Twentieth century architecture in Oran: its contemporary heritage-value

Abstract

ABSTRACT This essay serves as an initial analysis of events relating to the protection of twentieth century cultural objects produced in Oran during the colonial period. It considers the role Law 98-04 played in establishing the legal framework of heritage protection in Algeria, and considers how the law was applied, especially since the 1990s when civil society associations began working toward using this law to protect Oran’s architectural heritage. Looking through the prism of what is today known as ‘national identity’, the essay describes various cases in which built environments were either preserved or destroyed. A significant section of this essay is dedicated to the role that Oran’s associations have played over the years in enhancing heritage consciousness. Particular attention is paid to the association Bel Horizon, created in 2001, whose organised walking tours through historical routes in Oran and whose training of local guides have led to annual meetings that gather together hundreds of Oran’s residents. At the same time, the Algerian state has undertaken operations in support of heritage protection, the most important of which has been the rehabilitation of buildings in downtown Oran. This rehabilitation has allowed locals to rediscover their city through new means, and it has allowed the city to declare its candidacy to host the 2021 Mediterranean games.