Thursday, July 2, 2015

Final Multimedia Project

Liberty University

















Algeria

Multimedia Project

David Schauble


















HIWD 320

Professor Hannah Schultz

2 July 2015



Algeria
           
            The country of Algeria’s history, culture, and natural resources has all contributed to create modern Algeria. Over the years Algeria has experienced many different people groups living within its boarders. These people groups have contributed to Algeria’s deep sense of culture and the accumulation of Islamic beliefs.  Algeria is a blessed country because its geographic location has provided it with lucrative natural resources that have helped the country to remain economically stable over the years. Algeria’s history, culture, and natural resources have helped shape the country and its people into what is now modern Algeria.

            Algeria is located in the northwest corner of Africa on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Algeria is roughly four times the size of Texas with a total area of 2,381,741 square kilometers of which ninety percent is made of deserts. Algeria’s capital is the city of Algiers, which is the largest city in the country. Algiers is located along the west side of one of the bays of the Mediterranean Sea. The city has two separate components, one that is ancient and is located on a large hill behind the modern city, and the modern city that was built close to sea level and is made up of many different large white buildings. The name of the city translates from Arabic to be "the islands" in English. This name is derived from the four islands that lay off the coast of the city. 

            The history of Algeria is very unique in that many different people groups have at one time inhabited the land of Algeria. In Algeria, Arabic tribes and dynasties had changed over time until the Berber dynasty was overrun leaving the north coastal strip of Africa up for grabs. The first two countries to make their move on this land were the Spanish to the west and the Turkish to the east. The Spanish-Turkish rivalry would last for the majority of the 16th century but due to their relentless spirit, the Turks eventually would inherit this land. This battle was won in a very odd manor through the use of Turkish pirates. These pirates would land on the coast, seize territories, and the turn them over to the Ottoman Empire.  The first pirate to establish himself on the coast of Algeria occurred in 1512. European powers made many different attempts to remove the pirates, even including naval expeditions by Holy Roman emperor Charles V in 1541. Other attempts to remove the pirates were mounted by the British, Dutch, and Americans in the early 19th century yet all of these efforts proved to be futile. The seizure of Algeria by the Turkish pirates would not last forever, as the French would decide to intervene in Algeria during the year of 1830. It was not until the year 1847 that the conquest of Algeria would be completed by the French. The French would then convert the territory into an administrative and military headquarters for their affairs in North and West Africa. The struggle for power in Algeria affected the development of both Algeria and France due to the many battles that were fought shaping the nation. If the French had never obtained power in Algeria, they would never have acknowledged Algeria as an independent nation. This occurred in the year 1962, ending the dispute over the North African territory.

            The country of Algeria has a very rich sense of culture that can be seen through the countries religious views. The nation of Algeria possesses very few religions because the majority of the country's religious make up is predominantly Sunni Islam. Islam is by far the most practiced religion by the country's inhabitants but Sunni Islam, or Muslim religion, permeates through every aspect of life in Algeria. Islam is engrained in the culture of Algeria in that Islam gives Algeria its cultural and social identity as well as its principles that govern most of the nations behavior and ethics. Apart from the large following of Islam in Algeria, there are also small numbers of Christians, Jews, Atheists, and some additional religions. The explanation for the supremacy of Islam in Algeria is due to Muslim armies that invaded from Cairo for over a thousand years. It was these armies who brought Islam to the Berbers who are the descendants of the pre-Arab populations of North Africa. Berbers are primarily Sunni Muslim, but many traditional practices can be found among them. The Berbers slowly converted to Islam over centuries but the religion was not dominant until the sixteenth century. Before this mass conversion to Islam began, some of the Berber groups converted to Christianity or Judaism while others decided to practice polytheism. Due to the influence of Islamic culture, Islam over swept some religions that briefly existed. It seems to be that the Berbers did not have a specific religion prior to the invasion of Islam. The impact of Islam and Christianity in Algeria has given the country a sense of identity. Before the invasion of Islam, Algeria seemed to have minor ties to any sort of religion. Through the countries synchronization with Islam over the years, Algeria has created its own set of governing principles and beliefs.

