The Cultural Aspects of the Turkish Heritage in Algeria: The Origin and the Struggle for Survival (1517- 21st century)

Abstract

This research paper deals with the Turkish cultural heritage which was erased and fought by French colonialism in Algeria. The ethnic group of Turks were oppressed and melted in the Algerian-Arab society due to the repression policies of the French authorities that were applied on the Algerians in general and Turks in particular. The French prime objective was to destroy the social unity of the Algerian society that was constructed during the Ottoman era, then reconstructing French one. France sought to destroy the infrastructure of Algeria and started with mosques, because they were the main component of the Ottoman civilization in Algeria at that time. Therefore, this research aims to highlight the origins of the Ottoman heritage in Algeria and the struggle for its survival. This research will find out to what extent French colonialism erased the Turkish identity from the Algerian society during the colonial period, by using the analytical and descriptive methods. During the 21st century there are families of Turkish origins who are still clutching in their ancestors’ heritage and reviving it among the Algerian society. The city of Medea is considered as an expressive example of the Ottoman presence in Algeria since it contained a large community of Turks at that time. Medea is still preserving its Turkish cultural heritage which is clearly visible in the corners of the city mainly in the old regions, in addition to the Turks descendants’ traditions which refer back to the Turkish traditions.