View source for Algiers

{{Short description|Capital and largest city of Algeria}}
{{About|the capital city of Algeria}}
{{Redirect|Algerine}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2025}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Algiers
| native_name = {{native name list 
 |tag1=ar|name1=الجزائر|paren1=no
 |tag2=ber|name2=ⴷⵣⴰⵢⵔ|paren2=no}}
| official_name = Capital City of Algiers
| nicknames = Algiers the White; Algiers the Dazzling; The White City
| settlement_type = [[Capital city]]
| imagesize = 290px
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
 | border = infobox
 | total_width = 280
 | image_style = border:1;
 | perrow = 1/3/1/2/1
 | image1 = Botanical Garden Hamma.jpg
 | caption1 = [[Maqam Echahid]] and [[Botanical Garden Hamma]]
 | image2 = Ketchaoua mosque algiers.png
 | caption2 = [[Ketchaoua Mosque|Djamaa Ketchaoua]]
 | image3 = Casbah algers algeria.jpg
 | caption3 = [[Casbah of Algiers]]
 | image4 = Kasr rais algiers bastion 23.png
 | caption4 = [[Palais des Rais|Raïs' Palace]]
 | image5 = La Grande Poste d'Alger.jpg
 | caption5 = [[Grande Poste d'Alger|Algiers Central Post Office]]
 | image6 = Great mosque of algeria algiers.png
 | caption6 = [[Djamaa el Djazaïr]]
 | image7 = Djamaa el Djedid.jpg
 | caption7 = [[Djamaa el Djedid]]
 | image8 = Bardo musee prehistory algiers.jpg
 | caption8 = [[Bardo National Museum (Algiers)|Bardo National Museum]]
}}
| image_caption =
| image_flag = Flag of Algiers.svg
| image_shield = Algiers-COA.svg
| pushpin_map = Algeria#Africa
| pushpin_relief = yes
| pushpin_mapsize = 275
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Algeria and Africa
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Algeria|Province]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Algiers Province|Algiers]]
| subdivision_type2 =
| subdivision_name2 =
| subdivision_name = [[Algeria]]
| leader_title = [[Wali (administrative title)|Wali]] ([[Governor]])
| leader_title1 = Mayor
| leader_name1 = Mahdia Benghalia (since 2021)
| established_title = Incorporated
| established_date = 972
| founder = [[Buluggin ibn Ziri]]
| area_urban_km2 = 443
| area_metro_km2 = 1190
| population_as_of = 2025
| population_footnotes = <ref name="Citypopulation">{{cite web |title=Population of Algiers in 2025
|url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/world/agglomerations/|publisher=Citypopulation.de|access-date=22 August 2025}}</ref>
| population_total = 4,325,000
| population_metro = 4,325,000
| population_urban = 3,004,000
| population_rank = [[List of cities in Algeria|1st in Algeria]]<br />[[List of largest cities in the Arab world|6th in the Arab world]]<br />[[List of cities in Africa by population|18th in Africa]]
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_metro_km2 = 7012
| timezone = [[Central European Time|CET]]
| utc_offset = +01:00
| coordinates = {{coord|36|43|57|N|03|05|14|E|region:DZ_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| elevation_min_m = 2
| elevation_max_m = 424
| postal_code_type = Postal codes
| postal_code = 16000–16132
| area_code = (+213) 021
| blank_name_sec1 = [[Vehicle registration plates of Algeria|Licence&nbsp;plate]]
| blank_info_sec1 = 16
| blank1_name_sec1 = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]]
| blank1_info_sec1 = [[Mediterranean climate|Csa]]
| website =
| footnotes = {{designation list | embed=yes
| designation1 = WHS
| designation1_offname = [[Casbah of Algiers]]
| designation1_date = 1992 (16th [[World Heritage Committee|session]])
| designation1_type = Cultural
| designation1_criteria = ii, v
| designation1_number = [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/565 565]
| designation1_free1name = Region
| designation1_free1value = [[List of World Heritage Sites in the Arab states|List of World Heritage Sites in North Africa]]
}}
}}
'''Algiers''',{{efn|{{IPAc-en|æ|l|ˈ|dʒ|ɪər|z}} {{respell|al|JEERZ}}; {{langx|ar|الجزائر|al-Jazāʾir}}, {{IPA|ar|al.d͡ʒazaːʔir|pron|LL-Q13955 (ara)-Reda Kerbouche-الجزائر.wav|small=no}}, {{IPA|arq|(ɪ)ˈd͡ːzaːjir|label=[[Algerian Arabic|locally]]|small=no}}; {{langx|fr|Alger}}, {{IPA|fr|alʒe|pron|LL-Q150 (fra)-WikiLucas00-Alger.wav|small=no}}; {{langx|ber|ⴷⵣⴰⵢⵔ|Dzayer|label=[[Standard Algerian Amazigh|Algerian Tamazight]]}}.}} officially '''Capital City of Algiers''',{{efn|{{langx|ar|الجزائر العاصمة|al-Jazāʾir al-ʿĀṣima|links=no}}; {{langx|ber|ⴷⵣⴰⵢⵔ ⵜⴰⵎⴰⵏⴰⵖⵜ|Dzayer Tamaneɣt|label=Algerian Tamazight|links=no}}.}} is the capital city of [[Algeria]], located on the [[Mediterranean Sea]] in the north-central portion of the country. In 2025, an estimated 4.325 million people resided within the urban area.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Algiers Population 2025 |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/world/agglomerations/#sources |access-date=22 April 2025 |website=citypopulation.de}}</ref> Algiers is the [[List of cities in Algeria|largest city in Algeria]], the [[List of coastal settlements of the Mediterranean Sea|third-largest city on the Mediterranean]], the [[List of largest cities in the Arab world|sixth-largest city in the Arab world]], and the [[List of cities in Africa by population|29th-largest city in Africa]] by population. Algiers is the capital of the [[Algiers Province]]; it extends over many [[Communes of Algeria|communes]] without having its own separate governing body. It extends along the Bay of Algiers surrounded by the [[Mitidja Plain]] and major mountain ranges. Its favorable location made it the center of [[Regency of Algiers|Ottoman]] and French influences for the region, shaping it to be a diverse [[metropolis]].

Algiers was formally founded in 972 AD by [[Buluggin ibn Ziri]], though its history goes back to between 1200 and 250 BC as a [[Phoenicia]]n trading settlement. Over time, it came under the control of several powers, including [[Numidia]], the [[Roman Empire]], and various [[Islamic caliphates]]. In 1516, it became the capital of the Ottoman [[Regency of Algiers]], a status it held until the [[Invasion of Algiers in 1830|French invasion in 1830]], after which it served as the capital of [[French Algeria]]. During [[World War II]], it briefly functioned as the administrative center of [[Free France]] from 1942 to 1944 before returning to French colonial rule. It has remained the capital of the modern Algerian state since the [[Algerian War|Algerian Revolution]] in 1962.

Algiers is the main tourist destination in Algeria, known for its numerous museums, art galleries, and cultural institutions. Most notable is the historic [[Casbah of Algiers|Casbah]], a UNESCO [[World Heritage Site]] featuring traditional Algerian, Ottoman, and [[Al-Andalus|Andalusian]] architecture. The city also contains a larger French-built section that showcases diverse architectural styles and trends. Commonly referred to as ''al bidha'' ("the white") for its whitewashed buildings, Algiers blends colonial and indigenous urban influences. It hosted the [[1975 Mediterranean Games]] and various major international sporting events, and it serves as the seat of the Consultative Council of the [[Arab Maghreb Union]]. Numerous Algerian multinational companies and institutions are based in the city, such as [[Sonatrach]] Petroleum Corporation, [[Air Algérie]], and [[Bank of Algeria]].

== Toponymy and name origin ==
{{anchor|Etymology|Toponymy|Name}}<!--linked name-->
The name of the city in Arabic is {{Transliteration|ar|al-Jazāʾir}} ({{lang|ar|الجزائر}}), and in [[Standard Algerian Amazigh|Berber]] {{transliteration|ber|Dzayer}} ({{Lang|ber|ⴷⵣⴰⵢⵔ}}). Due to its similarity to the name of the country in local languages, it is officially specified as "Capital City of Algiers" ({{langx|ar|الجزائر العاصمة|al-Jazāʾir al-ʿĀṣima|links=no}}; {{langx|ber|ⴷⵣⴰⵢⵔ ⵜⴰⵎⴰⵏⴰⵖⵜ|Dzayer Tamaneɣt|label=Berber|links=no}}; {{small|both}} {{lit|Algiers the Capital}}).<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 December 2025 |title=ⵜⴰⵎⴻⵣⴳⵓⵏⵜ « ⵒⴰⵔⴰ-ⴷoⵅ » ⵉ ⴷ-ⵢⴻⵙⵎⴰⵀⵉ ⵓⵎⴻⵣⴳⵓⵏ ⴰⵎⵏⴰⴹⴰⵏ ⵏ ⵍɛⴻⵍⵎⴰ ⴷⴻⴳ ⴷⵣⴰⵢⴻⵔ ⵜⴰⵎⴰⵏⴻⵖⵜ |trans-title=The play "Para-Dox" staged by the Al-Alama Regional Theater in Algiers |url=https://www.aps.dz/tamazight-tif/culture/arts/mjr9cx9z-%E2%B5%9C%E2%B4%B0%E2%B5%8E%E2%B4%BB%E2%B5%A3%E2%B4%B3%E2%B5%93%E2%B5%8F%E2%B5%9C-%E2%B5%92%E2%B4%B0%E2%B5%94%E2%B4%B0-%E2%B4%B7o%E2%B5%85-%E2%B5%89-%E2%B4%B7-%E2%B5%A2%E2%B4%BB%E2%B5%99%E2%B5%8E%E2%B4%B0%E2%B5%80%E2%B5%89-%E2%B5%93%E2%B5%8E%E2%B4%BB%E2%B5%A3%E2%B4%B3%E2%B5%93%E2%B5%8F-%E2%B4%B0%E2%B5%8E%E2%B5%8F%E2%B4%B0%E2%B4%B9%E2%B4%B0%E2%B5%8F-%E2%B5%8F-%E2%B5%8D%C9%9B%E2%B4%BB%E2%B5%8D%E2%B5%8E%E2%B4%B0-%E2%B4%B7%E2%B4%BB%E2%B4%B3-%E2%B4%B7%E2%B5%A3%E2%B4%B0%E2%B5%A2%E2%B4%BB%E2%B5%94-%E2%B5%9C%E2%B4%B0%E2%B5%8E%E2%B4%B0%E2%B5%8F%E2%B4%BB%E2%B5%96%E2%B5%9C |work=Algeria Press Service}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=29 December 2025 |title=Tamezgunt « Para-dox » i d-yesmahi Umezgun amnaḍan n Lɛelma deg Dzayer tamaneɣt |trans-title=The play "Para-dox" staged by the Regional Theater of Lɛelma in Algiers |url=https://www.aps.dz/tamazight-tal/culture/arts/mjr97bmk-tamezgunt-para-dox-i-d-yesmahi-umezgun-amnadan-n-l%C9%9Belma-deg-dzayer-tamane%C9%A3t |work=Algeria Press Service}}</ref>

The Arabic name {{Transliteration|ar|al-Jazāʾir}} ({{lang|ar|الجزائر}}), meaning 'the Islands', this name's origin is related to the 4 main islands off the western [[Cape (geography)|cape]] where people settled, looking on a map one can notice that the islands were eventually connected to the mainland in 1525 AD via a pier now named ''Kheireddine pier''. This name is a truncated form of the name that was used first by [[Buluggin ibn Ziri]] when he established the modern city in 972 AD (on the ruins of the [[Punic]] city of [[Icosium]])<ref>{{Cite web |title=les origines d'alger, conference faite le 16 juin 1941, comite du vieil alger;venis |url=http://alger-roi.fr/Alger/alger_son_histoire/textes/3_origines_alger_1941_feuillets.htm |access-date=27 April 2023 |website=alger-roi.fr |archive-date=14 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170714191131/http://www.alger-roi.fr/Alger/alger_son_histoire/textes/3_origines_alger_1941_feuillets.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> which was {{Transliteration|ar|Jazāʾir Banī Mazghanna}} ({{lang|ar|جزائر بني مزغانة}}), meaning 'islands of {{Transliteration|ar|[[Banu (Arabic)|Banu]]|italic=no}} Mazghanna', this term was used by the [[Hammadid dynasty]] as well as early medieval geographers such as [[Muhammad al-Idrisi]] and [[Yaqut al-Hamawi]]. Before that, from French and [[Catalan language|Catalan]] {{lang|ca|Alger}}<ref name="leschi">''Origins of Algiers'' by [[Louis Leschi]], speech delivered 16 June 1941, published in ''El Djezair Sheets'', July 1941 [http://alger-roi.fr/Alger/alger_son_histoire/textes/3_origines_alger_1941_feuillets.htm History of Algeria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116134513/http://alger-roi.fr/Alger/alger_son_histoire/textes/3_origines_alger_1941_feuillets.htm |date=16 January 2013 }} {{in lang|fr}}.</ref> from the Arabic name, {{Transliteration|ar|al-Jazāʾir}}. During [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] rule, the name of the capital, {{transliteration|ar|al-Jazāʾir}}, was extended over the entire country, giving it the English name ''Algeria'' derived from the French name {{lang|fr|Algérie}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 May 2012 |title=الجزائر... تُلقب تاريخياً بأرض الإسلام ومنها انطلقت الفتوحات الإسلامية نحو الأندلس وأفريقيا |url=https://www.alraimedia.com/article/324914/%D9%85%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AA/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D9%84%D9%82%D8%A8-%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AE%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D8%A3%D8%B1%D8%B6-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%88%D9%85%D9%86%D9%87%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%86%D8%AD%D9%88-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%84%D8%B3-%D9%88%D8%A3%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%82%D9%8A%D8%A7 |access-date=27 April 2023 |website=الجزائر... تُلقب تاريخياً بأرض الإسلام ومنها انطلقت الفتوحات الإسلامية نحو الأندلس وأفريقيا |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427121250/https://www.alraimedia.com/article/324914/%D9%85%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AA/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D9%84%D9%82%D8%A8-%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AE%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D8%A3%D8%B1%D8%B6-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%88%D9%85%D9%86%D9%87%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%86%D8%AD%D9%88-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%84%D8%B3-%D9%88%D8%A3%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%82%D9%8A%D8%A7 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In [[classical antiquity]], the [[list of Graeco-Roman geographers|ancient Greeks]] knew the town as {{Lang|grc-latn|Ikósion}} ({{langx|grc|Ἰκόσιον}}), which was [[latinization of names|Latinized]] as Icosium under [[Roman Republic|Roman rule]]. The Greeks [[folk etymology|explained the name]] as coming from their word for 'twenty' ({{lang|grc|εἴκοσι}}, {{Lang|grc-latn|eíkosi}}), supposedly because it had been founded by 20 companions of [[Hercules]] when he visited the [[Atlas Mountains]] during [[Labors of Hercules|his labors]].<ref name=backtalk>{{cite book | author = Edward Lipiński | date = 2004 | title = Itineraria Phoenicia | publisher = Peeters Publishers | page = 403 | isbn = 978-90-429-1344-8 | oclc = 1026236463 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=SLSzNfdcqfoC&pg=PA403 | access-date = 4 December 2018 | archive-date = 23 December 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191223031423/https://books.google.com/books?id=SLSzNfdcqfoC&pg=PA403 | url-status = live }}</ref>