The natural resources of Algeria are both lucrative and plentiful. The two largest exports of Algeria are natural gas and oil. Algeria has exported these items to Europe for long periods of time to create a stable economy within the nation. In the 1970’s oil prices rose greatly with economic growth that topped 20 percent annually, proving for oil to be an excellent resource for Algeria. During the mid 1980’s oil maintained an average growth rate of 4.5 percent proving to be one of the nations most reliable resources. Apart from oil and natural gas, Algeria also relies on mining to provide a portion of the country’s resources. Algeria’s phosphate mines in the Northeast are one of the largest collections in the world covering over eight hundred square miles and providing approximately one million tons annually In addition to these phosphate mines, Algeria also contains deposits of high-grade iron ore located near the Tunisian border. Apart from the large collections of phosphate and iron ore, Algeria also include mineral production providing zinc concentrate, bentonite, lead concentrate, mercury, crude barite, salt, hydraulic lime, marble, silver, kaolin, sulfur, and strontium. With this wide array of different minerals, minerals are another one of Algeria’s most profitable natural resources.
The country of Algeria has had many different people groups living within its territory over the centuries. Algeria is now a country with rich culture and history due to the contributions of the people who lived there. The lucrative natural resources have helped to support this Country financially over the years. Modern Algeria is now the accumulation of the cultures of people groups who lived there and an economically stable country due to its lucrative natural resources.
           

  
Bibliography
"Algeria - History Background." - Percent, French, Muslim, and Arabic. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 May 2015.
"Algeria Demographics Profile 2014." Algeria Demographics Profile 2014. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 May 2015.
"Gain Insight into Algeria's Religions." Religion in Algeria. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 May 2015.
 "Algeria Facts and Information" Encyclopedia, accessed June 5, 2015, http://http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Algeria.aspx.
"Algeria: Land” Encyclopedia Britannica,http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/15001/Algeria#toc46503.
“History of North Africa,” History World, accessed June 12, 2015 http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?gtrack=pthc&ParagraphID=edl#edl
“Algiers,” Encyclopedia Britannica, accessed June 12, 2015, http://www.britannica.com/place/Algiers
"Algeria," Encyclopedia Britannica, accessed June 26, 2015, http://www.britannica.com/place/Algeria#toc46503.
"Algeria," Countries and Their Cultures, accessed June 26, 2015, http://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Algeria.html.
"Algeria's Geography - From the Blue Mediterranean to the Sands of the Sahara," Official Algeria Website, accessed June 26, 2015, http://www.algeria.com/geography.
"Algeria Land Boundaries," Index Mundi, accessed June 26, 2015, http://www.indexmundi.com/algeria/land_boundaries.html.

"Algeria," Infoplease, accessed June 26, 2015, http://www.infoplease.com/country/algeria.html?pageno=5.

Pictures:
Map of Algeria, Accessed July 2, 2015, http://www.urbonu.com/1/Algeria/El+Bayadh/stitten+ksel/
Flag of Algeria, Accessed July 2, 2015, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/Flag_of_Algeria.svg/2000px-Flag_of_Algeria.svg.png
Addendum I on Mauritanian and Algerian Islamists, Accessed July 2, 2015, https://themoornextdoor.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/addendum-i-on-mauritanian-and-algerian-islamists/
Algiers, Algeria, Accessed July 2, 2015, http://www.vosizneias.com/121991/2013/01/18/algiers-algeria-algeria-60-hostages-dead-missing-in-standoff/

Friday, June 26, 2015

Changes in Political and National Boundaries in Algeria


The Nation of Algeria is known for being one of the largest countries in the world. Nearly four times the size of Texas, Algeria is one of the largest countries on the continent of Africa. Algeria's land boundaries equal a total of 6,734 km bordering Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Tunisia, and Western Sahara. Both the national and political boundaries of Algeria have remained generally consistent through the country's existence since it was built along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

Although Algeria has existed independently from France since 1959, the country has created its own national identity based on a combination of Berber and Arab cultures. The Ottoman empire was the first to establish colonization in the territory which Algeria now exists. However, the establishment of Algeria's political and national boundaries should be contributed to the French. The French took control of northern territory in Africa during the nineteenth century and maintained it for 132 years. During this time, the French continued to expand their influence and land holdings until Algeria reached the size and boundaries that it remains today.

Algeria has conformed to include existing cultural boundaries due to its strong ties to other Arab nations in the world. The strong influence of Islam in Algerian life has created a specific sense of identity that connects Algeria to many other Arab nations. Also, Algeria's war for independence against the French was a unifying factor that helped bring a sense of cultural identity to Algeria.

The changes which have occurred in Algeria's boundaries over the years has helped to impact the nations stability by providing it with rich resources allowing the nation's economy to thrive. Without it's existing boundaries, Algeria would not be able to maintain its gas exports to Europe. This resource has been a constant support for Algeria's economy causing great stability within the nation. Algeria's political and national boundaries have helped to establish this African nation.


"Algeria," Encyclopedia Britannica, accessed June 26, 2015, http://www.britannica.com/place/Algeria#toc46503.

"Algeria," Countries and Their Cultures, accessed June 26, 2015, http://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Algeria.html.

"Algeria's Geography - From the Blue Mediterranean to the Sands of the Sahara," Official Algeria Website, accessed June 26, 2015, http://www.algeria.com/geography.

"Algeria Land Boundaries," Index Mundi, accessed June 26, 2015, http://www.indexmundi.com/algeria/land_boundaries.html.

