Jijel, Mediterranean port city in northeastern Algeria
Jijel is a Mediterranean port city in northeastern Algeria nestled within cork-oak forests and mountains that rise along the coast. A natural peninsula shelters the bay while a modern port and airport provide key connections for trade and travel.
The city was known as Igilgili in ancient times and passed through Phoenician, Carthaginian, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule over centuries. French colonization arrived in 1839 and reshaped the urban layout until independence.
The city blends Arab and Kabylie communities whose daily life centers on traditional crafts like cork processing and leather tanning. Fishing remains deeply woven into the local character and waterfront life.
Spring through autumn offers the most pleasant weather for exploring the city and its surroundings. Getting around is straightforward thanks to the airport and port facilities that serve as natural entry points.
An octagonal lighthouse stands at Ras Afia, built in 1907 and visible from the city, marking a long history of maritime navigation. It reflects how the harbor has served seafarers for more than a century.
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