Eid al-Adha – Festival of the Sacrifice

Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) is an important Islamic religious festival that is observed by Muslims world-wide. In Algeria, a predominantly Muslim country, this festival is also referred to as Eid el-Kbir. This is one of the two Eid festivals that are celebrated by Muslims – the other being Eid ul-Fitr that marks the end of Ramadan.

In Salah – An Intriguing Desert Oasis

Visitors who travel to Algeria are often not aware of the smaller, cultural and traditional towns that are located off the beaten track. These desert gems are hidden on the outskirts of Algeria, but are extremely interesting and fascinating when explored. One of these destinations is In Salah, situated in the heart of the desert, and once a flourishing outpost for Trans-Saharan caravans.

CIRMA1 – A Great Initiative for the Mining Industry

Algeria has always been a country that is known for its rich mineral resources and in recent years great efforts have been made to bring attention to mining and the mining industry of Algeria. Minerals such as iron ore, zinc, lead, mercury, phosphates, copper and calamine have been mined. Stone quarries have also been producing onyx and red and white marble. By hosting the first ever international mineral resources conference, Algeria hopes to open new avenues and interest foreign investors in the local mining industry.

Algeria’s New Grand Mosque

As soon as the word got out that Algeria was going ahead with the construction of the New Grand Mosque in the bay of Algiers, many engineering companies and architectural firms submitted their entries. Companies from China, Germany, Algeria, Tunisia and Italy were all waiting for the outcome to hear who had received the contract for the New Grand Mosque in Algiers.

Moscow Circus on Ice Tours Algeria

The Great Moscow Circus on Ice arrived in the fascinating country of Algeria in September 2007 and, starting in Algiers, will be undertaking a six month tour through the country, stopping at eleven towns to perform. Audiences can expect to be enthralled as the performers entertain them in grand circus style – but all on ice!

The Highly Accomplished Hélène Cixous

Hélène Cixous was born in Oran, Algeria on 5 June 1937 to Jewish parents, with her mother being of German descent and her father Algerian Sephardic. Hélène Cixous is credited with being a novelist, playwright, poet, philosopher, rhetorician, literary critic, memoirist and feminist. She is regarded as a pivotal figure by her peers and is the author of more than 40 books, as well as over 100 essays. Cixous is well known for her works that critically analyze traditional Western stereotyping of the masculine and feminine gender. Her work is often considered deconstructive.

Nobel Laureate Albert Camus

Though he is noted more as being a French author and philosopher, Albert Camus was in fact born and raised in Algeria. This extraordinary man sent many intellectuals into frenzy over his ideas and concepts and he was the second youngest person to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Marriage in Algeria: The wedding (Part two)

Marriage in Algeria (Part 1)

Every step of the ceremonial of marriage in Algeria is prepared with meticulous respect of the rituals and traditions that are centuries old and that constitute a great richness and pride for the country. Preparations for the wedding start right after the engagement. The long discussions between the two newly united families allow them to decide on the tasks each of them will be responsible of. Traditionally, the more money is spent and gifts given during the wedding, the prouder are the families.