History of Algiers in Timeline

Algiers is the capital and largest city of Algeria, located on the Bay of Algiers. With a population of nearly three million, it's a major Mediterranean and African urban center. Its strategic location has made it a focal point for Ottoman and French influence, resulting in a culturally and architecturally diverse metropolis. The city extends over multiple communes and is surrounded by the Mitidja Plain and mountain ranges.

1942: Algiers merged with Free France

In 1942, Algiers temporarily merged with Free France.

1944: Algiers returned to French Algeria

In 1944, Algiers returned to being part of French Algeria.

1954: Start of Algerian War

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

January 7, 1957: Battle of Algiers began

On January 7, 1957, the 10th Parachute Division of the French Army, under the orders of François Mitterrand, began attacks against Algerian fighters for independence, marking the start of the Battle of Algiers.

1958: Demonstrations of May 13 during the crisis of 1958

The demonstrations of May 13 during the crisis of 1958 provoked the fall of the Fourth Republic in France, as well as the return of General de Gaulle to power.

July 5, 1962: Algeria achieved independence

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

1962: Ketchaoua Mosque before independence

Before Algeria's independence in 1962, the Ketchaoua Mosque was the cathedral of St Philippe, which was made in 1845 from a mosque dating from 1612.

1962: Algeria

In 1962 Algeria gained independence.

1962: Algiers became capital of Algeria

In 1962, Algiers became the capital of Algeria after the Algerian Revolution.

1962: Stade 5 Juillet 1962

The Stade 5 Juillet 1962 Stadium was established in 1962

1975: Host city of the 1975 Mediterranean Games

Algiers was the host city of the 1975 Mediterranean Games.

October 1988: "Spring of Algiers" demonstrations

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

1989: Algerian constitutional referendum

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

1991: Islamic Salvation Front

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

1992: Elections canceled, civil war began

In 1992, after the Islamists garnered a large amount of support, the army canceled the election process, setting off the civil war.

1993: Political demonstrations in Algiers

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

1998: Population data in Algiers

The communes of Algiers, along with their populations, were recorded at the 1998 census.

2002: Indigenous terrorist groups operating

Since around 2002, indigenous terrorist groups have been actively operating in Algeria.

March 2007: Cost of living in Algiers

As of March 2007, Algiers had the highest cost of living of any city in North Africa, as well as the 50th highest worldwide.

December 11, 2007: Car bombs exploded in Algiers

On December 11, 2007, two car bombs exploded in Algiers, targeting United Nations office buildings and a government building, resulting in at least 62 deaths and over two hundred injuries.

2008: Speculation on Al Qaeda involvement

As of 2008, it was speculated that the December 11, 2007 attack was carried out by the Al Qaeda cell within the city.

2008: Population of Algiers

In 2008, Algiers had a population of 2,988,145 residents.

2012: Population of Algiers

As of 2012, Algiers has a population of about 3,335,418.

2019: Climate change paper published

In 2019, a paper was published in PLOS One estimating the effects of climate change in Algiers.

2022: IPCC Sixth Assessment Report

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

2024: GDP contribution

In 2024, Algiers contributes to 20% of Algeria's GDP (51 Billions $).

2025: Estimated population in Algiers

In 2025, the estimated population of Algiers is 3,004,130 residents.

2050: Projected climate of Algiers

A 2019 paper estimates that by 2050, the climate of Algiers would resemble the current climate of Perth in Australia, with increased temperatures.

2050: Estimated damages due to sea level rise

By 2050, Algiers and 11 other African cities could sustain cumulative damages of U$65 billion under RCP 4.5 due to sea level rise, according to the 2022 IPCC Sixth Assessment Report.