Today we talk about the unusual and colorful country located in North Africa, which is considered the most advanced on the continent - about Algeria. For a start - a few facts.
On the one hand, Algeria is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, and on the other - with the world's largest desert Sahara. On the basis of their geographical location, the country is at the crossroads of the worlds - Christian and Muslim, and it left a definite Impression: is closely intertwined Muslim minarets and Christian churches, and the rigor of European streets bordered with bright bustling oriental streets.
Once Algeria rules famous pirate Barbarossa. At various times lived Romans, Spaniards, Catalans, Genoese and Provencals, the Turks and the French in particular, and celebrities such as Monet, Renoir, Degas, Delacroix, Jules Goncourt and Le Corbusier.
The indigenous people of Algeria - Berbers. Their main "gods" - bright blue, sometimes treacherous Mediterranean and menacing sands of the Sahara. And they carefully preserve their language and culture.
The Algerian cities is almost no vegetation, and buildings like flow into one another. Their flat roofs are always turbulent life: during the day there drying clothes, children play hostess were talking with each other, and hot nights - rest and sleep with their entire families.
Algerians - open and good-natured people, but to persuade them to take a picture almost impossible. They believe that the picture has a negative impact on a person's soul and can cause various diseases. Residents Algerian glubinok not even allowed to take pictures of livestock. You also can not take pictures of the graves of the dead. A photo of a resident of Algeria in a black shawl, in general, should be punished in the form of a decent monetary fine or imprisonment.
By the way, the attitude of the place where rest the departed ancestors have Algerians special: here you will not see tombstones with the names and dates of life and death. All, that is - a few potsherds on the hill. Why clay? The fact is that every Algerian birth give crock, which throughout life "filled". And when life came to an end, break the pitcher. This tradition originates from the legacy of the Tuareg - nomadic Muslim Berber tribe living in the south.
Despite the intersection of religion, Algeria is still largely Muslim country. But the European influence is still felt: State capital in its time built by the French and the locals prefer the European style of dress, but never it is not abused. You will not see on the streets of the cities of Algerians in bright clothes. No in their wardrobes and things with prints or coins sewn - Prophet Muhammad was engaged in trade, and all that is connected with the Muslims is respected. Discuss the appearance, customs and traditions of the local pending. And to do it with the guests at all is considered impermissible.
According to the canons of Shariah, every devout Muslim Algerian necessary before prayer (five times a day) passes the ritual ablution, because you can turn to God only if you're clean. In other words, the water - is the stage leading from bodily purity to purity of soul. But, given the geographical location, water for Algerians is like jewelry. Local residents found out - they make ablution with sand. Therefore, if you suddenly next to you will be a dusty Algerian, do not rush to suspect him of impropriety. According to belief, a person purer than you, because he is pure soul.
Algerians categorically reject haste. These people are doing everything measured. For those who are used to the hustle and speed, so the rhythm is a pain, but it is of little concern to the Algerians - they have this perception of life.
In Algeria, a very respected the elderly. The older a person is, the more respect he was getting. This is especially true of older women, which is called the concentration of wisdom and life experience. And children just love the Algerians. Everything that concerns the children, gives them emotion. That's why children are virtually uncontrollable in the games and are never hungry - even just stomping down the street, a pipsqueak can get refreshments from a complete stranger.
Algeria - a very developed country. The official language is Arabic, but almost all are fluent in French. The streets are full of policemen, vigilantly guarding order and calm, so the rumors of frequent riots in Algeria greatly exaggerated. For tourists in Algeria are warm and respectful, but if guests would dare to break the rules, no mercy will not be - the law here is one for all.
The special attraction of the large Algerian cities - traffic jams that stretch for two or three hours. There are two reasons: First, as I mentioned, the local will not hurry in principle, and secondly, there is unrealistically low price of gasoline, so cars have even the poorest.
Finally I tell you a few facts familiar to the Algerians.
To drink alcohol in public places is prohibited. Buy wine can be only in specialized shops, where there is almost there, but just get a drink only in certain restaurants, which are also one-two and miscalculated.
Smoking on the street women are strictly prohibited. But if she gets in the car and lit a cigarette, one she did not say anything.
If a couple wants to live in one room in a hotel, at the reception they are required to show a marriage certificate.
On the day of birth to the Algerian is not accepted to go with a gift. As a gift is welcome paying guests feast in a restaurant.
Despite the strict rules, divorce in Algeria - it familiar. The child is usually stays with her mother, whose ex-husband alimony lists.
