Name and Location

The Bourdji Al Fanar ⴱⵓⵔⵊ ⵍⴼⵏⴰ�� (also known as Bordj El Kebir Lighthouse) is located in the heart of Algiers, Algeria.

2. Construction and History

Built in the 16th century, the Bourdji Al Fanar ⴱⵓⵔⵊ ⵍⴼⵏⴰⵔ is one of the oldest lighthouses on the Mediterranean coast. Originally built to guide ships into the harbor and provide a warning system for naval vessels approaching the city, it has served as a beacon for mariners and a symbol of the city's maritime heritage.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's architectural style reflects the Islamic influences that shaped Algiers during its Ottoman period. The structure's design features a mix of Moorish and Arab-Andalusian elements, with a distinctive octagonal shape and a pyramidal roof. Its stone walls are adorned with intricate carvings and geometric patterns.

4. Light and Navigation

As a navigation aid, the lighthouse is marked as "Bourdj El Kebir Lighthouse" on nautical charts, serving as a vital reference for mariners.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the museum by walking from the nearby Casbah district or taking public transportation to the Jet��e Kheir Eddine area. Guided tours are available in French and Arabic.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse is known for its stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city's historic harbor. The surrounding landscape features a mix of modern and historic architecture, including the 16th-century Ketchaouit Mosque.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

According to local legend, the lighthouse was built to guide ships carrying valuable goods and treasures into the harbor. Today, visitors can hear stories about the lighthouse's role in Algiers' maritime history at the museum's exhibitions.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The Bourdji Al Fanar ⴱⵓⵔⵊ ⵍⴼⵏⴰⵔ serves as a museum and an important cultural landmark, with exhibits featuring artifacts related to Algeria's maritime history and the lighthouse's own history.

9. Further Information

The Bourdji Al Fanar ⴱⵓⵔⵊ ⵍⴼⵏⴰⵔ is a protected cultural heritage site, recognized for its historical and architectural significance by the Algerian government.