Algiers is also known as {{Transliteration|ar|el-Behdja}} ({{langx|ar|البهجة||the Joyous|label=none}}) {{Transliteration|ar|El Mahrussa}} ('the Good-guarded'), or "Algiers the White" ({{langx|fr|Alger la Blanche|links=no}}) for its whitewashed buildings.<ref>{{cite book|access-date=29 July 2016 |date=1 January 1996 |first1=Ali |last1=Silem |page=11 |publisher=Centre d'études et de recherches en planification linguistique |title=Alger plurilingue |url={{Google Books URL|Uv1hAAAAMAAJ}}}}<!-- auto-translated from French by Module:CS1 translator -->.</ref><ref>Hocine Mezali, ''Alger, 32 siècles d'histoire'', ENAG/Synergie Éd., Alger, 2000.</ref>

The local name {{Lang|ber|Dzayer}} is the origin of the [[demonym]] ''dziri'', which could be connected with the [[Zirids]], the founders of the city, as suggested by Tassadit Yacine.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Tilmatine |first=Mohand |orig-date=2015 |title=Etudes et recherches en linguistique et littérature amazighes. La mesure du sens et le sens de la mesure. |trans-title=Studies and research in Amazigh linguistics and literature. The measurement of meaning and the meaning of measurement. |url=https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mohand-Tilmatine-2/publication/283300640_Retour_sur_le_Toponyme_el-Djazair/links/5631e77f08ae506cea679eda/Retour-sur-le-Toponyme-el-Djazair.pdf |journal=Actes du colloque international organisé en hommage au Professeur Miloud Taifi |page=209}}</ref> Academic discussions often omit that the name that both Arabic- and Berber-speaking inhabitants have always given to their city is {{Lang|ber|Dzayer}}. However, ''Dzayer'' raises the question of the origin of the [[affricate]] {{IPAblink|dz}}, which neither Arabic nor Berber possesses in its consonantal system. One might wonder if the sound {{IPAslink|z}}, replacing {{IPAslink|ʒ}}, is a persistent trace of Berber. Since, as mentioned, the sound is found in the name of ''Zirids'', some{{who?|date=May 2026}} imagine that ''Dzayer'' is the result of the contraction of {{IPA|/aθˈziri/}}, meaning 'those of Ziri'. In addition, {{IPA|/z/}} is represented by the [[Tifinagh]] letter {{lang|ber|[[wikt:ⵣ|ⵣ]]}}, which is a symbol of [[Berber people|Berber identity]] and culture and is prominently featured on [[Berber flag|their flag]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Morsly |first=Dalila |date=1996 |title=Introduction |url=https://www.persee.fr/doc/pluri_1157-5069_1996_num_12_1_1022 |journal=Plurilinguismes |volume=12 |issue=1 |pages=11-12}}</ref>

==History==
{{For timeline}}

{{Quote box |width=25em |align=right |title_bg=#B0C4DE
|title=Timeline of Algiers ([[Icosium]])<br><small>Historical affiliations</small>
|fontsize=80% |quote={{Noflag|[[Phoenicia]] and [[Punic people|Punicia]]}} pre 202 BC<br>
{{Noflag|[[Numidia]]}} 202 BC–104 BC<br>
{{Noflag|[[Mauretania]]}} 104 BC-42 AD<br>
{{Noflag|[[Roman Empire]]}} 42-435<br>
{{Noflag|[[Vandal Kingdom]]}} 435–534<br>
{{Noflag|[[Byzantine Empire]]}} 534-700s<br>
{{Noflag|[[Umayyad Caliphate]]}} 700s–750<br>
{{Noflag|[[Abbasid Caliphate]]}} 750 AD-800<br>
{{noflag|[[Aghlabids]]}} (As a [[vassal state]] of the [[Abbasids]]) 800 AD–909<br>
{{Noflag|[[Fatimid Caliphate]]}} 909–972<br>
{{Noflag|[[Zirid dynasty]]}} (As a [[vassal state]] of the [[Fatimid Caliphate]]) 972–1014<br>
{{Noflag|[[Hammadid dynasty]]}} 1014–1082<br>
{{Noflag|[[Almoravid Empire]]}} 1082–1151<br>
{{Noflag|[[Almohad Caliphate]]}} 1151–1235<br>
{{flagicon image|Flag of Kingdom of Tlemcen (1388-1488).svg}} [[Thaaliba]], ([[Tributary state|tributary]] of the [[Kingdom of Tlemcen|Tlemcen]]) 1235–1516<br>
{{flagicon image|Flag of Regency of Algiers.svg}} [[Regency of Algiers]], ([[Tributary state|tributary]] of the [[Ottoman Empire]]) 1516–1830<br>
{{flagicon image|Flag of France.svg}} France, ([[French Algeria]]) 1830–1962<br>
{{flag|Algeria}} 1962–present
}}

===Early history===
{{main|Icosium}}

The city's history is believed to date back to 1200 BC, but it was a small settlement without any significance until around the 3rd century BC when "Ikosim" became a small port town in [[Ancient Carthage|Carthage]] where [[Phoenicians]] were trading with other Mediterranean ports. After the [[Battle of Cirta]], [[Numidia]] got a hold of the town along with its neighboring regions at around 202 BC, after which the [[Punic Wars]] started weakening the [[Berbers|Berber]] nation. On 104 BC, following the capturing of [[Jughurta]] and executing him in Rome, the western half of his nation was given to [[Mauretania]] under the rule of [[Bocchus I]]. At around 42 AD, [[Claudius]] divided Mauretania into two provinces, [[Mauretania Caesariensis]] that included [[Icosium]] as one of its towns; the second province was [[Mauretania Tingitana]] and were deemed as Roman [[Municipium]]s, additionally they were given [[Latin rights]] by the emperor [[Vespasian]]. In 371-373 AD, Mauretania revolted with the help of [[Firmus (4th-century usurper)|Firmus]], in hopes of establishing an independent state. Icosium was raided and damaged. Some clues show the presence of [[bishop]]s in the region at this time.{{sfn|Chisholm|1911|p=655}}

In 435 AD, the [[Vandal Kingdom]] took control of [[northern Africa]] along the coasts of today's [[Tunisia]] and [[Algeria]]. The [[Western Roman Empire]] that was ruling the area allowed the Vandals to settle when it became clear that they could not be defeated by Roman military forces. Though the city was damaged again due to the fighting between the two armies, the town was still slowly growing in population.

===Medieval history===
In 534 AD, the Vandal kingdom was subjugated by the general [[Belisarius]] of the [[Eastern Roman Empire]], making Icosium a part of the empire. In the early 7th century, "Beni Mezghenna" who are a [[Berbers|Berber]] tribe belonging to the [[Sanhaja]] as cited by [[Ibn Khaldoun]], settled on the plains of [[Icosium]] and the surrounding areas.<ref>entre MIHOUB et TABLAT Histoire et des Berbères et des dynasties musulmanes de l'Afrique ... De ʻAbd al-Raḥman b. Muḥammad Ibn Khaldûn, {{p.|8}} [https://books.google.fr/books?id=3dYOAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA5&dq=ibn+khaldoun+mezghanna&lr=#PPA6,M1 Lire en ligne]</ref> Shortly after, in the late 7th century, the [[Muslim conquest of the Maghreb]] brought the [[Umayyad Caliphate]] into the region, but were faced with resistance from Berber forces led by [[Kahina]] and [[Kusaila]] in the 680s, who opposed the advancing Islamic armies. However, [[Hassan ibn al-Nu'man]] and [[Musa ibn Nusayr]] later defeated both Berber leaders, killing Kusaila at the [[Battle of Mamma]] (688) and killing Dihya at the [[Battle of Tabarka]] (702), leading to the subjugation of the Berber tribes, bringing Islamic rule into North Africa. The [[Abbasid Caliphate]] succeeded [[Umayyad Caliphate]] at around 750 AD. Independence movements across the [[Maghreb]] resulted in the breaking of two nations, the [[Idrisid dynasty]] and the [[Aghlabid Emirate]] but acted as agents of the [[Abbasids]] in [[Baghdad]]. Icosium fell into the hands of Aghlabids and abandoned the town. They were then overthrown by the [[Fatimids]] in 909 AD, who went on to control all of [[Ifriqiya]] by 969 AD.

The present city was re-founded in 972 AD by [[Buluggin ibn Ziri]], who was appointed by the Faṭimid caliph [[al-Muʿizz]] as governor of [[al-Qayrawān]] and any other territory his nation, the [[Zirid Dynasty]] might reclaim from its enemies, the [[Zenata]] tribesmen. His state accordingly expanded its boundaries westward. In approximately 1014 AD, under the reign of [[Badis ibn al-Mansur]], the dynasty was divided between the Zirids at al-Qayrawan in the east, and the [[Hammadid dynasty]] at [[Qal'at Bani Hammad]]; "Jazaʾir Banī Mazghanna", commonly known as "Algiers" as the new name of [[Icosium]] was absorbed into the [[Hammadid dynasty]]<ref name="Ruedy2005">{{cite book | author = John Ruedy | date = 12 August 2005 | title = Modern Algeria, Second Edition: The Origins and Development of a Nation | publisher = Indiana University Press | pages = 13– | isbn = 978-0-253-21782-0 | oclc = 1025661094 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=WIRWgrbE_fEC&pg=PA13 | access-date = 6 November 2015 | archive-date = 21 May 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240521144644/https://books.google.com/books?id=WIRWgrbE_fEC&pg=PA13 | url-status = live }}</ref> who in 1067 AD relocated to [[Béjaïa]] and carried on a lively trade while most of North Africa was under a state of [[anarchy]].{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

In 1079 AD, [[Ibn Tashfin]], a Sanhaja leader of the [[Almoravid Empire]] sent an army of 20,000 men from Marrakesh to push towards what is now [[Tlemcen]] to attack the "Banu Ya'la", the [[Zenata]] tribe occupying the area. Led by [[Mazdali ibn Tilankan]], the army defeated the Banu Ya'la in battle near the valley of the [[Moulouya River]] and executed their commander, the son of Tlemcen's ruler. However, [[Mazdali ibn Tilankan]] did not push to Tlemcen right away as the city of [[Oujda]] was too strong to capture. Instead, Ibn Tashfin himself returned with an army in 1081 AD that captured Oujda and then conquered Tlemcen, massacring the [[Maghrawa]] forces there and their leader; He pressed on and by 1082 AD he had captured "Jazaʾir Banī Mazghanna".

In 1151 AD, [[Abd al-Mu'min]] launched an expedition to the east, conquering [[Béjaïa]] in August 1152, the capital of the Hammadids; on their way, Beni Mezghanna did not succumb and was now under the [[Almohad Caliphate]]'s control. The caliphate suffered from states breaking out of its rule, most notably, the [[Kingdom of Tlemcen]] in 1235 AD. The town once again came under the dominion of the [[Ziyanid]] [[sultans]] of the Kingdom but experienced a large measure of independence under [[Thaaliba]] [[amirs]] who settled the [[Mitidja]] plain at around 1200 AD.

===Early modern history===
[[File:Algiers islets.svg|thumb|Illustration of the [[islet]]s off the coast of Algiers before Pier "Kheireddine" was built.]]
The [[Kingdom of Tlemcen]] was the target of the [[Spanish Empire]]'s and the [[Portuguese Empire]]'s campaigns and conquests against its coasts, beginning in 1501 AD. However, Algiers continued to be of comparatively little importance until after the [[Reconquista#Conversions and expulsions|expulsion of the Moors]] from Spain, many of whom sought asylum in the city, after which the Spanish led by [[Pedro Navarro]] established a fortified base and [[garrison]] on one of the [[islet]]s off the coast of Algiers, and named it "Peñón de Argel" or Peñón of Algiers, . By that time, Algiers had an [[emir]], Salim al-Thumi who had to "swear obedience and loyalty" to [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] who also imposed a levy intended to suppress the [[Barbary pirates]].{{sfn|Chisholm|1911|p=655}}<ref name="Çelik1997">{{cite book | author = Zeynep Çelik | date = 1997 | title = Urban Forms and Colonial Confrontations: Algiers Under French Rule | publisher = University of California Press | page = 13 | isbn = 978-0-520-20457-7 | oclc = 208879670 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=hSSLQgAACAAJ | access-date = 9 February 2023 | archive-date = 9 February 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230209020213/https://books.google.com/books?id=hSSLQgAACAAJ | url-status = live }}</ref>

===Ottoman rule===
[[File:Civitates orbis terrarum. De praecipuis totius universi urbibus. Liber secundus (page 128).jpg|thumb|Algiers by [[Antonio Salamanca]], circa 1540, published in [[Civitates Orbis Terrarum]]]]
[[File:Duquesne fait liberer des captifs chretiens apres le bombardement d Alger en 1683.jpg|thumb|[[Abraham Duquesne]] delivering Christian captives in Algiers after the bombing in 1683.]]
In 1516, the amir of Algiers, Selim b. Teumi, invited the corsair brothers [[Oruç Reis]] and [[Hayreddin Barbarossa]] to expel the [[Habsburg Spain|Spaniards]]. Oruç Reis came to Algiers, ordered the assassination of Selim, and seized the town and ousted the Spanish in the [[Capture of Algiers (1516)]]. Hayreddin, succeeding Oruç after the latter was killed in battle against the Spaniards in the [[Fall of Tlemcen (1518)|1518 fall of Tlemcen]], was the founder of the ''[[pashaluk]]'', which subsequently became the ''[[bey]]lik'', of Algeria. Barbarossa lost Algiers in 1524 but regained it with the [[Capture of Peñón of Algiers (1529)|1529 Capture of Peñón of Algiers]], and then formally invited the Sultan [[Suleiman the Magnificent]] to accept sovereignty over the territory and to annex Algiers to the [[Ottoman Empire]].

