The casbah of Algiers

Casbah is a citadel, an older, fortified part of town in the Islamic culture, with the term most commonly used in North Africa. In Algiers, the contrast of the casbah with the rest of the city is even more stark, as the lower-lying, coastal areas of the city were largely rebuilt during the period of French colonisation.

First thing I'd recommend when exploring the casbah of Algiers is to hire a guide. There are lots of historical references and hidden spots, you likely won't find when exploring on your own. I've had great luck, as my guide as Yakine was very knowledgeable, full of energy and an all round great guy. I recommend checking out his TikTok (where his phone number is also listed) and of course hiring him, if you ever find yourself in Algiers.

The tours usually start at the Place des Martyrs and then ascend up the quarter. I'd again warmly recommend (as would Yakine), watching the film The Battle of Algiers before visiting, as many historical references will become much more vivid.

The local painter, painting from memory and making the casbah an even more lively place.

Heroes of the Battle of Algiers.

Casbah in Arab etymology comes from the word "branch" or "stalk". As Yakin explained, this is possibly due to the Juniper tree branches laced with olive oil, that underly much of the structures in the traditional Algerian casbah.

You can imagine how such narrow streets might have been the perfect traps or escape opportunities when being pursued by the French army.

Keeping close quarters made quite literal. The traditional building methods seem to help the houses to age quite well, adapt to the climate as well as withstand earthquakes.

How does one make sure that the trash are picked up when the streets are not car accessible? By donkey, of course.

We finished our tour at a café dedicated to Algerian Chaabi (folk music).