Jul 05, 2018
Algeria Independence Day 2018
This Doodle’s Key Themes
As Algerians celebrate their National Day, today’s Doodle showcases the flag of this diverse and culturally rich North African nation. From the Sahara desert to the Mediterranean seaside town of Oran, Algeria offers fertile landscapes and stunning architecture alongside ancient ruins.
The old city, officially known as the Casbah, is an ancient site built on a hill overlooking the modern capital of Algiers. The rocky natural fortress of Constantine represents Algerian history with French and Muslim architectural styles surrounded by ruins dating back to the Roman Empire. The historic city once had six suspension bridges, the biggest of which, Pont Sidi M’Cid, is still standing. Constantine was built on the Rhumel Gorge, a canyon dotted with rock formations and caves, which are believed to be prehistoric settlements. Looking at the city from a distance — from the gorges up to the bridges and buildings — many eras of civilization can be seen in a single glance.
Algerian people spend National Day by taking to the streets wearing the national color of green. They dance together in public spaces, greeting each other in Arabic, Berber, and French, and listening to the President’s address from Algiers. There are military parades and concerts in the National Stadium. Later on everyone gets together for a meal of couscous served with vegetables or lamb, ubiquitous in Algerian kitchens from ancient times until today.
Happy National Day, Algeria!
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