[[File:Algiers and Bejaia by Piri Reis.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Historic map of Algiers by [[Piri Reis]]]]
{{Anchor|Algerine}}<!-- common name for inhabitants of the area at this time "Algerine" redirect here do not remove-->
Algiers from this time became the chief seat of the [[Barbary pirates]]. In October 1541 in the [[Algiers expedition (1541)|Algiers expedition]], the King of Spain and [[Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor]] sought to capture the city, but a storm destroyed a great number of his ships, and his army of some 30,000, chiefly made up of Spaniards, was defeated by the Algerians under their [[pasha]], Hassan.{{sfn|Chisholm|1911|p=655}}

[[File:Ottoman cannon end of 16th century length 385cm cal 178mm weight 2910 stone projectile founded 8 October 1581 Alger seized 1830.jpg|right|thumb|Ornate [[Ottoman weapons|Ottoman cannon]] found in Algiers on 8 October 1581 by Ca'fer el-Mu'allim. Length: 385&nbsp;cm, cal:178&nbsp;mm, weight: 2910&nbsp;kg, stone projectile. Seized by France during the [[invasion of Algiers in 1830]]. [[Army Museum (Paris)|Army Museum, Paris]].]]

Formally part of the Ottoman Empire but essentially free from Ottoman control, starting in the 16th century Algiers turned to piracy and ransoming. Due to its location on the periphery of both the Ottoman and European economic spheres, and depending for its existence on a Mediterranean that was increasingly controlled by European shipping, backed by European navies, piracy became the primary economic activity. Repeated attempts were made by various nations to subdue the pirates that disturbed shipping in the western Mediterranean and engaged in slave raids as far north as Iceland.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.heimaslod.is/index.php/Tyrkjar%C3%A1ni%C3%B0 |title=Tyrkjaránið – Heimaslóð |language=is |publisher=Heimaslod.is |access-date=27 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527072348/http://www.heimaslod.is/index.php/Tyrkjar%C3%A1ni%C3%B0 |archive-date=27 May 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> By the 17th century, up to 40% of the city's 100,000 inhabitants were enslaved Europeans.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4547299|title=From Amrum to Algiers and Back: The Reintegration of a Renegade in the Eighteenth Century|author=Martin Reinheimer|journal=Central European History|year=2003|volume=36|issue=2|pages=209–233|access-date=23 June 2021|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|doi=10.1163/156916103770866121|jstor=4547299|s2cid=143504775|archive-date=30 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330122726/https://www.jstor.org/stable/4547299|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> The United States fought two wars (the [[First Barbary War|First]] and [[Second Barbary War]]s) over Algiers' attacks on shipping.

Among the notable people held for ransom was the future Spanish novelist, [[Miguel de Cervantes]], who was held captive in Algiers for almost five years, and wrote two plays set in Algiers of the period. The primary source for knowledge of Algiers of this period, since there are no contemporary local sources, is the ''Topografía e historia general de Argel'' (1612, but written earlier), published by Diego de Haedo, but whose authorship is disputed.<ref>{{cite journal
|first=Daniel
|last=Eisenberg
|author-link=:es:Daniel Eisenberg
|title=Cervantes, autor de la ''Topografía e historia general de Argel'' publicada por Diego de Haedo
|journal=Cervantes: Bulletin of the Cervantes Society of America
|volume=16
|number=1
|year=1996
|pages=32–53
|doi=10.3138/Cervantes.16.1.032
|s2cid=187065952
|url=http://www.h-net.org/~cervantes/csa/artics96/topograf.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318061159/http://www.h-net.org/~cervantes/csa/artics96/topograf.htm |archive-date=18 March 2015|url-access=subscription
}} Others have disputed Eisenberg's attribution of the work to Cervantes.</ref><ref>{{cite book
|author-link=:es:Daniel Eisenberg
|first=Daniel
|last=Eisenberg
|contribution=¿Por qué volvió Cervantes de Argel?" ("Why Did Cervantes return from Algiers?)
|title=''Ingeniosa invención'': Essays on Golden Age Spanish Literature for Geoffrey L. Stagg in Honor of his Eighty-Fifth Birthday
|location=[[Newark, Delaware]]
|publisher=Juan de la Cuesta
|year=1999
|isbn=0936388838
|pages=[https://archive.org/details/ingeniosainvenci0000unse/page/241 241–253]
|url=https://archive.org/details/ingeniosainvenci0000unse/page/241
}}</ref> This work describes in detail the city, the behavior of its inhabitants, and its military defenses, with the unsuccessful hope of facilitating an attack by Spain so as to end the piracy.

A significant number of renegades lived in Algiers at the time, Christians converted voluntarily to Islam, many fleeing the law or other problems at home. Once converted to Islam, they were safe in Algiers. Many occupied positions of authority, such as [[Samson Rowlie]], an Englishman who became Treasurer of Algiers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35843991|title=The First Muslims in England|publisher=BBC News|date=20 March 2016|language=en-GB|access-date=21 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321043520/http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35843991|archive-date=21 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Atlas Van der Hagen-KW1049B13 058-The City of ALGIER.jpeg|thumb|The [[Casbah of Algiers]] under Ottoman rule in 1690.]]
The city under Ottoman control was enclosed by a wall on all sides, including along the seafront. In this wall, five gates allowed access to the city, with five roads from each gate dividing the city and meeting in front of the Ketchaoua Mosque. In 1556, a citadel, [[Palace of the Dey]] was constructed at the highest point in the wall. A major road running north to south divided the city in two: The upper city (al-Gabal, or 'the mountain') which consisted of about fifty small quarters of [[Andalusians|Andalusian]], [[Algerian Jews|Jewish]], [[Moors|Moorish]] and [[Kabyle people|Kabyle]] communities, and the lower city (al-Wata, or 'the plains') which was the administrative, military and commercial centre of the city, mostly inhabited by [[Kouloughlis|Ottoman Turkish dignitaries]] and other upper-class families.<ref>Celik, Zeynep, ''Urban Forms and Colonial Confrontations: Algiers Under French Rule'', University of California Press, 1997, pp. 13–14.</ref>
[[File:Thomas Luny - Bombardment of Algiers.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Bombardment of Algiers (1816)|bombardment of Algiers]] under [[Edward Pellew, 1st Viscount Exmouth|Viscount Exmouth]], August 1816, painted by [[Thomas Luny]]]]
On 27 August 1816, the [[Bombardment of Algiers (1816)|Bombardment of Algiers]] took place city by a British squadron under [[Edward Pellew, 1st Viscount Exmouth|Lord Exmouth]] (a descendant of Thomas Pellew, taken in an Algerian slave raid in 1715<ref>{{Cite book|title=Africa (a-z).|last=Godfrey.|first=Mugoti|date=2009|publisher=Lulu Com|isbn=978-1435728905|location=[Place of publication not identified]|oclc=946180025}}{{self-published source|date=February 2020}}</ref>{{self-published inline|date=February 2020}}), assisted by men-of-war from the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands]], destroying the corsair fleet harboured in Algiers.{{sfn|Chisholm|1911|p=655}}

[[File:Hussein dey portrait.jpg|thumb|Portrait of [[Hussein Dey]], the last [[Dey]] of the [[Deylik of Algiers]].]]
France and the [[Regency of Algiers]] had a commercial–political conflict called the [[Bakri-Busnach affair]] which has been bothering both nations in the 19th century.
On 29 April 1827, foreign consuls and diplomatic agents gathered in the [[Palace of the Dey]] for a conference with the [[Regency of Algiers]] ruler [[Hussein Dey]]. Tensions were high because of France's failure to pay outstanding debts. In a heated moment later referred to as "fly-whisk incident", the [[Dey]] struck the French consul in the face with the handle of a [[fly-whisk]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Raf |first1=Mohh |title=The Fly Whisk Incident |url=https://gloriousalgeria.dz/En/Post/show/92/The-Fly-Whisk-Incident |website=gloriousalgeria.dz |access-date=1 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Raf |first1=Mohh |title=Fly Whisk Incident (1827) |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/fly-whisk-incident-1827 |website=encyclopedia.com |publisher=Kenneth J. Perkins}}</ref>

In an attempt by [[Charles X of France]] to increase his popularity amongst the French, he sought to bolster [[patriotic sentiment]], and turn eyes away from his domestic policies, by treating the incident as a public insult and demanded an apology. Failure to respond was met by operations against the dey.<ref name="EncBrit">{{cite encyclopedia |title= Algeria, Colonial Rule|access-date=19 December 2007 |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |page= 39 |url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-220553/Algeria#487751.hook}}</ref> A naval siege on the port of Algiers by the [[French Navy]] began the following days which lasted 3 years and impacted the French and Algerian economies due to their former extensive trade treaties.

[[File:Keys of Algiers 1830.jpg|thumb|The keys of the city of Algiers, which were handed to the [[French Army]] on 5 July 1830.]]
[[File:Bombardement d'Alger - 1830 (cropped) (cropped2).jpg|thumb|Bombardment of Algiers by sea on 3 July 1830]]
Tensions only continued rising while the [[French Armed Forces]] were preparing for the [[invasion of Algiers in 1830|1830 invasion of Algiers]]. The naval fleet departed from [[Toulon]] on 25 May 1830, and successfully reached the western coast of the Regency near what is today [[Sidi Fredj]] on 14 June 1830. The Algerian forces met their French opponents in the [[Battle of Staouéli]] on 19 June 1830, to which the [[Dey]]'s forces were defeated, this enabled the colonial army to advance into the city and made [[Hussein Dey]] surrender to French [[Louis-Auguste-Victor, Count de Ghaisnes de Bourmont|General de Bourmont]] on 5 July 1830.

===French rule===

Under French rule, Algiers became the capital of [[French Algeria]], "an integral part of the [[French Republic]]" according to a formal annexation declared on 22 June 1834.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Raf |first1=Mohh |title=The end of the Ottoman Regency and the limited occupation of Algeria |url=https://www.musee-armee.fr/ExpositionAlgerie/the-end-of-the-ottoman-regency-and-the-limited-occupation-of-algeria.html |website=musee-armee |access-date=1 September 2024}}</ref> Following this, interest turned into the completion of the [[French conquest of Algeria]] that shared goals with its [[Pacification of Algeria|pacification]] efforts; Establishing a European [[Culture of Europe|cultural]], economic and political presence in Africa without considering the indigenous population's lifestyle or connection to their land. Plans to transform the face of the city to match French standards and architectural trends began shortly after obtaining the city. Originally, the Casbah extended to the sea, but it was pushed back to the hills above after demolishing the walls and lower half of the old city and erecting the current "Place des Martyrs",<ref name="harvsp Driss 2002 p45">{{harvsp|id=Nassima Dris, 2002|Dris|2002|p=45}}.</ref> constructing [[promenade]]s and boulevards that circle the city or face the [[Mediterranean]], tracing new streets and building apartments that are characterized by their "Haussmanian" Style.<ref name="Almi70">{{harvsp|Almi|2002|p=70}}.</ref>

Settlers of [[European descent]] marked a majority of the city's population,<ref>Albert Habib Hourani, Malise Ruthven (2002). "''[https://books.google.com/books?id=egbOb0mewz4C&pg=PA323 A history of the Arab peoples] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906022938/https://books.google.com/books?id=egbOb0mewz4C&pg=PA323&dq&hl=en |date=2015-09-06 }}''". Harvard University Press. p.323. {{ISBN|0-674-01017-5}}</ref> some constituted a minority of "[[Pieds-noirs]]" who were granted [[French citizenship]] and rights under the [[Crémieux Decree]]. On the other hand, [[Code de l'indigénat]] enforced inferiority of the "Arabs" and "Muslims" which were getting forcibly removed from their homes and were banned from entering various parts of "Alger" to segregate by race, religion and language.<ref name="AlloucheLaloum1987">{{cite book|author1=Jean-Luc Allouche|author2=Jean Laloum|title=Les Juifs d'Algérie: images & textes|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JK4rAAAAMAAJ|year=1987|publisher=Editions du Scribe|isbn=978-2-86765-008-6}}</ref><ref>The Code d'Indigénat was promulgated by the French government for Algeria on 28 June 1881. It was officially abolished during 1946, but parts of it remained in force until independence during the early 1960s. The senatus consulte of 14 July 1865 implemented many of the elements of the future Code d'Indigénat in Algeria, and prior to 1887, other colonial subjects lived under similar conditions</ref> Added to that, [[mosque]]s were repurposed to [[Church (building)|church]]es, [[stables]], or demolished/closed permanently, examples of this are [[Ketchoua Mosque]] and [[Ali Bitchin Mosque]].<ref name="Almi36">{{harvsp|Almi|2002|p=36}}.</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+ French casualties in Algeria (1830–1851)<ref name=Bennoune>{{cite book|last=Bennoune|first=Mahfoud|author-link=Mahfoud Bennoune|title=The Making of Contemporary Algeria, 1830–1987|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4nXl7h8i5scC&pg=PA43|year=2002|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-52432-2|page=42}}</ref><ref>J. Ch. M. Boudin, Histoire statistique de la colonisation en Algérie (Paris, Bailliers, 1853), p. 53.</ref>
|-
! Year !! Active !! Died in hospital !! Killed in battle
|-
| 1831 || 71,190 || 1,005 || 55
|-
| 1832 || 21,511 || 1,998 || 48
|-
| 1833 || 26,681 || 2,512 ||
|-
| 1834 || 29,858 || 1,991 || 24
|-
| 1835 || 29,485 || 2,335 || 310
|-
| 1836 || 29,897 || 2,139 || 606
|-
| 1837 || 40,147 || 4,502 || 121
|-
| 1838 || 48,167 || 2,413 || 150
|-
| 1839 || 50,367 || 3,600 || 163
|-
| 1840 || 61,204 || 9,567 || 227
|-
| 1841 || 72,000 || 7,802 || 349
|-
| 1842 || 70,853 || 5,588 || 225
|-
| 1843 || 75,034 || 4,809 || 84
|-
| 1844 || 82,037 || 4,664 || 167
|-
| 1845 || 95,000 || 4,664 || 601
|-
| 1846 || 99,700 || 6,862 || 116
|-
| 1847 || 87,704 || 4,437 || 77
|-
| 1848 || 75,017 || 4,406 || 13
|-
| 1849 || 70,774 || 9,744 ||
|-
| 1850 || 71,496 || 4,098 ||
|-
| 1851 || 65,598 || 3,193 ||
|}

