Oran, Mediterranean port city in northwestern Algeria
Oran is a Mediterranean port city in northwestern Algeria that extends across terraces above a covered ravine. The old quarter sits on the western hill, while modern districts occupy the eastern part of the city.
Andalusian merchants founded this trading post in 903, which led to the development of a major Mediterranean commercial center. Over the centuries, control changed hands multiple times between different rulers, shaping the architectural diversity of the city.
The music genre Raï emerged from this port during the 1930s, when local shepherds composed songs addressing contemporary social matters. This musical tradition still shapes the cultural life of the city and can be heard in many neighborhoods.
Three universities, multiple food processing facilities, and an international airport make the city a center of education, industry, and transportation. Visitors find public transport connecting the different districts, and can explore the terraces on foot.
The Santa Cruz citadel, Great Mosque of 1796, and Château Neuf form part of the architectural heritage visible across the elevations. These structures stand above the city and offer views of the coast and surrounding neighborhoods.
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