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Restoration of the Casbah of Algiers

Algiers, Algeria

2012 - Ongoing
Cultural HeritageHistoric CityPost-disaster RecoveryTouristic
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Project Description

Approach Words: City Identity, Heritage Preservation, Urban Livability

Public Policy Instruments: Financial Mechanism, Organization, Physical Intervention, Planning

The Casbah of Algiers, often referred to as the Casbah or Kasbah (meaning walled citadel), is a historic ‘medina’, or Islamic city, located in Algiera, the capital city of Algeria1. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, the Casbah is considered ‘an outstanding example of a historic Maghreb city’2 and an important part of Algerian heritage3. Extending over an area of 1.05 square kilometer, on a hill overlooking the capital, and housing nearly 50 thousand people within its Ottoman-era walls4, the Casbah has long faced deterioration due to factors such as earthquakes, floods, fires, and neglect5.

Title: Map of the Casbah of Algiers.

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Title: View from Casbah of Algiers in 2007.

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Title: Restored building Palais des Raïs in the Casbah.

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Title: Renovation of a building in the Casbah.

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Initial works to restore the Casbah began right after Algeria’s independence in 1962, with efforts intensifying over the years6. The most recent project for the restoration of the Casbah was launched in 2012, aiming to restore ‘the authentic appearance of the Kasbah and proposing final solutions to protect this historical and cultural center and keep part of its population in their homes’7 i.

Owner/Developer (Public)

Directorate of Public Works of the Wilaya of Algiers14

Consultant/Designer

Directorate of Public Works of the Wilaya of Algiers

Agence Ali Pacha Mehdi15

Bureau D’etudes Pluridisciplinaires, scp Archimed16

Funder

Wilaya of Algiers17

Contractor/Implementer

Directorate of Public Works of the Wilaya of Algiers

Agence Ali Pacha Mehdi18

Owner/Developer (Public)

Directorate of Public Works of the Wilaya of Algiers14

Contractor/Implementer

Directorate of Public Works of the Wilaya of Algiers

Agence Ali Pacha Mehdi18

Funder

Wilaya of Algiers17

Consultant/Designer

Directorate of Public Works of the Wilaya of Algiers

Agence Ali Pacha Mehdi15

Bureau D’etudes Pluridisciplinaires, scp Archimed16

This restoration endeavor is led by the Directorate of Public Works of the Wilaya of Algiers with a budget exceeding $170 million8 ii, and follows extensive studies, in collaboration with the local firm Agence Ali Pacha Mehdi 9. The project is currently under implementation in two main phases:

  • Phase 1 [2018-2021]: This phase involves 11 buildings including historical and religious landmarks, as well as residential buildings. These include the Bey’s Palace, Dey’s Palace, Dar El Baroud, Jama’a Mosque, Hassan Pasha House, etc. The project also includes the preparation of three major canals for wastewater drainage in three streets, and backfilling low-voltage electrical cables underground10. Moreover, the Ketchaoua mosque within the Casbah, which was damaged in a 2003 earthquake, was restored and reopened in 2018 with funding from the Turkish government11.
  • Phase 2 [2021- ongoing]: It involves 33 buildings, including 5 mosques12.

The project has faced challenges, including the fragility and decay of the buildings, as well as some legal issues related to property ownership13 iii.

Project Link, Endnotes and References

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