Not so far from Bulgaria, this North African country is a unique tourist destination that is yet to be developed and gain popularity.

It seems somewhat less known, but that's why it is really fascinating. Algeria is a country with immense tourist potential - 1 200 kilometers of coastline for a summer seaside vacation, mountains with untouched nature, offering skiing opportunities in winter, exotic excursions in the Sahara, the world's largest desert, a vast heritage of archaeological excavations dating back to the Roman Empire, unconventional art museums, music, crafts, traditions and culinary temptations...

Algeria is a country rich in natural resources, with its oil and gas sector constituting 20% of the GDP. However, due to the country's rich natural endowments and cultural heritage, in recent years, the Algerian government has been also focusing on tourism, making it one of the priority sectors for development. Algeria is becoming increasingly active in presenting itself as a tourist destination on the global stage. In February of this year, Bulgarians had the opportunity to explore this beautiful country at the International Tourism Exhibition Vacation&Spa in Sofia, where the National Tourism Board of Algeria participated for the first time. Algerian tour operators promoted various tourist destinations, products and programs, with their delegation led by the director of the National Board of Tourism of Algeria - Mrs. Naima Hajam. Algeria has also been actively inviting representatives of foreign tour operators and media to its forums. At the end of September the country hosted

the 22nd edition of the International Tourism and Travel Exhibition SITEV

It is one of the most important tourist events organised annually in Algeria. More than 300 exhibitors were featured at the Pinède exhibition center, including Algerian travel agencies, tour operators, hotels and destinations with interesting offers and a vast array of diverse opportunities for tourists. At the invitation of the Ministry of Tourism and Crafts of Algeria, an international group composed of representatives of the tourism industry and media from different countries visited the exhibition. The delegation also included a representative of the "Diplomatic Spectrum".

The opening of the International Exhibition for Tourism and Travel, SITEV, took place on the morning of September 28th, with a rich program of traditional dances and rituals both utsude and inside the exhibition center. After the opening ceremonies, all visitors had the opportunity to explore the exhibition and make contacts with colleagues. The day ended with an official gala dinner at the iconic El Djazair Ex St George Hotel. During the dinner, the Minister of Tourism and Crafts, Mr. Mokhtar Didouch, emphasised the significance of SITEV in establishing partnerships and exchanging experiences between Algerian and foreign operators, highlighting its contribution to the development of tourism in Algeria.

The first results from the established infrastructure in the country are already being generated. Wonderful 5-star hotels are available, and 16 international airlines operate flights to more than 28 airports. Tourism in Algeria is confidently taking successful steps forward.

Algeria is more than interesting, it boasts an incredible diversity of sights, little known to travellers and curious minds. In its northern part, the Mediterranean coastline, with its fertile land, the historical cities of Constantine, Oran and the capital Algiers are situated. Ancient Roman outposts like Jemilla and Tim g hell (both are on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List) are among the best-preserved archaeological destinations in North Africa. Fortified cities, Roman ruins, sand dunes, and beautiful oases in the Sahara turn the largest country in Africa into an undiscovered tourist giant with hidden wonders. And the people are warm and hospitable, eager to showcase their traditions and way of life in the cities, oases, and the desert...

The several-day tour of the group of foreign journalists began at the capital, Algeria.

The city of Algiers – known as the "White City", is one of the most beautiful in the Arab world

The history of Al-Jazir /in Arabic/ is long and complex, influenced by various empires and cultures. People have inhabited this area since around 1 000 BC, starting with the Berbers, then came the Phoenicians and the Romans. The settlement became a city under Roman rule in the 3rd century BC, and was later captured by the Vandals. In the 10th century, under the rule of the Zirid dynasty, it was called Bologhine. The city expanded significantly during the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, becoming a center for trade and pirate raids. Top of Form

In the early 20th century, a significant influx of Europeans moved to live in Algeria, soon constituting the majority of the city's population. This demographic composition persisted even after the challenging war for the independence of the Algerian people. In 1962, the city was chosen as the capital of the Algerian Democratic and People's Republic.

Today, Algeria, marked by all these conquerors over the centuries, weaves within itself the rooted traditions and a passion for modernity.Top of Form

The Kasbah is the unique medina of the capital, located in one of the most beautiful coastal locations, included in the UNESCO's World Cultural and Natural Heritage List since 1992. The site has been inhabited since at least the 6th century BC, when a Phoenician trading post was established there. Over time, the Kasbah, known as the "Old City" emerged. Today, nearly 50,000 people live in this residential environment. The Kasbah preserves renants of the old citadel, palaces, hammams, mosques are preserved here, as well as, very interesting traditional houses and various markets. The architecture of the Kasbah testifies to the layering effect of several styles in a complex and original system that adapts extremely well to the hilly and uneven terrain.

Among the attractions of the capital are also the largest mosque, the Catholic cathedral called the African Notre-Dame, the iconic Memorial of the Martyrs, the city garden with beautiful alleys and exotic plants, as well as interesting museums.

After exploring the landmarks of Algiers, the next day marked the beginning of our inland journey. Taking an internal flight with Algerian airlines, flying over the Atlas Mountains, we found ourselves in the south, in the province of Gardaí, after about an hour.

