By: Dr. Tahira Zafar.
Algerian : Algier’s opens into the sky like a mouth or a wound. What one can fall in love with Algiers is what everybody lives with: the sea, visible from every corner, a certain heaviness of the sunlight, the beauty of the people “Albert Camus”
What a beautiful way to describe a city, the pearl of the Mediterranean!
Preparation for travel, getting the visa
Assalam Alaikum, this is the Embassy of Algeria, how can I help you? A soft warm female voice greeted me when I called the Embassy to make enquiries about getting a visa for my upcoming travel to Algeria. This was my first encounter with Amina Sersar, Assistant Economy & Communication at the Embassy, how welcoming I thought!
As a haematologist (blood diseases specialist) with special interest in Bleeding Disorders, I was honoured to be invited to Haemophilia Eastern Mediterranean Network (HEMNET), Forum in Algiers which collaborates with World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH), to advance treatment & care of people with bleeding disorders in the region.
My visit to the Embassy was another fascinating experience, not only did I have my visa processed in record time, I also met H.E Dr Brahim Romani, the Algerian Ambassador to Pakistan who told me about his efforts in promoting & strengthening ties between Algeria & Pakistan. Thoroughly impressed by the Embassy staff I was looking forward to an exciting visit, Algiers, here I come!
Arrival
I arrived in Algiers on 31st October, unaware that 1st November was the anniversary of the Algerian revolution (1st November 1954 – 19th March 1962). There were lots of people around with Algerian flags flying high, a lively & festive atmosphere.
Dr Mohamed Kabrine picked me up and took me round the city, showing Martyrs memorial, La Grande Post, great mosque, Ketchaoua Mosque, Martyr’s square and the Corniche before dropping me at Hotel Aurassi, my meeting venue. I was thoroughly impressed by the splendid architecture, the details of history of Algiers, very well narrated by Mohamed. His spirit and loyalty for his country was admirable and so was spirit to work hard to build his nation, bravo Mohamed!
The morning sun, up over the Mediterranean, brightened the white buildings along the Corniche and brought to life the hills around. The view of the sea was breath taking, how amazing, beyond my wildest expectations!
Hemophilia Eastern Mediterranean Network (HEMNET) FORUM
HEMNET is an initiative focussed on improving care & treatment of individuals with hemophilia & other bleeding disorders .It is a collaborative effort by Health Care Providers (HCP’s),patient organizations & governmental & non-governmental organizations to enhance the quality of life for people with hemophilia & other bleeding disorders through improved diagnosis, treatment & care .Arranged by Professor Mohamed Salim Nekkal ,Head of Department of Haematology at Issad Hassani Hospital Algiers & his team. A very educative & well-arranged meeting addressing the issues of bleeding disorders in the region and thinking about the best practices for their management. I was happy to learn that the government in Algeria is providing all the care & treatment to the patients along with excellent facilities for diagnosis. The patient organization, Hemophilia association of Algeria is working extremely well under its President Latifa Lahmene, herself a patient. Latifa is very passionate about increasing education & awareness of hemophilia & other bleeding disorders and has special focus on Women & Girls with Bleeding Disorders.
Exploring the Casbah : Visiting the Casbah was like unwrapping a gift of history & culture As I wander through its narrow, winding streets, listening to the young & very knowledgeable guide. Farah, I’m introduced to the architectural gems around and details of history specially the revolution. The walls have intricate mosaics & the wooden doors are beautifully carved telling stories of centuries past. Locals sit outside their homes, sipping mint tea and exchanging laughter & working on handicrafts. Shops, eateries & bakeries provide a beautiful mix of colour. The sea looks stunning with contrast of white-washed buildings. Farah proudly shares stories of her heritage. The people are amazing, very friendly, wanting to know where I am from & offering me food & drinks.
We stop at a small café, le repere, famous for its seafood cuisine. It has traditional architecture & décor, and the fresh local fish cooked with local ingredients provides an amazing culinary experience. A bustling and a vibrant place Martyrs Memorial
A prominent landmark that commemorates those who died during the Algerian War of Independence.
La Grande Poste: Post office An architectural gem worth visiting for its stunning façade.
The Corniche I stroll along the waterfront enjoying the people & the soft, saltish breeze. Pass by Jardin d’Essai, a botanical garden filled with exotic plants and trees, no time to visit on this short trip!
Deglet Nour , The Queen of all dates
How can I forget to mention these dates . Their softness & honey like taste as they melt in your mouth distinguishes them from all other dates I have had before & makes them the best of all !
Dinner at Aurassi Hotel
I enjoy the traditional dinner of Bourek, Chorba with crusty bread, followed by Couscous and a meat & vegetable stew, flavoured with spices & herbs. The lovely Makroud as the dessert & finally the very sweet mint tea to complete the dinner. The smell & the flavours linger on in my memory!
The Night view
As the sun sets, the lights illuminate the area around the sea and on the hills, like thousands of stars!
Leaving Algiers
As I travel back, I reflect on my short visit. Algiers is a city of contrasts, where ancient history meets vibrant modernity. Its warmth, beauty, and rich culture lingers in my mind, leaving me eager to come back to explore it more!
