algerian wine can be traced as far back as the times when the Phoenicians ruled and the Roman occupation. Today, wine making is a tradition in Algeria, with more than seventy wineries and wine makers passing down the secrets and uniqueness of Algerian wine, which has started to reach the international market. Grape varieties that were introduced to the landscapes of Algeria have allowed for a greater selection of wines to be produced, but there are a few traits of Algerian wine that make it distinctive.
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Located in the Batna Province of Algeria, the Belezma National Park is considered to be one of the most important national parks in this vast bio-diverse country. Created in 1984 and covering an area of more than 262 square kilometers, the climate in the Belezma National Park ranges from a dry semi-arid climate to a cool sub-humid climate, creating a variety of habitats for an even greater variety of wildlife.
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The fascinating Gouraya Biosphere Reserve is situated on the Mediterranean coast, near the town of Sidi Touati in the Bejaia province of Algeria. The reserve incorporates the 660 meter high Mount Gouraya, (from which the park has taken its name), as well a many lovely clean beaches and interesting walking trails, which makes the park a popular destination for Algerians and tourists who enjoy getting close to nature.
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Djelfa, the capital city of Djelfa province, was founded as a French military outpost in 1852. It is situated in the heart of the Ouled Nail Mountains, which form part of the Saharan Atlas chain of mountains in northern Algeria. In a country of natural splendor and dramatic contrasts, Djelfa offers visitors to Algeria an interesting glimpse into the history of this starkly beautiful area and lives of the people who call this home.