Algeria is the world's 10th largest country with the population of 37.9 million. It is also the largest country in Africa and in the Mediterranean. The territory of today's Algeria was the home of many ancient prehistoric cultures, including Aterian and Capsian cultures. Its area has known many empires and dynasties, including ancient Berber, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs, Turkish Ottomans, the French colonial empire and others.
Islam, the religion of almost all of the Algerian people (99%), pervades most aspects of life. It provides the society with its central social and cultural identity and gives most individuals their basic ethical beliefs. During the 7th century, Arab conquerors reached North Africa, and by the beginning of the 8th century the Berbers had been for the most part converted to Islam. Prior to Islam most Berber tribes practiced paganism, some adhered to Judaism and Christianity.
Traditional dress
Since Algeria is a large country with a lot of history and high population there is no one traditional dress that can simply identify this nation. Instead, every region has its own dress, element of dress or ornamental work used to decorate the dress. The most famous is perhaps the Algerian Kabyle (Berber) traditional dress called "Takesiwt" or "Robe Kabyle" in French. This dress can be worn at home or for outings depending on the fabric, colours and decorations. It is simple, practical and comfortable. If visiting Algeria you can buy them directly from dressmakers in Kabylia region who hand make them using traditional methods.
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Ms Samiea Sadek
Ms Sadek has a degree in economics and passionate about fashion and painting. In the spring of 2001 she published her first quarterly magazine for women where she presented her creations. When Ms Sadek started she did not have a penny, and the printer who printed her magazine on credit also helped her to edit it. In first 20 days the magazine sold like the hotcakes - 1000 copies. Her brand "Samira" is well known today in Algeria. The magazine under the same name is available in bookstores nationwide.
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| Pages from Samira magazine |
Ms Negafa Malika
Dressmaking was a family tradition passed from generation to generation therefore becoming a fashion designer was a natural choice for Malika. Although it was more of a necessity than a choice. After becoming a widow at the age of 34 with three children Ms Malika started making traditional Algerian dresses for brides and her small home business was operating through the word of a mouth. Later, Ms Malika decided to expand into the modern trends but without forgetting her Algerian heritage. Today, Ms Malika creates beautiful gowns where she joins East and West. Her creations are chic, elegant and luxurious. By looking at Ms Malika's creations it is hard to imagine that she received no formal training. All what you see is the result of talent, dedication, hard work and a lot of passion.
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| All courtesy to Negafa Malika |
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