Jijel history

Foundation and Ancient Roots

The history of Jijel is rooted in deep antiquity, when a trading post named Igilgili was founded on this site by the Phoenicians. The first mentions of the settlement date back to the period of active Phoenician maritime expansion, as they recognized the strategic potential of the local bay.

A significant stage in the city's development occurred during the Roman era. Under Emperor Augustus, Igilgili received the status of a colony, which facilitated its transformation from a small port into a fully-fledged ancient city with developed infrastructure.

Factors in the City's Formation

The formation of Jijel as an important centre was determined by several key conditions:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated on a rocky peninsula, protected by mountain ranges from the land. This made it a natural fortress and oriented its development exclusively towards the sea.
• Maritime Trade: A convenient harbour allowed for the reception of merchant ships sailing across the Mediterranean Sea, connecting North Africa with Southern Europe.
• Natural Resources: The dense forests surrounding the city (especially cork oak) served as a valuable source of timber for shipbuilding, which attracted shipbuilders and merchants to the area.

Early Culture and Economy

In the early period of its existence, Jijel was a cultural melting pot where local Berber traditions intertwined with Phoenician and Roman influences. The inhabitants of the city were renowned for their skill in navigation and fishing.

The economy of the ancient city was built on the export of agricultural products, olive oil, and timber. Thanks to its status as a Roman colony, crafts and construction actively developed here, as evidenced by the remains of ancient structures and the road network that connected the port with other ancient cities in the region.

Major Historical Milestones

The history of Jijel is filled with events reflecting the shift of civilizations and the struggle for control over the Mediterranean. Below is a chronology of key moments in the city's development.

• 10th Century BC — Phoenicians establish the trading post of Igilgili, which becomes an important point on maritime routes.
• 33 BC — Emperor Octavian Augustus grants the settlement the status of a Roman colony, leading to significant architectural development.
• 429 AD — The city is captured by the Vandals during their invasion of North Africa, marking the decline of Roman influence.
• 533 AD — The Byzantine Empire restores control over the coast, including the territory of modern Jijel.
• 1143 — The Norman King Roger II of Sicily conducts a successful raid and temporarily captures the city.
• 1514 — The famous corsair Hayreddin Barbarossa occupies Jijel, turning it into a strategic base for the Ottoman fleet and a centre for privateering.
• 1664 — A French expedition under the command of the Duke of Beaufort attempts to capture the city but suffers defeat and retreats.
• 1839 — French troops establish control over Jijel, beginning the period of colonial rule.
• 1856 — A devastating earthquake almost completely destroys the old city, leading to its reconstruction according to a new plan.
• 1867 — Construction is completed on the famous lighthouse on the cape, which became one of the symbols of the reborn city.
• 1962 — After Algeria gains independence, Jijel becomes part of the sovereign state and begins a new stage of development.
• 1974 — During an administrative reform, the city receives the status of the administrative centre of the province (Wilaya) of the same name.
• 1990s — Commissioning of the Djen Djen port, one of the largest deep-water ports in the Mediterranean, strengthening the economic importance of the region.
• 1998 — Opening of the University of Jijel, which became an important educational and scientific centre for the entire region.

Stages of Development and Transformation of Jijel

The development of Jijel is a journey from a small trading outpost to a modern industrial and tourist centre. Below are the key milestones that defined the current appearance and economy of the city.

• Establishment of a Naval Base (16th Century).
  Under Hayreddin Barbarossa, the city turned into a strategic naval centre. This event secured Jijel's status as an important port, defining its maritime specialization and attracting shipbuilders, which laid the foundations of the local economy for centuries to come.
• Urban Renovation (Post-1856).
  The devastating earthquake became a turning point in architecture. The old medieval city was practically wiped off the face of the earth, and a new one was erected in its place — with wide avenues, precise street geometry, and stone embankments, forming the modern European look of the centre.
• Obtaining the Status of Wilaya Capital (1974).
  Administrative reform gave a powerful impetus to urbanization. Becoming the centre of the province, the city received state funding for the development of infrastructure, hospitals, and schools, leading to significant population growth and the expansion of residential districts.
• Launch of Djen Djen Port (1990s).
  The construction of one of the largest deep-water ports in the Mediterranean radically changed the city's economic profile. Jijel transformed from a fishing port into a global logistics hub capable of accommodating ultra-large capacity vessels.
• Formation of the Bellara Industrial Cluster.
  The creation of a large industrial zone, including the launch of a metallurgical complex, marked the transition to an industrial economy. This provided the region with thousands of jobs and attracted foreign investment.
• Opening of the University (1998).
  The establishment of the Mohamed Seddik Ben Yahia University became a crucial cultural milestone. The appearance of a higher education institution turned the city into the educational centre of the region, changing the social structure of society and improving the qualifications of local personnel.
• Development of Transport Accessibility and Tourism (2000s).
  The modernization of the Ferhat Abbas International Airport and the construction of new road interchanges and tunnels brought the city out of geographic isolation. This opened the unique coastline (the "Sapphire Coast") to mass tourism, stimulating the construction of hotels and resort zones.