During the 1930s, the architect [[Le Corbusier]] drew up plans for a complete redesign of the colonial city. Le Corbusier was highly critical of the urban style of Algiers, describing the European district as "nothing but crumbling walls and devastated nature, the whole a sullied blot". He also criticised the difference in living standards he perceived between the European and African residents of the city, describing a situation in which "the 'civilised' live like rats in holes" whereas "the 'barbarians' live in solitude, in well-being".<ref>Celik, Zeynep, ''Urban Forms and Colonial Confrontations: Algiers Under French Rule'', University of California Press, 1997, p. 5.</ref> However, these plans were ultimately ignored by the French administration.

During World War II, Algiers was the first city to be seized from the Axis by the Allies in [[Operation Terminal]], a part of [[Operation Torch]].
[[File:Algiers CNE-v1-p58-J.jpg|thumb|left|City and harbour of Algiers, {{circa|1921}}]]

===Algerian War===
[[File:1962-03-22 Algeria tense cease fire.ogv|thumb|right|The "tense truce" between Algerian rebels, French army and the OAS in 1962]]
Algiers also played a pivotal role in the [[Algerian War]] (1954–1962), a bloody independence struggle in which hundreds of thousands (estimates range between 350,000 and 1,500,000) died (mostly Algerians but also French and [[pieds-noirs]]). In particular, it saw the [[Algerian War#Battle of Algiers|Battle of Algiers]] when the 10th Parachute Division of the French Army, starting on 7 January 1957, and on the orders of the French Minister of Justice [[François Mitterrand]] (who authorized any means "to eliminate the insurrectionists"{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}}), led attacks against the Algerian fighters for independence. Algiers remains marked by this battle, which was characterized by merciless fighting between FLN forces which carried out a guerrilla campaign against the French military and police and pro-French Algerian soldiers, and the French Army which responded with a bloody repression, torture and blanket terrorism against the native population. The demonstrations of 13 May during the crisis of 1958 provoked the fall of the [[French Fourth Republic|Fourth Republic]] in France, as well as the return of General [[Charles de Gaulle|de Gaulle]] to power.

===Independence===
Algeria achieved [[independence]] on 5 July 1962, with Algiers as its capital. Since then, despite losing its entire ''[[pied-noir]]'' population, the city has expanded massively. It now has about five million inhabitants, or 10 percent of Algeria's population—and its suburbs now cover most of the surrounding [[Geography of Algeria|Mitidja]] plain. Run by the FLN that had secured independence, Algiers became a member of [[Non-Aligned Movement]] during the [[Cold War]]. In October 1988, one year before the fall of the [[Berlin Wall]], Algiers was the site of demonstrations demanding the end of the single-party system and the creation of a ''real'' [[democracy]] baptized the "Spring of Algiers". The demonstrators were repressed by the authorities (more than 300 dead), but the movement constituted a turning point in the political history of modern Algeria. The [[1989 Algerian constitutional referendum]] took place and a new constitution was adopted that put an end to the one-party rule and saw the creation of more than fifty political parties, as well as official freedom of the press. The [[Kasbah of Algiers]] was enlisted as a cultural [[world heritage site]] by [[UNESCO]] in December 1992.

===Crisis of the 1990s===
The city became the theatre of many political demonstrations of all descriptions until 1993. In 1991, a political entity dominated by religious conservatives called the [[Islamic Salvation Front]] engaged in a political test of wills with the authorities. In the 1992 elections for the Algerian National Assembly, the Islamists garnered a large amount of support in the first round. Fearing an eventual win by the Islamists, the army canceled the election process, setting off the [[Algerian Civil War|civil war]] between the State and armed religious conservatives which would last for a decade.

On 11 December 2007, two car [[11 December 2007 Algiers bombings|bombs exploded in Algiers]]. One bomb targeted two [[United Nations]] office buildings and the other targeted a government building housing the [[Supreme Court of Algeria]]. The death toll was at least 62, with over two hundred injured in the attacks.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Les autorités accusent al-Qaïda|publisher=RFI|url=http://www.rfi.fr/actufr/articles/096/article_60149.asp|access-date=11 December 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071213023440/http://www.rfi.fr/actufr/articles/096/article_60149.asp| archive-date= 13 December 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> However, only 26 remained hospitalized the following day.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Toll in Algiers bombings rises to 31 |agency=Associated Press |url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071212/ap_on_re_af/algeria_explosion |access-date=12 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214021257/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071212/ap_on_re_af/algeria_explosion |archive-date=14 December 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> {{as of|2008}}, it is speculated that the attack was carried out by the [[Al Qaeda]] cell within the city.<ref>{{cite news|title=Al Qaeda blamed for Algeria bombs|publisher=CNN|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/africa/12/11/algeria.blast/index.html|access-date=11 December 2007 | date=12 December 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071212153122/http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/africa/12/11/algeria.blast/index.html| archive-date= 12 December 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref>

Indigenous terrorist groups have been actively [[Islamic insurgency in Algeria (2002–present)#2007|operating in Algeria since around 2002]].

==Geography==

===Location===
[[File:ISS067-E-248750 - View of Earth.jpg|thumb|[[Satellite image]] of Algiers]]
Algiers is located in the north-central part of [[Algeria]]. Relative to the Bay of Algiers, the historical center was founded and extended on the "Algiers Sahel", coastal hills of the east, though the city grew exponentially on top of the hills eventually extending as far as towns such as [[Aïn Bénian, Algiers|Aïn Bénian]] in the east, and [[Bordj El Bahri]] in the west, and towards the [[Mitidja]] Plain in its northern, central, and western parts.

Algiers is crossed by several rivers and waterways that are indifferently called [[Oued]]. All the rivers that cross it flow into the [[Mediterranean]] making it specific to its environment. The Bouzaréah massif, known for its rugged relief, has a very dense hydrographic network, drained by eight main waterways (Baranès, Sidi Medjber, Frais vallon, jaubert, Scotto Nadal, Chemin du Fort, Birtraria and Oued Koriche or Oued Atoun). Half of its waterways have been artificialized and channeled by buried collectors. To the west, one finds the Mazafran and Beni Messous [[Wadis]]. To the east, the El Harrach (the main Oued dividing the city into an eastern [[Urban area|urban]] and historical side, and a western [[suburban]] side), El Hamiz and Réghaïa Wadis.

Considerable [[land reclamation]] along the waterfront allowed for developments such as "Marina Mall" in 2012, "Sablettes Promenade" in 2016, El kettani waterfront in 2025 and ongoing projects like the Algiers Medina, New bay of Algiers, Wadis new arrangements.

The city's downtown sits at an elevation of 2 m (at the [[Algiers Central Post Office]]), while it averages 45 m across the city's [[metropolitan area]], and tops at 407 m on the [[Bouzaréah]] peak. [[Algiers Province]], the administrative area that includes the city's urban and suburban centers covers 1,190 km2 (460 sq mi).

===Climate===
Algiers has a [[Mediterranean climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Csa''). Its proximity to the Mediterranean aids in moderating the city's temperatures. As a result, Algiers usually does not see the extreme temperatures that are experienced in the adjacent interior. Algiers on average receives roughly {{convert|600|mm|in|0}} of rain per year, the bulk of which is seen between October and April. The precipitation is higher than in most of coastal Mediterranean Spain, and similar to most of coastal Mediterranean France, as opposed to the interior North African semi-arid or arid climate.

Snow is very rare; the last snowfall was in 2012, when the city received {{convert|100|mm|in|0}} of snowfall, its first snowfall in eight years.<ref>{{cite news |title=European Chill Moves West, 122 Die in Ukraine |first=Richard |last=Balmforth |date=4 February 2012 |agency=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-weather-idUSTRE8130NK20120204 |access-date=30 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140914142912/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/04/us-europe-weather-idUSTRE8130NK20120204 |archive-date=14 September 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> The hottest temperature ever recorded in Algiers was {{convert|48.7|C|F}} on 21 July 2023,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Algeria heat wave takes toll, forces climate change reckoning |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/algeria/article/2023/07/25/algeria-heat-wave-takes-toll-forces-climate-change-reckoning_6066267_221.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260401045552/https://www.lemonde.fr/en/algeria/article/2023/07/25/algeria-heat-wave-takes-toll-forces-climate-change-reckoning_6066267_221.html |archive-date=2026-04-01 |access-date=2026-04-11 |work=Le Monde.fr |language=en-US}}</ref> and the coldest temperature ever recorded in Algiers was {{convert|-3.3|C|F}}.{{cn|date=April 2026}}

{{Weather box
|location = Algiers ([[Houari Boumediene Airport]]) 1991–2020, extremes 1838–present
|metric first = yes
|single line = yes
|Jan record high C = 27.6
|Feb record high C = 31.4
|Mar record high C = 36.3
|Apr record high C = 36.5
|May record high C = 41.1
|Jun record high C = 44.6
|Jul record high C = 48.7
|Aug record high C = 47.5
|Sep record high C = 44.4
|Oct record high C = 39.5
|Nov record high C = 34.4
|Dec record high C = 30.4
|year record high C = 48.7
|Jan high C = 17.1
|Feb high C = 17.5
|Mar high C = 19.7
|Apr high C = 21.8
|May high C = 25.0
|Jun high C = 29.0
|Jul high C = 32.1
|Aug high C = 32.9
|Sep high C = 29.8
|Oct high C = 26.5
|Nov high C = 21.2
|Dec high C = 18.2
|year high C = 24.2
|Jan mean C = 11.3
|Feb mean C = 11.5
|Mar mean C = 13.6
|Apr mean C = 15.6
|May mean C = 18.8
|Jun mean C = 22.6
|Jul mean C = 25.7
|Aug mean C = 26.6
|Sep mean C = 23.9
|Oct mean C = 20.4
|Nov mean C = 15.7
|Dec mean C = 12.6
|year mean C = 18.2
|Jan low C = 5.5
|Feb low C = 5.6
|Mar low C = 7.5
|Apr low C = 9.4
|May low C = 12.6
|Jun low C = 16.2
|Jul low C = 19.4
|Aug low C = 20.4
|Sep low C = 17.9
|Oct low C = 14.3
|Nov low C = 10.1
|Dec low C = 7.0
|year low C = 12.2
|Jan record low C = -3.3
|Feb record low C = -1.9
|Mar record low C = -1.0
|Apr record low C = -0.8
|May record low C = 2.6
|Jun record low C = 5.5
|Jul record low C = 9.0
|Aug record low C = 9.5
|Sep record low C = 8.2
|Oct record low C = 4.1
|Nov record low C = -0.1
|Dec record low C = -2.3
|year record low C = -3.3
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 84.2
|Feb precipitation mm = 72.1
|Mar precipitation mm = 58.9
|Apr precipitation mm = 58.0
|May precipitation mm = 39.0
|Jun precipitation mm = 8.6
|Jul precipitation mm = 1.5
|Aug precipitation mm = 10.6
|Sep precipitation mm = 27.5
|Oct precipitation mm = 51.5
|Nov precipitation mm = 102.7
|Dec precipitation mm = 86.4
|year precipitation mm = 601
|unit precipitation days = 1 mm
|Jan precipitation days = 8.4
|Feb precipitation days = 8.7
|Mar precipitation days = 7.0
|Apr precipitation days = 6.1
|May precipitation days = 4.3
|Jun precipitation days = 1.4
|Jul precipitation days = 0.4
|Aug precipitation days = 1.4
|Sep precipitation days = 4.0
|Oct precipitation days = 5.4
|Nov precipitation days = 9.2
|Dec precipitation days = 8.2
|year precipitation days = 64.5
|Jan humidity = 71
|Feb humidity = 66
|Mar humidity = 65
|Apr humidity = 62
|May humidity = 66
|Jun humidity = 66
|Jul humidity = 67
|Aug humidity = 65
|Sep humidity = 68
|Oct humidity = 66
|Nov humidity = 68
|Dec humidity = 68
|year humidity = 67
|Jan sun = 139.5
|Feb sun = 158.2
|Mar sun = 207.7
|Apr sun = 228.0
|May sun = 300.7
|Jun sun = 300.0
|Jul sun = 353.4
|Aug sun = 325.5
|Sep sun = 267.0
|Oct sun = 198.4
|Nov sun = 153.0
|Dec sun = 145.7
|year sun = 2777.1
|Jand sun = 4.5
|Febd sun = 5.6
|Mard sun = 6.7
|Aprd sun = 7.6
|Mayd sun = 9.7
|Jund sun = 10.0
|Juld sun = 11.4
|Augd sun = 10.5
|Sepd sun = 8.9
|Octd sun = 6.4
|Novd sun = 5.1
|Decd sun = 4.7
|yeard sun = 7.6
|source 1 = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]]<ref name=WMOCLINO>{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230826215631/https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/1.1/data/0-data/Region-1-WMO-Normals-9120/Algeria/CSV/AlgerDarElBeida_60390.csv
| archive-date = 26 August 2023
| url = https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/1.1/data/0-data/Region-1-WMO-Normals-9120/Algeria/CSV/AlgerDarElBeida_60390.csv
| title = Alger Dar-el-Beida Climate Normals 1991–2020
| work = World Meteorological Organization Climatological Standard Normals (1991–2020)
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = 26 August 2023}}</ref>
|source 2 = Arab Meteorology Book (humidity and sun),<ref name=climate>{{cite web
| url = http://extras.springer.com/2007/978-1-4020-4577-6/Book_Shahin_ISBN_9781402045776_Appendix.pdf
| title = Appendix I: Meteorological Data
| publisher = Springer
| access-date = 16 October 2016
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304072830/http://extras.springer.com/2007/978-1-4020-4577-6/Book_Shahin_ISBN_9781402045776_Appendix.pdf
| archive-date = 4 March 2016
| url-status = live
}}</ref> Meteo Climat (record highs and lows)<ref name = meteoclimat>{{cite web
| url = http://meteo-climat-bzh.dyndns.org/index.php?page=stati&id=15
| title = Station Alger
| publisher = Meteo Climat
| language = fr
| access-date = 16 October 2016
| archive-date = 2 February 2021
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210202085212/http://meteo-climat-bzh.dyndns.org/index.php?page=stati&id=15
| url-status = live
}}</ref>
|date=January 2011}}

