The Slow Disintegration Of Algiers' Old Town

The Algiers Casbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is collapsing with little political will to save it.

1 minute read

July 26, 2006, 11:00 AM PDT

In the Algiers Casbah, "More than a third of the houses have collapsed, and at least another third are in an advanced state of deterioration," according to Abdelkader Ammour, secretary general of a foundation that is trying to save the crumbling neighborhood of hidden courtyards and winding narrow streets. He says, 'We donâ€™t want it to disappear.'"

"Families live in one room apartments in the Casbah, paying very little rent. Owners have no incentive to keep up repairs. Meanwhile, the municipal government, the Algerian Culture Ministry and various nongovernmental organizations argue over what to do. According to Ammour, the next step would be to create an independent entity with the power to make decisions: 'Now we're fighting for an authority to control the site.'"

FULL STORY: The Crumbling of the Casbah

Sunday, July 23, 2006 in The New York Times

Architecture History / Preservation Africa

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