History of Algiers in Timeline

Algiers is the capital and largest city of Algeria, situated on the Mediterranean coast. With an estimated population of over 4.3 million in 2025, it ranks among the largest cities in the Mediterranean region, the Arab world, and Africa. It serves as the capital of the Algiers Province, encompassing several communes. Its strategic location on the Bay of Algiers, nestled between the Mitidja Plain and mountain ranges, has made it a focal point of Ottoman and French influence, resulting in a diverse and metropolitan character.

1904: Integration and Division of Mustapha Commune

In 1904, the commune of Mustapha was definitively integrated into the city of Algiers, which was divided into 12 districts.

1942: Administrative Center of Free France

In 1942, Algiers briefly functioned as the administrative center of Free France during World War II.

1944: Return to French Colonial Rule

In 1944, Algiers returned to French colonial rule after briefly serving as the administrative center of Free France.

1954: Start of Algerian War

In 1954, the Algerian War began, marking a bloody struggle for independence.

January 1957: Start of Battle of Algiers

In January 1957, the Battle of Algiers began with attacks by the French Army against Algerian fighters for independence.

1958: Demonstrations and Fall of Fourth Republic in France

In 1958, demonstrations in Algiers led to the fall of the Fourth Republic in France and the return of General de Gaulle to power.

1959: Creation of Greater Algiers

In 1959, Greater Algiers was created, grouping 9 municipalities and dividing the area into 10 districts.

July 1962: Algeria Achieves Independence

On July 5, 1962, Algeria achieved independence with Algiers as its capital.

1962: Algeria Becomes Independent

In 1962 Algeria became independent.

1962: Capital of Modern Algerian State

In 1962, Algiers became the capital of the modern Algerian state following the Algerian Revolution.

1962: Independence of Algeria

In 1962, after independence, the Ketchaoua Mosque became the cathedral of St Philippe.

1962: End of Algerian War

In 1962, the Algerian War ended, a bloody independence struggle.

1962: Stade 5 Juillet 1962

In 1962, the Stade 5 Juillet 1962 was opened, a venue for athletics with a capacity of 64,000.

1967: Removal of General Administrator Role

In 1967, the role of a general administrator was removed for the city.

1974: Addition of Two Districts

In 1974, two districts (Bouzareah and Bir Mourad Raïs) were added.

1975: Mediterranean Games

In 1975, Algiers hosted the Mediterranean Games, marking its role as a venue for major international sporting events.

1977: Districts Become Municipalities

In 1977, the districts became fully-fledged municipalities, and the People's Council of the City of Algiers (CPVA) was created.

1984: Administrative Division

Following the administrative division of 1984, there were changes to the city.

1985: Reorganization and Increase in Communes

In 1985, the city was reorganized, increasing to 15 communes, but the area was divided by three, increasing to 58.5 kmÂ², by shedding the peripheral territories.

October 1988: Demonstrations for Democracy

In October 1988, Algiers was the site of demonstrations demanding the end of the single-party system and the creation of democracy, known as the "Spring of Algiers."

1988: Mass Riots in Sidi M'Hamed

In 1988, Sidi M'Hamed witnessed mass riots.

1989: Algerian Constitutional Referendum

In 1989, the Algerian constitutional referendum took place, ending one-party rule and allowing multiple political parties, as well as press freedom.

1989: Postponement of Municipal Elections

Since the postponement of the municipal elections of 1989, the CPVA ceased to exist.

April 1990: Adoption of New Laws

In April 1990, two new laws relating to the commune and the wilaya were adopted, and the Urban Coordination Councils of the Wilaya of Algiers (CUC) was created.

1990: Mass Protests in Sidi M'Hamed

Mass protests from 1990 leading up into the Algerian Civil War in Sidi M'Hamed.

1991: Political Test of Wills with Islamic Salvation Front

In 1991, the Islamic Salvation Front engaged in a political test of wills with the authorities.

1991: Mass Protests in Sidi M'Hamed

Mass protests from 1991 leading up into the Algerian Civil War in Sidi M'Hamed.

December 1992: Kasbah Enlisted as World Heritage Site

In December 1992, the Kasbah of Algiers was enlisted as a cultural world heritage site by UNESCO.

1992: Elections and Start of Civil War

In 1992, after the Islamic Salvation Front gained support in elections, the army canceled the election process, leading to the Algerian Civil War.

1993: Political Demonstrations

Until 1993, Algiers was the theatre of many political demonstrations.

1997: Creation of the Governorate of Greater Algiers

In 1997, the Wilaya of Algiers was granted special status and became the "Governorate of Greater Algiers" (GGA).

2000: Dissolution of the Governorate of Greater Algiers

In 2000, the GGA was dissolved, having been deemed unconstitutional.

2002: Active Operation of Indigenous Terrorist Groups

Around 2002, indigenous terrorist groups began actively operating in Algeria.

March 2007: Cost of Living Ranking

In March 2007, Algiers' cost of living was ranked as the highest in North Africa and 50th highest worldwide, gaining one position compared to the previous year.

December 2007: Car Bombings in Algiers

On December 11, 2007, two car bombs exploded in Algiers, targeting United Nations office buildings and the Supreme Court, resulting in at least 62 deaths.

2008: Speculation on Al Qaeda Involvement

As of 2008, it was speculated that the 2007 Algiers car bombings were carried out by an Al Qaeda cell within the city.

November 2011: Opening of Algiers Metro

In November 2011, the Algiers Metro, a rapid transit system, opened. Line 1 services 5 districts of the city with 19 stations and a total length of 18.5 km. It helps ease traffic and improve connectivity.

2012: Snowfall in Algiers

In 2012, Algiers received 100 millimeters (4 inches) of snowfall, its first snowfall in eight years.

2012: Marina Mall development

In 2012, land reclamation along the waterfront allowed for developments such as "Marina Mall".

2012: Algiers Population

In 2012, the population of Algiers was approximately 3,335,418.

2016: Sablettes Promenade development

In 2016, land reclamation along the waterfront allowed for developments such as "Sablettes Promenade".

2019: Climate Change Study Published

In 2019, a paper published in PLOS One estimated future climate conditions for Algiers.

2019: Hirak Echaabi in Sidi M'Hamed

Sidi M'Hamed witnessed Hirak Echaabi in 2019.

2022: IPCC Report on Sea Level Rise Impact

According to the 2022 IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, Algiers is one of 12 major African cities that would be the most severely affected by future sea level rise.