==== Climate change ====
A 2019 paper published in [[PLOS One]] estimated that under [[Representative Concentration Pathway#RCP 4.5|Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5]], a "moderate" scenario of [[climate change]] where global warming reaches ~{{convert|2.5-3|C-change|F-change}} by 2100, the climate of Algiers in the year 2050 would most closely resemble the current climate of [[Perth]] in Australia. The annual temperature would increase by {{convert|2.6|C-change|F-change}}, and the temperature of the warmest month by {{convert|1.9|C-change|F-change}}, while the temperature of the coldest month would be {{convert|3.8|C-change|F-change}} higher.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bastin |first1=Jean-François |last2=Clark |first2=Emily |last3=Elliott |first3=Thomas |last4=Hart |first4=Simon |last5=van den Hoogen |first5=Johan |last6=Hordijk |first6=Iris |last7=Ma |first7=Haozhi |last8=Majumder |first8=Sabiha |last9=Manoli |first9=Gabriele |last10=Maschler |first10=Julia |last11=Mo |first11=Lidong |last12=Routh |first12=Devin |last13=Yu |first13=Kailiang |last14=Zohner |first14=Constantin M. |last15=Thomas W. |first15=Crowther |title=Understanding climate change from a global analysis of city analogues |journal=PLOS ONE |date=10 July 2019 |volume=14 |issue=7 |at=S2 Table. Summary statistics of the global analysis of city analogues. |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0217592 |pmid=31291249 |pmc=6619606 |bibcode=2019PLoSO..1417592B |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://crowtherlab.pageflow.io/cities-of-the-future-visualizing-climate-change-to-inspire-action |title=Cities of the future: visualizing climate change to inspire action |at=Current vs. future cities |access-date=8 January 2023 |archive-date=8 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108082440/https://crowtherlab.pageflow.io/cities-of-the-future-visualizing-climate-change-to-inspire-action |url-status=dead }}</ref> According to [[Climate Action Tracker]], the current warming trajectory appears consistent with {{convert|2.7|C-change|F-change}}, which closely matches Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP)&nbsp;4.5.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://climateactiontracker.org/global/cat-thermometer/ |title=The CAT Thermometer |access-date=8 January 2023 |archive-date=14 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414131223/https://climateactiontracker.org/global/cat-thermometer/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Moreover, according to the 2022 [[IPCC Sixth Assessment Report]], Algiers is one of 12 major African cities ([[Abidjan]], [[Alexandria]], Algiers, [[Cape Town]], [[Casablanca]], [[Dakar]], [[Dar es Salaam]], [[Durban]], [[Lagos]], [[Lomé]], [[Luanda]] and [[Maputo]]) which would be the most severely affected by the future [[sea level rise]]. It estimates that they would collectively sustain cumulative damages of U$65&nbsp;billion under RCP&nbsp;4.5 and US$86.5&nbsp;billion for the high-emission scenario RCP 8.5 by the year 2050. Additionally, RCP&nbsp;8.5 combined with the hypothetical impact from [[marine ice sheet instability]] at high levels of warming would involve up to US$137.5 billion in damages, while the additional accounting for the "low-probability, high-damage events" may increase aggregate risks to $187 billion for the "moderate" RCP&nbsp;4.5, $206&nbsp;billion for RCP&nbsp;8.5 and $397&nbsp;billion under the high-end ice sheet instability scenario.<ref name="AR6Ch9"/> Since sea level rise would continue for about 10,000 years under every scenario of climate change, future costs of sea level rise would only increase, especially without adaptation measures.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGI_Full_Report.pdf |title=Technical Summary. In: Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change |date=August 2021 |publisher=IPCC |page=TS14 |access-date=12 November 2021 |archive-date=9 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809080054/https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGI_Full_Report.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The Casbah is on a list of 10 African [[World Heritage Site]] most threatened by sea level rise.<ref name="AR6Ch9">Trisos, C.H., I.O. Adelekan, E. Totin, A. Ayanlade, J. Efitre, A. Gemeda, K. Kalaba, C. Lennard, C. Masao, Y. Mgaya, G. Ngaruiya, D. Olago, N.P. Simpson, and S. Zakieldeen 2022: [https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGII_Chapter09.pdf Chapter 9: Africa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206082533/https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGII_Chapter09.pdf |date=6 December 2022 }}. In [https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/ Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228114918/https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/ |date=28 February 2022 }} [H.-O. Pörtner, D.C. Roberts, M. Tignor, E.S. Poloczanska, K. Mintenbeck, A. Alegría, M. Craig, S. Langsdorf, S. Löschke, V. Möller, A. Okem, B. Rama (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, USA, pp. 2043–2121</ref>

==Administration==

===Administrative changes over time===

====During French rule====

In 1830, the city of Algiers was a [[Casbah of Algiers|Casbah]], a fortified city built on the ruins of traders and old civilisations that inhabited the area, but after the French conquest its walls were demolished and the city was expanded into a european side which eventually unified both in 1832 into a municipality.

Following this in 1835 was the creation of 14 additional communes around Algiers,<ref>The rural communes of Pointe Pescade, Bouzareah, Dely Ibrahim, Mustapha, El Biar, Birmandreis, Kadouss, Birkhadem, Kouba, Birtouta, Douera, Dechioumed and Mazafran were delimited by two decrees of the Governor General on 23 April and 23 May 1835  [Lois de l'Algérie, du 5 juillet 1830 (occupation d'Alger) au 1er janvier 1841, Franque Alfred, 1944, pages 238, 339, 240, 250 et 251] [Algeria's Law, from 5 July 1830 (ocuupation of Algiers) until 1 January 1944, pages 238, 339, 240, 250, and 251].</ref> the communes of [[El Biar]] and Mustapha (currently [[Sidi M'Hamed]]) were attached to it before being detached in 1870. In 1904, the commune of Mustapha was definitively integrated into the city of Algiers which was divided into {{nobr|12 districts}} for a total area of 15.64&nbsp;km².

In 1959, Greater Algiers was created with the grouping of 9 municipalities (Algiers, Saint-Eugène, Bouzareah, El Biar, Dely Brahim, Birmendreis, Kouba, Hussein-Dey and Maison-Carrée). This area was divided into {{nobr|10 districts}} and a territory of 186&nbsp;km², it was governed by a general administrator appointed by decree and a municipal council of {{nobr|75 members}}, each district being governed by a deputy mayor.<ref>Décret {{numéro|59-321}} du 24 février 1959 portant organisation de la commune d'Alger - Journal officiel de la République française. (Decree {{nobr|59-321}} of 24 February 1959 on the organization of the commune of Algiers - Official Journal of the French Republic)</ref><ref>Les textes officiels qui régissent l'organisation municipale d'Alger (The official texts which govern the municipal organization of Algiers)[http://www.alger-roi.net/Alger/liberte_mairie/pdf/conseil_municipal_1959.pdf].</ref>

====After Independence====

[[File:Alger 1967 1977 1985.png|thumb|Divisions of the city of Algiers (in red) over time (1959/1967-1977-1985) within the Wilaya of Algiers (in white).]]
The city was maintained until 1967<ref>Décret {{numéro|67-30}} du 27 janvier 1967 portant organisation administrative de la ville d'Alger - Journal officiel de la République algérienne démocratique et populaire. (Decree {{nobr|67-30}} of 27 January 1967 on the administrative organization of the city of Algiers - Official Journal of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria.)</ref> when the role of a general administrator was removed. In 1974, two districts were added ([[Bouzareah]] and [[Bir Mourad Raïs]]).<ref>Décret {{numéro|74-139}} du 12 juillet 1974 fixant les limites territoriales et la composition de la wilaya d'Alger - Journal officiel de la République algérienne démocratique et populaire. (Decree {{nobr|74-139}} of 12 July 1974 establishing the territorial boundaries and composition of the wilaya of Algiers - Official Journal of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria.)</ref> In 1977, the districts became fully-fledged municipalities, but the People's Council of the City of Algiers (CPVA) was created, bringing together the former districts to continue the prerogatives of the former municipality of Algiers.
A new entity was added to the CPVA, namely [[Baraki, Algiers|Baraki]], bringing the total to {{nobr|13 municipalities}}.<ref>Décret {{numéro|77-08}} du 19 février 1977 portant organisation administrative de la ville d'Alger - Journal officiel de la République algérienne démocratique et populaire. (Decree {{nobr|77-08}} of 19 February 1977 on the administrative organization of the city of Algiers - Official Journal of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria.)</ref>

Following the administrative division of 1984, the city was once again reorganized in 1985, increasing to {{nobr|15 communes}}, but the area was divided by three, increasing to 58.5&nbsp;km², by shedding the peripheral territories, to the east around [[El Harrach]], to the west ([[Bouzareah]]) and to the south ([[Bir Mourad Raïs]]). It continued to be managed jointly by the communes and the CPVA, but the latter is placed under the supervision of the [[Wilaya of Algiers|wilaya]].<ref>Décret {{numéro|85-04}} du 12 janvier 1985 portant organisation administrative de la ville d'Alger - Journal officiel de la République algérienne démocratique et populaire. (Decree {{nobr|85-04}} of 12 January 1985 on the administrative organization of the city of Algiers - Official Journal of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria.)</ref>

Since the postponement of the municipal elections of 1989,<ref>Loi {{nobr|89-17}} du 11 décembre 1989, J.O. {{nobr|52}} du 11 décembre 1989, page {{formatnum:1185}}, portant report des élections pour le renouvellement des assemblées populaires communales. (Law {{nobr|89-17}} of 11 December 1989, J.O. {{nobr|52}} of 11 December 1989, page {{formatnum:1185}}, postponing the elections for the renewal of the communal popular assemblies.)</ref> the CPVA ceased to exist. It was first replaced by a ''Provisional Municipal Council of the Urban Agglomeration of Algiers'' (CCPAUA),<ref>Décret exécutif {{numéro|89-232}} du 12 décembre 1989 fixant les modalités de désignation du conseil communal provisoire de l'agglomération urbaine d'Alger et déterminant ses prérogatives - Journal officiel de la République algérienne démocratique et populaire du 13 décembre 1989, pages {{formatnum:1210}} et {{formatnum:1211}}. (Executive Decree {{nobr|89-232}} of 12 December 1989 setting out the terms of appointment of the Provisional Municipal Council of the Urban Agglomeration of Algiers and determining its prerogatives - Official Journal of the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria of 13 December 1989, pages {{formatnum:1210}} and {{formatnum:1211}}.)</ref> but a few a months later, in April 1990, two new laws relating to the [[People's Municipal Assembly|commune]] and the [[wilaya]] were adopted,<ref>Loi {{numéro|90-08}} du 7 avril 1990 Ministère de l'Intérieur, J.O. {{numéro|15}} du 11 avril 1990, page 420, relative à la commune. (Law {{nobr|90-08}} of 7 April 1990 Ministry of the Interior, J.O. {{nobr|15}} of 11 April 1990, page 420, relating to the commune.)</ref> and the ''Urban Coordination Councils of the Wilaya of Algiers'' (CUC) was created,<ref>Décret exécutif {{nobr|90-207}} du 14 juillet 1990, Ministère de l'Intérieur, J.O. {{nobr|29}} du 18 juillet 1990, page 823, portant organisation et fonctionnement des conseils urbains de coordination de la wilaya d'Alger. (Executive Decree {{nobr|90-207}} of 14 July 1990, Ministry of the Interior, J.O. {{nobr|29}} of 18 July 1990, page 823, relating to the organization and operation of the urban coordination councils of the wilaya of Algiers.)</ref> the former municipalities forming the city of Algiers having been grouped under the name "Intercommunal Council of Algiers". From that moment on, the administration of the wilaya definitively replaced that of the city. Thus, the technical departments and services linked to the CPVA were placed under the supervision of the Wilaya before becoming ''Public Industrial and Commercial Establishment in Algeria'' (EPIC).

