NEWS
Authentically Algiers As Emirates begins its daily service to the Algerian capital on March 1, we visit this North African treasure 01 Casbah The city’s traditional walled quarter is perhaps its most famous. Perched on the hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean, the Casbah is a maze of zigzagging alleyways bustling with sights and smells of the near 80,000 people that currently live there. The Unesco protected world heritage site is an absolute must-visit on any trip to Algiers. 02 Monument of Martyrs Also known as the Makam Echahid, this enormous landmark was opened in 1982 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Algerian war of independence. Located in the city’s outskirts the monument is fashioned in the shape of three standing palm leaves, which shelter the ‘Eternal Flame’ beneath. At the edge of each palm leaf stands a statue of a soldier, each representing a stage of Algeria’s struggle. 03 Musée National du Moudjahid Based beneath the Makam Echahid, this museum is dedicated to the country’s struggle against colonialism. With several diverse exhibits
documenting Algeria’s past from the French invasion of 1830 right up to their Independence Day in 1962. But please note that most of the exhibits are in Arabic. 04 La Grande Poste It may not sound like the most enticing tourist spot but the striking central post office is a classic piece of French-inspired Hispanic-Moorish architecture. Built in 1908 it was the
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showpiece of its day, and definitely worth sending a postcard from. 05 Djemaa el-Djedid The name of this Ottoman mosque translates directly to ‘New Mosque,’ which is rather confusing considering that it dates back to 1660. Either way, there is still plenty of traditional Turkish design to marvel at and even a cheeky conspiracy about the shape that it was built in.