National traditions of Algeria. Habits, mentality and the way of living

The geographic location of Algeria makes it a so-called crossing of different worlds. The country has access to the Mediterranean Sea, and the Sahara Desert occupies a big part of Algeria’s territory. This is also a place where Christianity meets Islam, and this fact shapes the look of landmarks in the country. In Algeria, tall minarets of mosques peacefully coexist with tranquil Christian churches, and accurate European streets meet loud and noisy Middle Eastern bazaars. A truly mesmerizing view!

In different epochs, the Romans, Spanish, Catalonians, Provencal, Genoese, French, and Turkish lived in the territory of modern Algeria. However, the Berbers are the indigenous people of this land, so their traditions and customs are very interesting and important. Firstly, there is no other God for Berber people except the powerful sea and merciless desert sand. Second, the Berbers cherish everything that is connected with their cultural traditions and language in some way or another.

Algerians are cheerful and open-minded people. Even big city life is somewhat reminiscent of the countryside life here – everything is simple and without any primness. Flat roofs of local houses, which form virtually one solid roof, are a special place that is important for household and social purposes. During the daytime, women dry their wash here, gossiping with neighbors meanwhile and keeping an eye on playing children. At night, when heat still has no mercy, whole families gather on these roofs and relax or even sleep. Despite such a simple attitude, Algerians will surely not tolerate hidden cameras and taking photographs without permission. Tourists shouldn’t do that in order not to put themselves into trouble. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Taking photographs is somewhat problematic in the county in general. Of course, tourists can ask local men to take pictures of them, and maybe some of the local men will even agree. However, it is always a bad idea to ask the same question to a woman because this will offend both her and her husband. By the way, taking photographs of tombs is also prohibited. An interesting fact: tombstones are not common in Algeria, so there are usually only several broken pieces of pottery on the tomb. There is an explanation for this fact. Every Algerian receives a clay pot after birth. When someone dies and the soul leaves the body, the pot of that person is broken. This tradition has roots in traditions of nomadic Berbers who live in the southern part of the country.

Even though Algeria is a crossing of two worlds, the country is mostly a Muslim one. Too bright and revealing clothing, as well as clothing with catchy prints, is not common here. Tourists are also recommended to respect this rule. Light or pastel clothes in a single color are the best choice. Algerians particularly detest the use of coins as jewelry or decoration, for example, coins attached to shirts or earrings. The thing is, Prophet Muhammad was a merchant, so everything connected with money and trading is sacred for Algerians.

Local Muslims follow Sharia laws: they pray five times a day on a set time and purify themselves before each namaz (this is how the prayer is called) because in order to pray to Allah a person must have both clean body and soul. As water is very expensive in Algeria, local people have found a solution – they use sand for purification purposes. If you see an Algerian covered with sand, don’t raise brows and don’t be scared. This is absolutely normal in the country, and local people never pay their attention to this fact.

Algerians do not like to hurry. A relaxed approach to everything is widely adopted in the country. However, this peculiarity can often be the reason for heavy traffic jams. That being said, locals never lose their temper because of traffic jams. However, there are things that locals strongly dislike. These are romantic couples who express their feelings in public areas, women wearing revealing clothes, and drinking alcohol on the streets. If you want to drink and hug your loved one, you are free to do that in your hotel room. By the way, many hotels ask their clients to show proof of their marriage if a man and a woman want to live in the same hotel room.

Algerians treat elderly people with particular respect. The longer a person lives, the more respect he or she deserves. Grandmothers are literally worshipped as they are considered to have great wisdom and experience. Local people like kids and treat them with kindness even when children are too loud or capricious. Because of this fact, local children feel very safe and relaxed as no one controls them. Kids never feel hungry when playing outside because passersby will try to offer something delicious to them. An interesting fact: even though the family is very important for Algerians, divorces are not rare in the country. After the divorce, children remain with their mother, and the father pays alimony.