In 1997, after expanding to include 24 new municipalities, the [[Wilaya of Algiers]] was granted a special status and became the "Governorate of Greater Algiers" (GGA), headed by a minister-governor, in this case [[Cherif Rahmani]]. It would be organized into {{nobr|28 urban communes}}, called urban districts, and into {{nobr|29 simple communes}}.<ref>Ordonnance {{nobr|97-15}} du 31 mai 1997 fixant le statut particulier du Grand Gouvernorat d'Alger - Journal officiel de la République algérienne démocratique et populaire du 4 juin 1997, page 5. (Ordinance {{nobr|97-15}} of 31 May 1997 establishing the special status of the Grand Governorate of Algiers - Official Journal of the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria of 4 June 1997, page 5.)</ref> This new status did not last long, since in 2000, the GGA was dissolved, having been deemed unconstitutional.<ref>Ordonnance {{nobr|2000-01}} du 1 mars 2000 Présidence de la République, J.O. {{nobr|9}} du 2 mars 2000, page 3, relative à l'administration de la wilaya d'Alger et des communes qui en dépendent consécutivement à la décision du conseil constitutionnel {{nobr|02}}/do/cc/2000 du 22 Dhou El Kaada 1420 correspondant au 27 février 2000 relative à la constitutionnalité de l'ordonnance {{nobr|97}}-15 du 24 Moharram 1418 correspondant au 31 mai 1997 fixant le Statut particulier du gouvernorat du Grand-Alger. (Order {{nobr|2000-01}} of 1 March 2000 Presidency of the Republic, J.O. {{nobr|9}} of 2 March 2000, page 3, relating to the administration of the wilaya of Algiers and the municipalities which depend on it following the decision of the Constitutional Council {{nobr|02}}/do/cc/2000 of 22 Dhou El Kaada 1420 corresponding to 27 February 2000 relating to the constitutionality of Ordinance {{nobr|97}}-15 of 24 Moharram 1418 corresponding to 31 May 1997 establishing the Special Status of the governorate of Greater Algiers.)</ref>

===Districts of Algiers===
[[File:Districts and municipalities of Algiers (city) within Algiers province.svg|thumb|{{legend|#F99C8F|1. [[Sidi M'Hamed District]]}}{{legend|#85B685|2. [[Bab El Oued District]]}}{{legend|#b5d3d3|3. [[Hussein Dey District]]}}{{legend|#d3b5b7|4. [[El Harrach District]]}}{{legend|#f5f593|5. [[Bir Mourad Raïs District]]}}{{legend|#d3b5b7|6. [[Bouzaréah District]]}}
{{legend|#b5d3b5|7. [[Dar El Beïda District]]}}
{{legend|#a9a9a9|8. [[Draria District]]}}
{{legend|#eaca9e|9. [[Chéraga District]]}}{{legend|#d3d3b5|10. [[Baraki District]]}}]]
The city of Algiers spans 10 of the 13 districts of the [[Province of Algiers|province]], which are:

====Immediate urban districts====

'''Sidi M'Hamed''', located on the eastern shores of the bay, it is the geographically smallest and most densely populated district. The district is known for its numerous architectural styles ranging from [[Moorish revival|moorish]] and [[Baroque Revival architecture|Baroque]], to [[modern architecture|modern]] and [[moderne architecture|moderne]] styles, emphasising the city's stance as a melting-pot for architectural experimentation. It contains the most well-known landmarks such as [[Maqam Echahid]], [[Grande Poste d'Alger|Central Postal Office]], [[Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur d'Alger|Sacred Heart Cathedral]], the [[Government Palace (Algiers)|Government Palace]], El Aurassi Hotel, [[Aérohabitat]] residency, [[Ministry of Culture and Arts (Algeria)|the Cultural Palace]], [[Bardo National Museum (Algiers)|Bardo Museum]] and [[University of Algiers 1]]. Sidi M'Hamed has always been the hub for expression, and chants for change; after all it has witnessed the [[Battle of Algiers (1956–1957)|Battle of Algiers]], the [[1988 October Riots|mass riots of 1988]], mass protests from 1990/1991 leading up into the [[Algerian Civil War]], a result of a political and societal crisis, [[Hirak (Algeria)|Hirak Echaabi]] in 2019.

The district is serviced by various modes of Transport, 3 [[commuter rail]] stations, one of which is the Algiers Central Train Station "Agha", 5 [[Algiers Metro|Metro]] stations, 2 [[Gondola lift]] lines are planned, Algiers' Maritime Terminal, and the Port of Algiers (among the biggest [[ports]] of the country). [[Public Establishment of Television|Algerian Television (EPTV)]], the Algerian Radio, the [[Bank of Algeria]], ''Algiers Financial City'' (AFC) (construction haulted) are based in Sidi M'Hamed.

The district houses both chambers of the [[Algerian parliament]], the Headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic, the Headquarters of the [[Republican Guard (Algeria)|Republican Guard]], and ministries of [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Algeria)|Foreign Affairs]], Culture,  [[Ministry of Water Resources and Environment|Environment and Quality of Life]], Youth and Sports, "Knowledge Economy, Startups And Micro Entreprises", "Interior, Local Authorities and Regional Planning"; As well as the Atomic Energy Commission. As well as housing the Province's House.

'''Bab El Oued''', located on the northern part of downtown facing the Mediterranean, it is a district associated with modest living and lively streets, and is widely seen as lower to middle-class. The historic center of the city, [[Casbah of Algiers|Casbah]] is a primary representation of its vibes, from Square Port-Saïd and Martyrs' Square that lead to Algiers' biggest markets and museums, which reflect the region's rich history and culture, as well as old religious diversity of Judaism, Islam and [[Catholic Christianity]], to Landmarks that include the Roman ruins near the [[Algiers metro|Metro]] [[Place des Martyrs Metro Station|Station]] and [[Palais des Rais|Rais' Palace]], [[Dar Hassan Pacha]], [[Palace of the Dey]], and "Climat de France", a housing project developed by the French; the [[Great Synagogue of Algiers]], [[Basilica of Our Lady of Africa]], and [[Ketchaoua Mosque]]; which affirms the architectural diversity of Algiers. The district finds [[Chaabi (Algeria)|Chaabi]] and Algerian pop culture to be an integrated part of its identity and culture; Added to that are its immense contributions to the war for independance and resistance against the colonial regime that included the events of the [[Battle of Algiers (1956–1957)|Battle of Algiers]].

This district is serviced by 2 Metro stations with 3 additional ones under construction, it also has 3 Gondola lift lines (The "Our Lady Africa" line is out of service) with an additional one planned, and access to the Port of Algiers in its historic side.

The district is also home to the [[Ministry of National Defense (Algeria)|MND]], "DGSN", and the Public Treasury.

'''Hussein Dey''' is located east of Oued El Harrach, it administers 5 major neighbourhoods from [[Belouizdad, Algiers|Belouizdad]] to [[Kouba, Algeria|Kouba]], it is the hub of the [[MC Alger|MCA]] and [[CR Belouizdad|CRB]] football clubs, the most popular ones in the country.
Belouizdad, Tripoli, and El Magharia are regarded as lower to middle-class neighbourhoods and have largely contributed to Algerian pop culture and [[Chaabi (Algeria)|Chaabi]] while Kouba, Jolie Vue, and Garidi 1/2 are more middle to upper-middle class neighbourhoods.

The district is home to the [[Botanical Garden Hamma]], the Sablettes Promenade, [[National Library of Algeria|National Library]], Abdul Latif House, a section of El Harrach Urban Park (under construction), The Great African Museum of Algiers (Planned), the Liberty Trail (under construction), Urban Skate Park Hamma (under construction).

Hussein Dey has the main [[intercity bus service|Inter-wilaya/Inter-city bus]] and Inter-wilaya/Inter-city taxi terminals of Algier (Kherrouba), and is serviced by 4 commuter rail stations, 6 Metro stations (1 transfer [[Haï El Badr Station|station]], 8 [[Algiers tramway|Tramway]] stations (Additional station is planned according to the extension plans for [[Algiers Tram|Line 1]]), 3 Gondola lift lines (One in service, a new line is planned, modifications are planned for the out-of service line), and Sablettes' Marina and Tourism Port.

The district houses the Algiers Provincial Court, ANAAT, [[sonelgaz|SONELGAZ]], SEAAL, ''Algiers Matro Expoitation Society'' (SEMA), and International Press Center headquarters, the Faculty of Islamic Sciences - [[University of Algiers 1|Algiers 1]], Ministries of "[[Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments (Algeria)|Religious Affairs and Endowments]]", "[[Ministry of Water Resources and Environment|Water Resources and Water Security (Hydraulics)]]".
The new Algerian Parliament buildings will be based here according to plans.
* [[El Harrach]], a suburb of Algiers, is located about {{convert|10|km|0|abbr=off}} to the east of the city.
* The communes of [[Hydra, Algiers|Hydra]], [[Ben Aknoun]], [[El-Biar]] and [[Bouzaréah]] form what the inhabitants of Algiers call the "Heights of Algiers". These communes shelter the majority of the foreign embassies of Algiers, of many ministries and university centres, which makes it one of the administrative and policy centres of the country.

==Local architecture==
[[File:At night in Algiers, Algeria.jpg|thumb|Algiers at night]]
[[File:Jardin d’essai du hamma , Alger.jpg|thumb|Botanical Garden Hamma]]
{{Further|List of mosques in Algeria}}
There are many public buildings of interest, including the whole [[Kasbah]] quarter, Martyrs Square (''Sahat ech-Chouhada'' ساحة الشهداء), the government offices (formerly the British consulate), the "[[Djamaa el Kebir|Grand]]", "[[Djamaa el Djedid|New]]", and [[Ketchaoua Mosque|Ketchaoua]] Mosques, the [[Roman Catholic]] cathedral of [[Notre Dame d'Afrique]], the [[Bardo National Museum of Prehistory and Ethnography|Bardo Museum]], the old ''Bibliothèque Nationale d'Alger''—a [[Moorish architecture|Moorish palace]] built in 1799–1800 and the new [[National Library of Algeria|National Library]], built in a style reminiscent of the [[British Library]].

The main building in the Kasbah was begun in 1516 on the site of an older building, and served as the palace of the deys until the French conquest. A road has been cut through the centre of the building, the mosque turned into [[barracks]], and the hall of audience allowed to fall into ruin. There still remains a [[minaret]] and some marble arches and columns. Traces exist of the vaults in which were stored the treasures of the dey.{{sfn|Chisholm|1911|p=654}}

[[Djamaa el Kebir]] (''Jamaa-el-Kebir'' الجامع الكبير) is the oldest mosque in Algiers. It was first built by [[Yusuf ibn Tashfin]], but reconstructed many times. The pulpit (''[[minbar]]'' منبر) bears an inscription showing that the building existed in 1097. The minaret was built by the sultan of [[Tlemcen]], in 1324.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.wdl.org/en/item/8764/ |title = Fountain in Mosque of El Kebir, Algiers, Algeria |website = [[World Digital Library]] |year = 1899 |access-date = 24 September 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130927125712/http://www.wdl.org/en/item/8764/ |archive-date = 27 September 2013 |url-status = live }}</ref> The interior of the mosque is square and is divided into aisles by columns joined by [[Moors|Moorish]] arches.{{sfn|Chisholm|1911|p=654}}

The [[Djamaa el Djedid|New Mosque]] (''Jamaa-el-Jedid'' الجامع الجديد), dating from the 17th century, is in the form of a [[Greek cross]], surmounted by a large white cupola, with four small cupolas at the corners. The minaret is {{convert|27|m|0}} high. The interior resembles that of the Grand Mosque.{{sfn|Chisholm|1911|p=654}}

The church of the Holy Trinity (built in 1870) stands at the southern end of the ''rue d'Isly'' near the site of the demolished Fort Bab Azoun باب عزون. The interior is richly decorated with various coloured marbles. Many of these marbles contain memorial inscriptions relating to the British residents (voluntary and involuntary) of Algiers from the time of John Tipton, the first English consul, in 1580 (NB Some sources give 1585). One tablet records that in 1631 two Algerine pirate crews landed in Ireland, sacked [[Baltimore, County Cork|Baltimore]], and enslaved its inhabitants.{{sfn|Chisholm|1911|p=654}}
[[File:Ketchaoua Mosque - Architectural and Cultural Heritage of the Casbah of Algiers 3.jpg|left|thumb|The Ketchaoua Mosque]]
[[File:Algiers new mosque 1.jpg|thumb|right | Mosque in the City of Algiers.]]

The [[Ketchaoua Mosque]] (''Djamaa Ketchaoua'' جامع كتشاوة), at the foot of the Casbah, was before independence in 1962 the cathedral of St Philippe, itself made in 1845 from a mosque dating from 1612. The principal entrance, reached by a flight of 23 steps, is ornamented with a [[portico]] supported by four black-veined marble columns. The roof of the nave is of [[Moorish Empire|Moorish]] [[plaster]] work. It rests on a series of arcades supported by white marble columns. Several of these columns belonged to the original mosque. In one of the chapels was a tomb containing the bones of [[Geronimo (martyr)|Geronimo]].{{sfn|Chisholm|1911|p=654}} The building seems a curious blend of Moorish and [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] styles.

