Colors and the Meaning of the Algeria Flag
The flag of Algeria was started to be used on 3 July 1962 as it is used today.
The flag consists of strips which divide the flag vertically into two equal parts. The strip on the upper side is green while the strip on the fluctuating side is white. The crescent is positioned in the middle of the flag, and there is a five-pointed star positioned in the crescent with one end facing the open side of the crescent. Crescent and star are red.
The white color of the flag symbolizes spiritual purity, green color and crescent and star symbolize Islam. The red color in the crescent and star represents the martyred blood of the Algerian soldiers during the Algerian War of Independence.
History of the Algeria Flag
The story of the current Algerian flag is based on Prince Abdul Qadir Al Jazairi, the founder of modern Algeria, the leader of popular resistance to the French occupation of the 19th century. The red flag that emerged in this period had been the characteristics of the Ottoman rule in Algeria since the 16th century, and on 4 July 1830 the French used this flag until it was taken from the fortress of Hussein. The new flag consisted of green and white colors. White symbolized peace, green Islam. In the middle of the flag, there was a hand that swore allegiance to the commander and the following sentence from the Qur’an; “The victory from God and the conquest is close”.
In 1841, French General Thomas Robert Bugeaud, who continued a military regime in Algeria, tried to destroy all cultures belonging to Algeria. The Algerian Flag, designed by Emir Abdelkader, was part of this giant heritage. For this reason, General Bugeaud asked the Algerians to accept the French Flag and insisted on the use of this flag on the territory of Algeria. But he was not successful. Algeria didn’t have a new flag until 1910 after Emir Abdelkader’s resistance in Algeria was over. In 1910 a new flag was designed. This flag, unlike Emir Abdelkader’s flag, was green and there was a crescent in the middle.
Independence of Algeria
Ahmed Messali Haji, founder of the North African Star Party in 1929, considered a new flag that would call for freedom and independence of Algeria. The dream came true and accepted the flag, which was white, red and green, expressing the North African States.
In November 1954 the liberation revolt began and this flag, designed by Ahmed Messali Hajj, was adopted by the National Liberation Front. Algeria gained its independence in 1962 after a long struggle with more than 1.5 million casualties. The flag was officially adopted by the Council of Ministers of Algeria in 1962.
In 1956, Algerian resistance poet Moufdi Zakaria wrote the national anthem in Barbarossa prison. Its composition was made by Egyptian musician Mohamed Fawzi. The French statements in the anthem left the Algerian government in a difficult position, but the Algerian people insisted that this anthem remained the national anthem.
Neighboring Countries of Algeria
Algeria, which is the country in North Africa and the largest country in Africa, is adjacent to Tunisia in the northeast, Libya in the east, Niger in the southeast, Mauritania and Mali in the southwest, Morocco and Western Sahara in the west.
Main Characteristics of Algeria
In Algeria, the largest country in Africa, many civilizations ruled. Therefore, it is rich in historical places. The mosques attracting attention with its architectural structure and smelling history become the center of attention of the visitors. It is recommended to travel with camels in the Sahara Desert. The city of Algiers, where the sea and the desert meet, is the capital of the country. The official languages are French and Tamazight. Algerian dinar is used as currency.
While the Mediterranean climate is dominant in the north of the country, the desert climate in the south is dominant. In the coastal region, summers are hot and dry, winters are mild and rainy. In the upper regions, summers are very hot and dry and winters are very cold. It carries the inspiration of Mediterranean cuisine. The basis of Algerian cuisine is lamb. They also consume a lot of bread. Couscous and Shakshouka are the most popular dishes.
| Country | Algeria |
| Code | DZ (DZA) |
| Calling code | 213 |
| Capital city | Algiers |
| Currency | algerian dinar (DZD) |
| Emoji symbol | 🇩🇿 |
| Highest point | Mount Tahat (3,003 m) |
| Internet TLD | .dz |
| Population(2017) | 41,318,142 |
| Total area | 2,381,740 km2 |