"Algeria," Infoplease, accessed June 26, 2015, http://www.infoplease.com/country/algeria.html?pageno=5.

Photos:

Political Map of Algeria, accessed June 26, 2015, http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/map/algeria_map.htm.

Africa in Pictures, accessed June 26, 2015, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7133113.stm.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Mission Work in Algeria


In a nation that is 95% Muslim, 3% non-religious, and roughly 1.5% Christian, it’s hard to believe that Algeria would have any type of successful missionary work occurring within its boarders. However, over the year many Christians have been giving their lives to the gospel and attempting to bring the message of Christ’s love to the people in Algeria.

Mission’s work in Algeria first began in the year 1908 when Methodist missionaries established themselves in the nation. At this time, the church in Northern Africa was an annual conference to which local pastors, preachers, and evangelists belonged. The Methodist Church owned church buildings, children’s homes, and clinics. This was an acceptable practice until the year 1962 when Algeria became an independent nation. From this point forward, open evangelization was no longer tolerated. When Algeria dissolved its ties to France many Christian missionaries left the country believing that a Christian church no longer belonged in Algeria. Through the course of the next eight years children’s homes and boarding schools were closed and half of the Methodist missionaries were deported. 

It was not until the year 1972 that the Methodist church would fuse with Protestant denominations in Algeria to form the Protestant Church of Algeria. As this occurred, Methodist work in Northern Africa was being reorganized as a district of the annual conference of Switzerland and France. Missions and Ministries were focused on providing food, clothing, and medicine during this time period as well as organizing worship services, bible studies, weddings, and baptisms.



Today the Christian Church continues to be a very small minority in Algeria due to the overwhelming presence of Islam. Recently, mission’s work has progressed since it is now possible to run a congregation in an organized manner despite all the prohibitions of the nation. The Protestant Church of Algeria is now constituted as a federation of Protestant congregations that allows Methodist missionaries to continue to work in the country. The impact of Christian missionaries in Algeria has allowed the faith to continue existing in a dominantly Islamic country.

“Algeria,” Global Ministries, accessed June 19, 2015, http://www.umcmission.org/Explore-Our-Work/Africa/Algeria

“North Africa,” World Methodist Council, accessed June 19, 2015, http://worldmethodistcouncil.org/about/member-churches/africa/name/north-africa-united-methodist-church/

“Algeria,” Christian Aid Mission, accessed June 19, 2015, http://www.christianaid.org/Interactive_World/countryPages/Algeria.aspx

Pictures:

Algeria, Accessed June 19, 2015, http://allworldtowns.com/data_images/countries/algeria/algeria-04.html

Protestant Church of Algeria, Accessed June 19, 2015, https://www.worldwatchmonitor.org/2013/06/2583073/

Friday, June 12, 2015

First Contacts in Algeria

The first contacts between Algeria and Asians/Europeans did not occur until around the 16th century. In Algeria, Arabic tribes and dynasties had changed over time until the Berber dynasty was overrun leaving the north coastal strip of Africa up for grabs. The first two countries to make their move on this land were the Spanish to the west and the Turkish to the east.



The Spanish-Turkish rivalry that would last for the majority of the 16th century but due to their relentless spirit, the Turks eventually would inherit this land. This battle was won in a very odd manor through the use of Turkish pirates. These pirates would land on the coast, seize territories, and the turn them over to the Ottoman Empire.  The first pirate to establish himself on the coast of Algeria occurred in 1512.



European powers made many different attempts to remove the pirates, even including naval expeditions by Holy Roman emperor Charles V in 1541. Other attempts to remove the pirates were mounted by the British, Dutch, and Americans in the early 19th century yet all of these efforts proved to be futile.

The seizure of Algeria by the Turkish pirates would not last forever, as the French would decide to intervene in Algeria during the year of 1830. It was not until the year 1847 that the conquest of Algeria would be completed by the French.  The French would then convert the territory into an administrative and military headquarters for their affairs in North and West Africa.


The struggle for power in Algeria affected the development of both Algeria and France and Spain due to the many battles that were fought shaping the nation. If the French had never obtained power in Algeria, they would never have acknowledged Algeria as an independent nation. This occurred in the year 1962, ending the dispute over the North African territory.


“Algiers,” Encyclopedia Britannica, accessed June 12, 2015, http://www.britannica.com/place/Algiers

“History of North Africa,” History World, accessed June 12, 2015 http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?gtrack=pthc&ParagraphID=edl#edl

Pictures:

Barbary Pirates, Accessed June 12, 2015, http://i-cias.com/e.o/slides/barbary_pirates03.jpg

Barbary Pirates, Accessed June 12, 2015,  http://i-cias.com/e.o/barbary_pirates.htm