Algiers possesses a college with schools of law, medicine, science and letters. The college buildings are large and handsome. The [[Bardo National Museum (Algiers)|Bardo Museum]] holds some of the ancient sculptures and mosaics discovered in Algeria, together with medals and Algerian money.{{sfn|Chisholm|1911|p=654}}

The port of Algiers is sheltered from all winds. There are two harbours, both artificial—the old or northern harbour and the southern or Agha harbour. The northern harbour covers an area of {{convert|95|ha|acre|0}}. An opening in the south [[jetty]] affords an entrance into Agha harbour, constructed in Agha Bay. Agha harbour has also an independent entrance on its southern side. The inner harbour was begun in 1518 by [[Khair-ad-Din Barbarossa]] (see History, below), who, to accommodate his pirate vessels, caused the island on which was Fort Penon to be connected with the mainland by a [[mole (architecture)|mole]]. The lighthouse which occupies the site of [[Fort Penon]] was built in 1544.{{sfn|Chisholm|1911|p=654}}

Algiers was a walled city from the time of the deys until the close of the 19th century. The French, after their occupation of the city (1830), built a [[Defensive wall|rampart]], [[parapet]] and [[ditch (fortification)|ditch]], with two terminal forts, [[Bab Azoun]] باب عزون to the south and [[Bab-el-Oued]] اد to the north. The forts and part of the ramparts were demolished at the beginning of the 20th century, when a line of forts occupying the heights of [[Bouzaréah]] بوزريعة (at an elevation of {{convert|396|m|0}} above the sea) took their place.{{sfn|Chisholm|1911|p=654}}

[[Notre Dame d'Afrique]], a church built (1858–1872) in a mixture of the [[Roman Empire|Roman]] and [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] styles, is conspicuously situated overlooking the sea, on the shoulder of the [[Bouzaréah]] hills, {{convert|3|km|0|abbr=on}}
to the north of the city. Above the altar is a statue of the [[Mary, the mother of Jesus|Virgin]] depicted as a black woman. The church also contains a solid silver statue of the [[archangel Michael]], belonging to the confraternity of [[Naples|Neapolitan]] fishermen.{{sfn|Chisholm|1911|p=655}}

[[Villa Abd-el-Tif]], former residence of the [[dey]], was used during the French period, to accommodate French artists, chiefly painters, and winners of the [[Abd-el-Tif prize]], among whom [[Maurice Boitel]], for a while of two years. Nowadays, Algerian artists are back in the villa's studios.

===Monuments===
[[File:Right side vue of the notre dame d'afrique basilica.jpg|alt=Basilica of Our Lady of Africa|thumb|Basilica of Our Lady of Africa – Algiers]]
[[File:Le monument des martyrs.jpg|thumb|The Monument of the Martyrs (Maquam E'chahid)]]
[[File:The Great Post Office.jpg|thumb|Grand Post Office]]
* [[Notre Dame d'Afrique]], accessible by one [[Aerial tramway|cable car]], is one of the city's most outstanding monuments: located in the district of Z' will ghara, the basilica was built around 1858.
* [[Monument des Martyrs]] (''Marquand E' chahid''): an iconic concrete monument commemorating the [[Algerian War|Algerian war for independence]]. The monument was opened in 1982 on the 20th anniversary of Algeria's independence. It 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.
[[File:Algiers mosque.jpg|thumb|left|upright|The El Jedid mosque at the Place des Martyrs]]
* The El Jedid mosque at the Place des Martyrs near the port.
* Place of the Emir Abdelkader (formerly [[Thomas-Robert Bugeaud|Bugeaud]]): in memory of the famous emir [[Abd al-Qadir al-Jaza'iri|Abd El-Kader]], resistant during [[French conquest of Algeria]].
* Grand Post Office (1910, by [[Voinot]] and [[Tondoire]]): construction of the neo-Moorish type which is in full centre town of Algiers.
* The Jardin d'essai (''Garden of Test''; ''El-Hamma''): situated in the east of Algiers, it extends over {{convert|80|ha|acre|0}} and contains exotic plants and gardens. It was created in 1832 by A. Hardy.
* Villa Abd-el-Hair, with the top of the Garden of test, one of the old residences of the dey, where until 1962, were placed the artists prizes winner of [[Price Abd-el-Hair]], and in particular [[Maurice Boitel]] and [[Andre Hamburg]].
* Citadel.
* Riadh El-Feth (shopping centre and art gallery).
* [[Ketchaoua Mosque]] (This mosque became the Saint-Philippe cathedral during colonization before becoming again a mosque).
* [[National Library of Algeria|National Library]], is in the district of El HAMMA and was built in the 1990s.
* [[Djamaa el Kebir]] at the [[Rue de la Marine]]. It is the oldest mosque of Algiers and was built during the reign of the [[Almoravid]] sultan [[Yusuf ibn Tashfin]].
* [[Palais des Rais|Le Bastion 23 – Palais des Rais]], built in 1576 by Dey Ramdhan Pacha and located in the lower Casbah in the Bab El Oued neighborhood.

==Demographics==
{{Update section|date=July 2023}}
{|  style="float: right; border:1"
|-
! style="background:#efefef;" | Year
! style="background:#efefef;" | Population
|-
| 1977 (Census) || style="text-align:right;"| 1,523,000<ref name="citypopulation.de">{{Cite web |url=http://citypopulation.de/Algeria-Cities.html |title=Algeria: Provinces & Major Cities – Population Statistics, Maps, Charts, Weather and Web Information |access-date=28 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001025954/http://citypopulation.de/Algeria-Cities.html |archive-date=1 October 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| 1987 (Census) || style="text-align:right;"| 1,507,241<ref name="citypopulation.de"/>
|-
| 1998 (Census) || style="text-align:right;"| 2,086,212<ref name="citypopulation.de"/>
|-
| 2008 (Census) || style="text-align:right;"| 2,364,230<ref name="citypopulation.de"/>
|}

As of 2012, Algiers has a population of about 3,335,418.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gadm&lng=en&dat=32&geo=-66&srt=npan&col=aohdq |title=Algiers in the World Gazetteer |publisher=World-gazetteer.com |access-date=27 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930225838/http://www.world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gadm&lng=en&dat=32&geo=-66&srt=npan&col=aohdq |archive-date=30 September 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The ethnic distribution is 53% from an Arabic-speaking background, 44% from a Berber-speaking background and 3% foreign-born.

==Economy==
[[File:Ministerefinacealger.jpg|thumb|Ministry of Finance of Algeria]]
Algiers is an important economic, commercial and financial center, with a stock exchange capitalized at 60 million euros. Algiers contributes to 20% of Algeria's GDP (51 Billions $ in 2024.) The city has the highest cost of living of any city in North Africa, as well as the 50th highest worldwide, as of March 2007, having gained one position compared to the previous year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mercerhr.com/costofliving |title=MERCER Human Resources Consulting – Moscow tops Mercer's cost of living list; London is close behind |publisher=Mercerhr.com |access-date=27 June 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100701021708/http://www.mercerhr.com/costofliving| archive-date= 1 July 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref>

Mohamed Ben Ali El Abbar, president of the Council of Administration of the Emirate Group EMAAR, presented five "megaprojects" to Algerian President [[Abdelaziz Bouteflika]], during a ceremony which took place Saturday, 15 July, in the [[People's Palace (Algiers)|People's Palace]] of Algiers. These projects will transform the city of Algiers and its surroundings by equipping them with a retail area and restoration and leisure facilities.

The first project will concentrate on the reorganization and the development of the infrastructures of the railway station "Aga" located in the downtown area. The ultramodern station intended to accommodate more than 80.000 passengers per day, will become a centre of circulation in the heart of the grid system, surrounded by commercial offices and buildings and hotels intended for travellers in transit. A shopping centre and three high-rise office buildings rising with the top of the commercial zone will accompany the project.

The second project will not relate to the bay of Algiers and aims to revitalize the sea front. The development of the {{convert|44|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} sea front will include marinas, channels, luxury hotels, offices, apartments of great standing, luxury stores and leisure amenities. A crescent-shaped peninsula will be set up on the open sea. The project of the bay of Algiers will also comprise six small islands, of which four of round form, connected to each other by bridges and marinas and will include tourist and residential complexes.
[[File:Alger Tunnel-des-Facultes - Place-Maurice-Audin IMG 0236.JPG|thumb|left|[[Air Algérie]] head office in Place [[Maurice Audin|Audin]] near the [[University of Algiers]], in Alger-Centre]]
The third project will relate to restructuring an area of Algiers, qualified by the originators of the project of "city of wellness". El Abbar indicated to the journalists that the complex would be "agreeable for all those which will want to combine tourism and well-being or tourism and relaxation". The complex will include a university, a research center and a medical centre. It should also include a hospital complex, a care centre, a hotel zone, an urban centre and a thermal spa with villas and apartments. The university will include a medical school and a school for care male nurses which will be able to accommodate 500 students. The university campus will have the possibility of seeing setting up broad ranges of buildings of research laboratories and residences.

Another project relates to technological implantation of a campus in Sidi Abdellah, {{convert|25|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} south-east from Algiers. This {{convert|90|ha|acre|0|}} site will include shopping centres, residential zones with high standard apartments and a golf course surrounded by villas and hotels. Two other residential zones, including 1.800 apartments and 40 high standard villas, will be built on the surrounding hills.

The fifth project is that of the tourist complex Colonel Abbès, which will be located {{convert|25|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} west from Algiers. This complex will include several retail zones, meeting places, and residential zones composed of apartments and villas with views of the sea.<ref>{{cite book |title=The report 2008 : Algeria. |publisher=Oxford Business Group |isbn=978-1-902339-09-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zPz9FHXJVLUC&q=Colonel+Abbes++tourist+complex&pg=PA32 |language=en |year=2008 |access-date=1 October 2020 |archive-date=21 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521144613/https://books.google.com/books?id=zPz9FHXJVLUC&q=Colonel+Abbes++tourist+complex&pg=PA32#v=snippet&q=Colonel%20Abbes%20%20tourist%20complex&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref>

There is another project under construction, by the name of Algiers Medina. The first step of the project is nearly complete.

A [[Hewlett-Packard]] office for French-speaking countries in Africa is in Algiers.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://welcome.hp.com/gms/emea_africa/en/contact/office_locs.html |title=HP Office locations |publisher=Welcome.hp.com |access-date=27 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090928005628/http://welcome.hp.com/gms/emea_africa/en/contact/office_locs.html |archive-date=28 September 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Tourist attractions==

Algiers has many tourist attractions, the most notable of which are [[Algiers Opera House]], the [[Algerian National Theater Mahieddine Bachtarzi]], [[Bardo National Museum (Algiers)]], the [[National Museum of Fine Arts of Algiers]], The [[National Museum of Antiquities and Islamic Art]]; the "National Museum of Miniatures, Illumination and Calligraphy" located inside of [[Dar Mustapha Pacha]]; "[[Palais des Rais]]"; Algerian Admiralty Museum; the Central Military Museum adjacent to [[Maqam Echahid]] (Martyrs Memorial), a breathtaking [[monument]] that sits above the Martyrs National Museum. Other [[landmark]]s include [[Djamaa el Djazaïr]], the 3rd biggest [[mosque]] in the world; [[Botanical Garden Hamma]]; Culture Palace Moufdi Zakaria; [[Grande Poste d'Alger]], located adjacent to [[Kilometre zero]]; [[Ketchaoua Mosque]]; [[Notre-Dame d'Afrique]]; [[Emir Abdelkader]] Square as well as Martyr's Square. The city also contains a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]], the [[Casbah of Algiers|Casbah]] or citadel,<ref>[[UNESCO]], [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/565 ''Decision Text''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901172242/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/565 |date=1 September 2022 }}, World Heritage Centre, retrieved 21 July 2017.</ref> that is a prominent example of [[Casbah]] and Medina.

[[File:Algeri08.jpg|thumb|Panorama of the city as seen from [[Bologhine]] district]]

[[File:Algiers in the morning.jpg|thumb|Morning view of Algiers]]

Some {{convert|20|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} to the west of Algiers are such seaside resorts as [[Sidi-Ferruch|Sidi Fredj]] (ex-Sidi Ferruch), [[Palm Beach (Algeria)|Palm Beach]], [[Douaouda]], [[Zéralda]], and the ''Club of the Pines'' (residence of State); there are tourist complexes, Algerian and other restaurants, souvenir shops, supervised beaches, and other amenities. The city is also equipped with important hotel complexes such as the hotel Hilton, El-Aurassi or El Djazair. Algiers also has the first [[water park]] in the country. The [[tourism]] of Algiers is growing but is not as developed as that of the larger cities in [[Morocco]] or [[Tunisia]].

==Education==
{{expand section|date=January 2017}}

The presence of a large diplomatic community in Algiers prompted the creation of multiple international educational institutions. These schools include :
* [[American International School of Algiers]];
* British School Algiers
* El Kalimat School (English-language school);
* [[Lycée International Alexandre-Dumas|Lycée International Alexandre-Dumas d'Alger]] (French school);
* Roma Italian School of Algiers;
* Russian Embassy School in Algiers.

There was formerly the École japonaise d'Alger (アルジェ日本人学校 ''Aruje Nihonjin Gakkō''), a [[Nihonjin gakko|school for Japanese children]].<ref>Kobori, Iwao (Conseiller aupres del'Universite des Nations Unies). "[http://www.japan-algeria-center.jp/andalg/fr/andalg20010705f.html L'Algerie et moi]" ( {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150116182909/http://www.japan-algeria-center.jp/andalg/fr/andalg20010705f.html |date=16 January 2015 }}). Japan-Algeria Center. Retrieved on 16 January 2015.</ref><ref>"[http://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/clarinet/002/1338806.htm 過去に指定・認定していた在外教育施設]" ( {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150115030344/http://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/clarinet/002/1338806.htm |date=15 January 2015 }}). [[Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology]]. Retrieved on 15 January 2015.</ref>

==Infrastructure==
[[File:Metro, suburban train and tramway map of Algiers.png|thumb|left|Public transport of Algiers]]

===Transport===
* [[ETUSA]] (urban and suburban bus transportation for Algiers) operates bus service in Algiers and the surrounding suburbs. 54 lines are operating, with service from 5:30&nbsp;a.m. to 12:45&nbsp;a.m.
[[File:Station Tafourah - Grande Poste - 2025-05-03 - IMG 135.jpg|thumb|257x257px|Algiers metro]]

==== Railways ====
Opened on 1 November 2011, [[Algiers Metro]] is the city's rapid transit system (Metro) that is currently servicing 5 districts of the city (Bab El Oued, Sidi M'Hamed, Hussein Dey, El Harrach, Bir Mourad Raïs) by Line 1 providing 19 stations with a total length of 18.5&nbsp;km. It has played a vital role in easing traffic congestions and transit demand and connectivity in urbansised Algiers from downtown to neighbourhoods in the western and southern areas of the city.
[[File:Coradia ZZe-03, Gare de l'Agha 2023.jpg|thumb|Coradia from SNTF ]]
[[SNTF]] (national railroad company) operates commuter-rail lines connecting the capital to the surrounding suburbs.