Architectural Reset: Consequences of 1856

The architectural appearance of modern Jijel is unique in that it is practically devoid of the dense medieval buildings characteristic of many Maghreb cities. A turning point in urban planning history was the devastating earthquake of 1856, which wiped the old Ottoman Medina off the face of the earth. Consequently, the city was rebuilt according to a regular plan, which predetermined its European structure with wide, tree-lined avenues.

Main Architectural Eras and Styles

The city's development is clearly divided into two main periods: colonial reconstruction and post-colonial expansion. Each era brought its own stylistic features.

• Colonial Eclecticism and Neoclassicism (Second half of the 19th — early 20th century).
  After the disaster, the city was restored by French architects. This period is characterized by buildings with clear proportions, arched windows, wrought-iron balconies, and tiled roofs. The central quarters are designed on a "grid" street pattern, ensuring good ventilation by the sea breeze.
• Modernism and Functionalism (from the 1970s).
  After gaining independence and receiving the status of a provincial administrative centre, the city began to grow rapidly. Concrete, glass, and simple geometric forms began to predominate in architecture. Multi-storey residential complexes and administrative buildings were erected, devoid of excessive decoration but meeting the needs of the growing population.
• Contemporary Islamic Style (21st Century).
  In recent decades, new mosques and cultural centres have appeared in the city, combining modern construction technologies with traditional elements: minarets, domes, and mosaics, returning an Oriental flavour to the city.

Iconic Buildings and Landmarks

Despite the loss of antiquities, Jijel has several architectural landmarks that form its recognizable silhouette:

• The Grand Lighthouse (Grand Phare). Built in 1867 on the cape, this lighthouse is a striking example of 19th-century engineering architecture and the main symbol of the reborn city.
• Old City Hall. An example of colonial administrative architecture located in the city centre, featuring a characteristic facade and clock.
• "The Ship" Monument (Le Kotama). A modern installation in the city centre (a replica of an ancient vessel), symbolizing Jijel's inseparable connection with the sea and its history of navigation.

Distinguished Figures of Jijel

The history of Jijel is inextricably linked with the names of great navigators, politicians, and cultural figures who left a noticeable mark not only in the chronicles of the region but also on the international stage.

• Hayreddin Barbarossa (c. 1478–1546)
  Fleet Admiral and Ruler of Algiers
  A legendary figure in the history of the Mediterranean. In 1514, he liberated Jijel from the Genoese and made the city his first naval base in North Africa. It was here that the era of Ottoman naval power in the region began, and local residents formed the core of his first crews.
• Aruj Barbarossa (c. 1474–1518)
  Corsair and Sultan
  The elder brother of Hayreddin, known as "Baba Aruj". He played a key role in uniting the coastal cities of Algeria for defence against European expansion. Jijel became a strategic stronghold for him, from where the Barbarossa brothers controlled the western Mediterranean.
• Ferhat Abbas (1899–1985)
  Political Leader and Statesman
  A native of the nearby city of Taher, closely connected with Jijel. He became the first President of the Provisional Government of the Algerian Republic. The international airport of Jijel is named in his honour, underscoring his significance to the region and the country.
• Mohamed Seddik Ben Yahia (1932–1982)
  Diplomat and Minister of Foreign Affairs
  Born in Jijel. An outstanding diplomat who played an important role in the negotiations for Algeria's independence, and later in resolving international crises (including the release of American hostages in Iran). The University of Jijel bears his name.
• Kaouther Adimi (born 1986)
  Writer
  A contemporary French-speaking writer born in Jijel. A laureate of prestigious literary prizes (including the Prix Renaudot des Lycéens). In her novels, such as "Our Riches," she subtly intertwines the history and modernity of Algeria, introducing the world to the culture of her homeland.