Places of Memory in Algeria during the Ottoman Era

This important project aims to highlight certain sites of historical memory in the city of Oran, in particular, as well as in other Algerian cities during the Ottoman period, which is the focus of the project members. This period is significant as it reflects our historical memory and our Arab and Islamic identity.

Among the main landmarks of historical memory, to name but a few, are some ancient mosques that date back to the Ottoman era. In Oran, for example: the Bey Mohamed the Great Mosque, the Pasha Mosque, the Ain El-Beyda Mosque in Mascara, the Ketchawa Mosque in the capital, and the Al-Machour Mosque in Tlemcen. The Ottomans also contributed to strengthening the defensive system of the provinces under their rule in North Africa and sought to modernize it in order to repel repeated European attacks on the coasts of these territories. This led them to reinforce fortifications by building walls, bastions, and towers around the cities, as well as military ports. Other historical sites include the cemetery of students who helped liberate Oran at Saniya and the Bey Palace in Oran each of which embodies our historical memory.

Moreover, certain shrines of scholars and saints received special attention from the Ottomans across Algeria, including the mausoleum of Sheikh El-Houari and Ibrahim Tazi in Oran, Abou Medine Al-Ghouath in Tlemcen, Sheikh Abdelkrim El-Fekoun in Constantine, as well as other mausoleums of scholars and saints in Algerian cities during the Ottoman era.

Collaboration with our economic partner, represented by the Oran Wilaya Tourism Directorate, will provide the project with an official character, helping to preserve these sites as properties of the Algerian state, assisting with their inventory and classification, and highlighting their role in representing historical memory.

Main proposals and objectives of the project:

The project proposes a set of objectives summarized as follows:

Inventory and classify sites of historical memory.Create an index or guide of historical landmarks and sites of memory.Promote the historical monuments and memory sites of Oran and other Algerian cities.Protect these historical monuments and sites from deterioration or loss.Develop a historical tourist map of Oran’s archaeological and historical sites.Raise awareness about the importance of these historical sites and highlight them with informative signage in multiple languages (Arabic, English, Spanish).Train tourist guides to introduce these historical sites and landmarks of the city.Conduct training sessions for Oran tourist guides to better present these historical and archaeological sites. Long-term objectives: Develop a detailed map of these sites and traces of historical memory from the Ottoman period.Create a website presenting the historical memory sites of the Ottoman era.Organize a symposium or study day to raise awareness about the importance of historical memory sites during the Ottoman period.