The city is serviced by a large network of [[Limited-access road|expressway]]s, [[highways]], [[trunk roads]], and even
* [[Algiers tramway]], opened on 8 May 2011.
* [[Houari Boumediene Airport]] is located {{convert|20|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} from the city. The airport serves domestics, many European cities, West Africa, the Middle East, Asia and North America. On 5 July 2006, a new international air terminal was opened for service. The terminal is managed by [[Aéroports de Paris]].

4 urban beltways:
* El Madania – Belouizdad
* Notre Dame d'Afrique – Bologhine
* Memorial des Martyres/Riad el Feth – Jardin d'essais
* Palais de la culture – Oued Kniss

==Sports==
Algiers is the sporting centre of [[Algeria]]. The city has a number of professional clubs in the variety of sports, which have won national and international titles. Among the sports facilities within the city, there is an enormous sporting complex – Complex of OCO – [[Mohamed Boudiaf]]. This includes the [[Stade 5 Juillet 1962]] (capacity {{Formatnum:64000}}), a venue for [[Sport of athletics|athletics]], an Olympic [[swimming pool]], a multisports room (the Cupola), an 18-hole golf course, and several tennis courts.
[[File:Stade 5 Juillet 1962.jpg|thumb|473x473px|Stade 5 Juillet 1962]]
The following major sporting events have been held in Algiers (not-exhaustive list):
{{div col|content=
* [[Mediterranean Games]] 1975.
* [[All-Africa Games]] 1978, 2007.
* [[1990 African Cup of Nations|African Cup of Nations 1990]].
* [[African Handball Nations Championship]] 1989, 2001.
* [[Pan Arab Games]] 2004.
* [[FIBA Africa Championship]] 2005.
* [[Boys' U19 Volleyball World Championship|Men's U19 World Championship]] 2005.
}}

===Football clubs===
Major [[association football]] club based in Algiers include:

{{div col|content=
* [[MC Alger]]
* [[CR Belouizdad]]
* [[USM Alger]]
}}

==International relations==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Africa#Algeria|l1=List of twin towns and sister cities in Algeria}}
{{More citations needed section|date=June 2015}}

===Twin towns – sister cities===
Algiers is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* {{flagicon|Canada}} [[Montreal]], Canada<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www11.ville.montreal.qc.ca/sherlock2/servlet/template/sherlock%2CAfficherDocumentInternet.vm/nodocument/20146;jsessionid=24C10045060CDD0AA23BD919B260FD0F|title=Sherlock, banque d'information de la Ville de Montréal|publisher=1.ville.montreal.qc.ca|access-date=27 June 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223231510/http://www11.ville.montreal.qc.ca/sherlock2/servlet/template/sherlock%2CAfficherDocumentInternet.vm/nodocument/20146%3Bjsessionid%3D24C10045060CDD0AA23BD919B260FD0F|archive-date=23 February 2009 }}</ref>
* {{#invoke:flag|icon|BRA}} [[Caruaru]], [[Brazil]]<ref name="cities">[https://pt.scribd.com/document/742344591/smartproxy-cities Surakarta-Algiers Sister City Relations]</ref>
* {{flagicon|Bulgaria}} [[Sofia]], Bulgaria<ref>{{cite web|title=Градина "Алжир" – София|url=https://opoznai.bg/view/gradina-aljir-sofiia|website=opoznai.bg|language=bg|date=19 June 2015|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519063528/https://opoznai.bg/view/gradina-aljir-sofiia|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{div col end}}
In addition, many of the wards and cities within Algiers maintain sister-city relationships with other foreign cities.

===Cooperation agreements===
Algiers has cooperation agreements with:
* [[Lisbon]], Portugal<ref name="Lisbon twinnings">{{cite web|url=http://www.anmp.pt/anmp/pro/mun1/gem101l0.php?cod_ent=M1100|title=Lisboa – Geminações de Cidades e Vilas|access-date=23 August 2013|work=Associação Nacional de Municípios Portugueses [National Association of Portuguese Municipalities]|language=pt|trans-title=Lisbon – Twinning of Cities and Towns|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201175323/http://www.anmp.pt/anmp/pro/mun1/gem101l0.php?cod_ent=M1100|archive-date=1 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Lisbon twinnings 2">{{cite web|url=http://www.cm-lisboa.pt/municipio/relacoes-internacionais |title=Acordos de Geminação, de Cooperação e/ou Amizade da Cidade de Lisboa |access-date=23 August 2013 |work=Camara Municipal de Lisboa |language=pt |trans-title=Lisbon – Twinning Agreements, Cooperation and Friendship |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031202617/http://www.cm-lisboa.pt/municipio/relacoes-internacionais |archive-date=31 October 2013 }}</ref>
* [[Paris]], France<ref>{{cite web|url=http://next.paris.fr/english/paris-a-city-with-an-international-profile/international-action-cooperation/friendship-and-cooperation-agreements/rub_8139_stand_29940_port_18784 |title=Friendship and cooperation agreements |publisher=Marie de Paris |location=Paris |access-date=10 September 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701024003/http://next.paris.fr/english/paris-a-city-with-an-international-profile/international-action-cooperation/friendship-and-cooperation-agreements/rub_8139_stand_29940_port_18784 |archive-date=1 July 2016 }}</ref>

==Films about Algiers==
[[File:Battle-of-Algiers-screenshot.jpg|thumb|''[[The Battle of Algiers]]'' (1966), Italian-Algerian movie by [[Gillo Pontecorvo]].]]
* ''[[Algiers (1938 film)|Algiers]]'', 1938, starring Charles Boyer and Hedy Lamarr, and directed by [[John Cromwell (director)|John Cromwell]];
* ''[[The Battle of Algiers]]'', 1966, directed by [[Gillo Pontecorvo]];
* ''Tahya ya Didou, Alger Insolite'', 1970, Mohammed Zinet;
* ''[[Bab El-Oued City]]'', 1994, directed by [[Merzak Allouache]];
* ''Viva Laldjérie'', 2003, directed by Nadir Moknèche, with [[Biyouna]] and [[Lubna Azabal]];
* ''Bab el Web'', 2004, directed by Merzak Allouache, with [[Samy Naceri]], [[Julie Gayet]], [[Faudel]];
* ''Once upon a time in the Oued'', 2005, directed by Djamel Bensalah;
* ''Beur, White, Red'', 2005, directed by Mahmoud Zemmouri.
* ''[[Délice Paloma]]'', 2007, directed by Nadir Moknèche, with [[Biyouna]] and Nadia Kaci.
* ''[[Abbott and Costello in the Foreign Legion]]'', 1950, starring Bud Abbott and Lou Costello.
* ''[[Carry On Spying]]'' 1964, directed by [[Gerald Thomas]] with [[Kenneth Williams]], [[Charles Hawtrey (actor, born 1914)|Charles Hawtrey]], [[Barbara Windsor]] & [[Renée Houston]]

==Notable people==
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
{{columns-list|colwidth=35em|
* [[Abd al-Rahman al-Tha'alibi|Sidi Abd al-Rahman al-Tha'alibi]], 15th-century theologian and sufi.
* [[Ahmed Zouaoui|Sidi Ahmed Zouaoui]], 15th-century theologian and sufi.
* [[Raphael Zeror]] (1681–1737), Algerian rabbi<ref>{{Jewish Encyclopedia|article=Ẓeror, Raphael Jedidiah Solomon ben Jeshua|url=https://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/15250-zeror-raphael-jedidiah-solomon-ben-jeshua|first1= Joseph|last1=Jacobs|first2=M.|last2=Seligsohn|volume=12|page=662}}</ref>
* [[Sidi M'hamed Bou Qobrine]], 18th-century theologian and sufi.
* [[Mohamed ben Zamoum]], 19th-century resistant against French colonization.
* [[Khalid ibn Hashim]], 19th-20th-century resistant against French colonization.
* [[Albert Camus]] 20th-century Nobel Laureate
* [[Abdelhalim Bensmaia]], 20th-century scholar, reformist, humanist and musician.
* [[Lyès Deriche]], 20th-century leader of the Algerian national political movement.
* [[Brahim Boushaki]], 20th-century theologian and sufi.
* [[Ali La Pointe]], 20th-century militant of the Algerian national political movement.
* [[Mohamed Aïchaoui]], 20th-century militant of the Algerian national political movement.
* [[Mohamed Seghir Boushaki]], 20th-century leader of the Algerian national political movement.
* [[El Hadj M'Hamed El Anka]], 20th-century artist.
* [[Ahmed Mahsas]], 20th-century leader of the Algerian national political movement.
* [[Hocine Mezali]], 20th-21st-century journalist and writer.
* [[Djamila Bouhired]], 20th-century militant of the Algerian national political movement.
* [[Hassiba Ben Bouali]], 20th-century militant of the Algerian national political movement.
* [[Mohamed Belouizdad]], 20th-century leader of the Algerian national political movement against the French.
* [[Djamila Boupacha]], 20th-century militant of the Algerian national political movement.
* [[Mohamed Bencheneb]], 20th-century professor, writer and historian.
* [[Mourad Didouche]], 20th-century leader of the Algerian national political movement.
* [[Islam Slimani]], footballer
* [[Ali Haroun]], 20th-century politician and lawyer.
* [[Mohamed Missouri]], 20th-century boxer and coach.
* [[Hamdan Khodja]], 19th-century dignitary and scholar.
* [[Mohamed Belhocine]], 20th-21st-century professor of internal medicine and epidemiology.
* [[Amine ibn El Boushaki]], 20th-21st-century judoka.
* [[Jeanine Belkhodja]], doctor and activist
* [[Amina Belouizdad]], 20th-century television presenter.
* [[Ali Fawzi Rebaine]], 21st-century politician and doctor.
* [[Mohamed Arkab]], 20th-21st-century politician and engineer.
* [[Rezki Zerarti]], 20th-21st-century painter.
* [[Gaston Ricci]] (1869–1952), French politician, born in Algiers.
* [[Henri Fiori]] (1881–1963), French politician, born in Algiers.
* [[Raymond Laquière]] (1881–1973), French politician, born in Algiers.
* [[Jean-Marie Guastavino]] (1886–1960), French politician, born in Algiers.
* [[Marguerite Bernes]] (1901–1996), Roman Catholic nun recognised as Righteous Among the Nations
* [[Mustapha Khedali]] (1934–2008), Algerian football player and manager
* [[Jean-Claude Guillebaud]] (1944–2025), French writer, essayist and journalist, born in Algiers.
* [[Alain Dorval]] (1946–2024), French voice actor. He dubbed [[Sylvester Stallone]] in French versions.
* [[Abdelatif Alouach]] (born 1976), freediver
* [[Lotfi Laggoun]] (born 1984 in Alger), footballer
* [[Lyna Khoudri]] (born 1992), Algerian-French actress
* [[Arezki Hamza Dembri]] (born 2004), Algerian footballer
* [[Tony Gatlif]] (born 1948), French film director
}}

==See also==
{{Portal bar|Algeria|Africa|Cities}}
* [[Barbary pirates]]
* [[Botanical Garden Hamma]]
* [[List of Ottoman governors of Algiers]]
* [[Bologhine Forest]]
* [[Réghaïa forest]]

== Notes ==
<references group="note" />
{{notelist}}

==References==

===Citations===
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
{{See also|Timeline of Algiers#Bibliography|l1=Bibliography of the history of Algiers}}
* {{cite book|last=Almi|first=Saïd|date=2002|title=Urbanisme et colonisation: présence française en Algérie|publisher=Editions Mardaga|isbn=978-2-87009-812-7}}
* {{cite book|last=Dris|first=Nassima|date=2002|title=VILLE MOUVEMENTÉE: Espace public, Centralité, mémoire urbaine à Alger|language=fr|publisher=L'HARMATTAN|isbn=978-2747518123}}

== Further reading ==
* {{EB1911|wstitle=Algiers|volume=1|pages=653–655}}
* Carroll, David. ''Albert Camus the Algerian'' (Columbia University Press, 2007).
* Emerson, Charles. ''1913: In Search of the World Before the Great War'' (2013) compares Algiers to 20 major world cities; pp 267–79.
* {{citation |first=Nacéra |last=Benseddik |contribution=Chronique d'une Cité Antique |title=Alger: Lumières sur la Ville |series=''Actes du Colloque de l'EPAU 4–6 May 2001'' |location=Algiers |date=2004 |pages=29–34 }}. {{in lang|fr}}
* {{citation |last=Ghaki |first=Mansour |contribution=Toponymie et Onomastique Libyques: L'Apport de l'Écriture Punique/Néopunique |contribution-url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/academia.edu.documents/50105050/Toponymie_et_onomastique_Lapport_de_lecriture_punique_neopunique.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://s3.amazonaws.com/academia.edu.documents/50105050/Toponymie_et_onomastique_Lapport_de_lecriture_punique_neopunique.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |pages=65–71 |date=2015 |location=Naples |publisher=Unior |editor=Anna Maria di Tolla |display-editors=0 |title=La Lingua nella Vita e la Vita della Lingua: Itinerari e Percorsi degli Studi Berberi |series=Studi Africanistici: Quaderni di Studi Berberi e Libico-Berberi |volume=4 |isbn=978-88-6719-125-3 |issn=2283-5636 }}. {{in lang|fr}}
* {{citation |last=Lipiński |first=Edward |author-link=Edward Lipinski (orientalist) |title=Itineraria Phoenicia |series=''Orientalia Lovaniensia Analecta'', No.{{nbsp}}127, ''Studia Phoenicia'', Vol.{{nbsp}}XVIII |publisher=Uitgeverij Peeters |location=Leuven |date=2004 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SLSzNfdcqfoC |isbn=9789042913448 }}.

==External links==
* {{wikivoyage inline}}
* {{Commons category-inline}}

{{Algiers}}
{{Algiers Province}}
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{{Phoenician cities and colonies navbox|state=collapsed}}
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{{List of African capitals}}
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{{Arab Capital of Culture}}

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