In the M’zab Valley, located 600 km south of the capital, in the Sahara Desert, there is a unique conglomerate of five cities:

Ghardaya, Melika, Beni Isguen, Bou Noura and El Ateuf. They have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List since 1982. Founded in the 11th century, each of these cities was built on a hill like a "miniature citadel", with a mosque and minaret towering at the top, serving as both a place of worship and a watchtower. The houses, built around the mosque in concentric circles, are surrounded by high walls, giving the impression of a fortress /Ksar/. Ksars are one of the main manifestations of Berber architecture .

The main city of the pentapolis is Ghardaya. Founded by the Mozabites, the fourth largest Berber tribe in Algeria, it was built around a cave believed to have been inhabited by the female saint Daïa (the cave is still revered by the women of the valley). The houses have distinctive cubic shapes made of white, ocher and red clay, rising on terraces and arcades, with stone pathways leading to the mosque at the top. Here, as in most places in Algeria, it is best to rely on a local guide to show you the places of interest and to adhere to the established religious rules that must be followed.Top of Form

Ghardaya is the wealthiest city in the M’zab Valley, with developed and dynamic trade and craft industry that continues today. From a social perspective it is one of the few Ksars, along with Melika, that historically welcomed not only the Ibadite Berbers, but also the Maliki Arabs and a Jewish community.

The second of the five cities, El Ateuf, also holds significant historical, religious and cultural importance, and is included in UNESCO’s list. A masterpiece of architecture, the Ksar is built on a hill, with its mosque at the highest point, and the houses arranged cyclically along the slope, closely packed together, forming a series of winding, narrow alleys. Our group guide invited us to enter through a low door into a traditional house embedded in the rock. We found ourselves in the main room, with an open roof for ventilation, its floor covered with hand-woven carpets. Most houses in the Ksars have a similar interior. Descending the southern slope of the city, one sees the Sidi Brahim Mosque, a burial and factional mosque founded in the 15th century, with a very interesting arched architecture, niches and wooden beams woven into them, which continues to inspire many world-famous architects today.

Our journey continued south through the desert amid beautiful sand dunes, reaching the oasis town of El Menia, in central Algeria

The city is known for its historical Berber fortified settlement, built on a hill in the 10th century. It is situated in a lowland, surrounded by 180,000 palm trees. Various agricultural products are grown here. A landmark in the area is the Catholic Church of St. Joseph. Next to it is the tomb of the Catholic priest and hermit, but also explorer, geographer and ethnographer Charles de Foucauld, who lived among the Tuaregs in the Sahara, helping them selflessly. For his efforts, he was canonised by Pope Francis in 2022.

After another 400 kilometres to the southwest, the desert begins to take on reddish hues and we reached the red city of Timimoun. Nested among palm groves, it boasts interesting architecture and impresses with its picturesque streets adorned with arches that provide shade from the scorching sun. Timimoun is ideal for travelers who love exploring unique destinations. The city is also known for the beautiful hills and sandstone formations that surround it.

In the surrounding area, remnants of partially ruined old cities dot the hills. Even in one of them, a centuries-old irrigation system still functions, allowing locals to cultivate various agricultural crops.

The beauty of the sand dunes in this part of the Sahara Desert is indescribable. They stretch to the horizon and with the setting sun, transforming their colour from golden to orange-red, they create a magnificent and unforgettable spectacle...

With this unreal view, our first journey in this fascinating country comes to an end. We leave with a promise to visit Algeria again, which has so much more to show us.

Pictures: "Diplomatic spectrum"

Above: Beautiful installation in a fountain in the center of the capital city of Algiers

First row: The Minister of Tourism and Crafts Mokhtar Didush with officials at the gala dinner, on the occasion of the opening of the International Tourism and Travel Exhibition SITEV; a shot from the SITEV exhibition; from the interior of the iconic El Djazair Ex St George Hotel, built as a mansion in the 15th century;

Second row: Hotel El Djazair Ex St George; the Kasbah (medina) in the capital; smiling young Algerian women happily pose for a photo with the publisher of “Diplomatic Spectrum” Aneta Peni;

Third row: Restaurant in the Kazbah in traditional style - a house with an inner courtyard; the beautiful architecture of the city of Algiers; The African Notre-Dame;

Fourth row: The memorial of the martyr; exotic garden in the center of the city; Ethnographic museum, created in a typical Algerian house;

Fifth row: El Atteuf - one of the five cities in Ghardaya province;

Sixth row: Mosque of Sidi Brahim and part of the interior, inspiring architects from around the world; Ghardaïa, the main city, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The square and the winding streets leading up to the mosque;

Seventh row: Ghardaïa and the market in the city; lunch with the Berbers in an oasis in the Sahara Desert.

Eighth row: Berber with a camel; The oasis town of El Menia with its fortress and the Catholic Church of St. Joseph, which is located in the area; the red city of Timimun, and landmarks in the surroundings.

Ninth row: Landmarks around the city of Timimun - ruins of fortified cities, ancient irrigation systems, beautiful dunes and unique sunsets; view of the Sahara Desert

"Diplomatic Spectrum" extends special thanks to the Ministry of Tourism and Crafts of the Democratic and People's Republic of Algeria and the National Tourism Board of Algeria for the opportunity to experience the captivating beauty of this wonderful country and the warm and heartfelt hospitality of the Algerian people.