Top 5 Historic Sites of North Africa

Best known for its carpets, pyramids, and diverse Arabic dialects, North Africa has a lot more to offer than you may think. This region is the result of colonization from different European countries, the Arab Caliphate and Islam, and a mixture of ethnic tribes. It has consequently become a sort of melting pot of the old and new — and of very different civilizations.

Let’s get lost in kingdoms that were once deemed superpower nations, Europe’s playground, and the Arab Caliphate’s Trojan Horse. The history of North Africa is both intriguing and unique, always grasping the attention of history and culture enthusiasts.

It is no secret that North Africa has taken bits and pieces both from the invading Arabs who spread Islam and the Europeans, who were in a constant power struggle among themselves. No doubt, they have also learned a lot from their southern African neighbors as well. However, we simply cannot forget that North African countries were once some of the most powerful nations on Earth. So let’s go way back in time and see what is left of them today.

The Siwa Oasis is a great place to start. It is one of the most isolated human settlements in Egypt and it shows the diversity of the country. The Berbers who live here have had their customs and traditions for thousands of years, and although they have stayed secluded, they have remained a part of Egypt’s identity.

The Siwa Oasis has many attractions, including two temples dedicated to the Egyptian god Amun, the most famous one being The Temple of the Oracle, built in the 30th dynasty, and still preserved. The Oasis itself is an absolute work of art from nature and we all have something to learn from these isolated people.

For thousands of years, people here were conquered by different countries, forced to speak different languages, and forced to become “civilized” on terms set by foreigners. However, these people stood their ground. They didn’t forget who they were. They didn’t lose their language and culture. They are Berbers, and they will always be Berbers.

When we think of Morocco and especially European influences in Morocco, we are quick to assume the presence of the Spaniards or the French. However, the Romans also took part in the creation of Moroccan identity as we know it today.

One place usually overlooked in Morocco because of nearby popular cities, like Meknis, is Volubilis. Volubilis tells a story not only of the Roman Empire and its might but also of the different tribes that learned to become accustomed to Roman life.

Volubilis really started to shine during the 1st through 3rd centuries. In the city, you can find well-preserved Roman ruins such as the Basilica, which was the heart of administrative and judicial affairs. You can also find the House of Orpheus, a Roman villa with mosaics all around. Like the pyramids of Egypt, they tell history through art. The mosaics depict scenes from Roman mythology and show how, before Abrahamic religions started taking effect in the world, people believed in what we can only describe now as fairy tales.

3. Oran: Connecting the East and the West

Oran is not the most popular place in Algeria, however, it is unique in that it is a city in which everyone has at one time or another set foot — including the Turks. People often talk about the fact that North African countries have been invaded and assimilated into their oppressors’ cultures. However, people mainly think of the Arab Caliphates and Western Europeans. However, when the Turks rose to power, for a while, they had complete control of the lands that connected Asia, Europe, and North Africa, as the massive and powerful Ottoman Empire.

Oran is a great example of one of the cities that the Turks had control over in Algeria. One of the greatest buildings in the city, which shows off Islamic and Ottoman architecture, is the Bey’s Palace. “Bey” in Turkish, translates to “sir” or “master.” This palace was once the residence of the Turkish leaders who oversaw parts of the Western Baylik (territories) and it is located near Mount Marjaju and situated in Sidi al-Houari. Today it is seen as an important part of the national heritage of Algeria.

Secondly, Oran is also famous for its music. Visiting Oran might just be worth it if you’re a fan of Rai music, which originated in the city. This genre started to develop in the 1920s and is popular in parts of Algeria even today!

The Arabs weren’t always the majority in the Middle East and North Africa. The rise of Islam in the seventh century not only spread Islam but also Arab identity. Prior to the Arab invasions of North Africa, every people had their own script and language, along with their own religions. Most were Christians and Jews, but some believed in polytheistic religions as well.

Today we are able to walk through cities that tell the story of how regions united in the name of Islam and Arab identity. One city where you can see the footprint of the Arab dynasties is Marrakech in Morocco, also known as the “Red City.”

The city was founded about 1,000 years ago and speaks to Moroccan history and lifestyles. Explore Islamic architecture by walking into the Bahia and Badii palaces, true gems from the Medieval Period. And, of course, you can’t discover Islamic architecture without exploring Merrakech’s mosques.

Within the beautiful red walls bordering the city, you can find the Koutoubia mosque, showcasing the splendor of Islamic civilization, which is alive and well in Morocco today. You can also find many other fascinating places to visit in Marrakech including the Jemaa el-Fna square, which is a trademark of the city.

5. The Ruins of Carthage: Let’s Take Over the Roman Empire

When talking about Tunisia, we could mention the Medina of Tunis or any other popular attraction, but today, we’re talking about the real gems of North Africa. No trip to Tunisia is complete without a visit to Carthage — the city that once threatened the Roman Empire.

This city was originally established by the Phoenicians, who wanted to create a colony and migrated from the eastern Mediterranean in the 9th century BCE. Initially, Carthage was supposed to be a settlement for enhancing trade in the Mediterranean, however, by 264 BCE, it had grown in population and power and it was already at war with the Romans. This series of conflicts lasted about a century and were later known as the Punic Wars.

By 146 BCE, Carthage had fought with the Romans on land and sea, but eventually, the Romans took over the city and left nothing but ruins. They created a new Roman city instead, which was taken over by the invading Arabs centuries later. Today, this ancient site is filled with ruins from past glories and defeats, and it overlooks the Mediterranean at the peak of Byrsa Hill. It is the richest archeological site in all of Tunisia, and perhaps, all of North Africa as it is filled with Carthaginian, Roman, Byzantine, and Arab ruins.