Oran

Overview

Oran is the most important city of the west of Algeria. Oran's major claim to fame is the fact that it is the home of Rai music. Almost all great singers (Khaled, Cheb Mami, Faudel) are from Oran.

The town was founded by Andalusian seamen in AD937 and flourished under Zianid rule, developing strong trading ties with Spain, which eventually led to Spanish occupation from 1509 to 1708 when Oran was captured by Ottoman forces. The Spanish recaptured the city two years later but withdrew after an earthquake destroyed most of the city in 1790.

Nowadays Oran is a very busy port and city. There are a lot of things to do and see in town. The city centre coastline (front de mer) is the ideal place to hang out with friends, drink mint tea and have an ice cream.

History