Citadel & Kasbah of Algiers

After a good rest overnight, I met with the other travellers in this small group, and we set out on a walking tour to see and learn about its history, enjoy many of the old colonial buildings, and wander through the labyrinthine Kasbah, starting at the top with the Citadel.
The Citadel of Algiers, also known as Dar El Soltane, is an imposing fortress on the heights of the Kasbah overlooking the Bay. Construction of the citadel began in the 16th century by the Barbarossa brothers, and it became the seat of political, economic, and financial power of the Regency of Algiers in 1816.It was the second-largest palace in the Ottoman Empire, after Topkapi Palace in Constantinople.
Then we walked down through the labyrinth of the Kasbah, It is a historic district that has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992.
We visited the palace of Mustapha Pasha, which is one of the most prestigious palaces in the Kasbah of Algiers, dating back to the ottoman period, built by the Dey Mustapha Pasha. He was born in Anatolia from where he came and began work as a sweeper in the barracks where he resided, before he climbed through the ranks and became the ruler between 1798 to 1805, when he was assassinated.
Here in the Museum of Calligraphy were many wonderful examples of Islamic pictures and illuminations.
Calligraphy is one of the fundamental components of Islamic decoration, reflecting the concepts of the Muslim religion.
Calligraphy obeys a code that is the measure of points, which makes it possible to define the proportions of each letter in a line. Each letter must always have the same number of dots and is subject to strict rules that give it a rhythm. It is up to the calligrapher to find a balance between straight lines and curves, the eye must find pleasure in contemplating its composition as much for the value of its content as for its aesthetic and symbolic qualities.
In contrast, some street graffiti of the local football teams, then we enjoyed views of the bay from a rooftop cafe.Leggi altro