Geschiedenis van de stad Oran — Oran is een van de belangrijkste historische steden van West-Algerije. Wahran / Oran is often linked with the image of two lions in local memory.
Mediterrane havenstad
The city was founded in 902 by Andalusian sailors and grew as a port near Mers El Kébir, connected to trade across the western Mediterranean and the central Maghreb.
Medieval and early modern periods
Between the tenth and fifteenth centuries, Oran moved between regional powers around Tlemcen and neighbouring dynasties. In 1509 Spain captured the city after Mers El Kébir. The Spanish presence lasted in several phases until the final evacuation at the beginning of 1792, after the siege led by Mohamed El Kebir and a destructive earthquake.
Modern period
Oran entered the French colonial period in 1831 and became a major administrative city in western Algeria. During the Second World War, Mers El Kébir was bombarded in July 1940 and the region saw Allied landings in November 1942.
Urban memory
Spaanse, Ottomaanse en Franse lagen blijven zichtbaar in de stad. Its port, fortifications, neighbourhoods and Mediterranean identity make Oran an essential chapter in the history of Algeria.