Oran is a port city in the south of the Mediterranean Sea. Belongs to the northern African state of Algeria. It is one of the largest cities in this country and the largest port on the northern coast of Africa.
Title
The name of the city comes from the Arabic language. Translated means "two lions." This name is preceded by a legend. It is believed that before Oran (Algeria) was the place of permanent residence of lions. When the settlers began to approach the place, they exterminated the animals. The last two surviving lions stood on the highest hill and kept people out for a long time. The mountain was subsequently named the Lion. Also, in honor of animals, the city itself got its name. Two legendary lions are depicted on the emblem of the city.
History
The city in Algeria was first mentioned in the X century. At the beginning of the XV century it was conquered by the Spaniards, and then by the Turks. In 1790, the city was badly damaged by the earthquake and was almost completely destroyed. After that, he was captured by the French and remained under their protection until the declaration of independence of Algeria in 1962.
Climatic conditions
The weather of the city is mainly determined by the nearby Mediterranean Sea. Oran is located in the subtropical zone. Hot and dry summers with average temperatures of + 28 ° ... + 30 ° C. Warm, wet winters, air temperature rarely drops to + 10 ° C. Precipitation is rare, annual norm is 300-330 mm. And their overwhelming majority falls in the period from November to May. Rains in summer are extremely rare.
Uniqueness
Oran is a unique city. Although it is located on the continent of Africa, nevertheless it has little African nature. This is a typical Mediterranean city, with typical Mediterranean landscapes. The terrain is flat, lowlands prevail here. Located below sea level. It has a unique natural object - a salt lake.
Population
Oran is a city with an area of just over 2 thousand square meters. km The population is about 850 thousand people (according to 2010 data). If we count with the nearest villages that form the Oran agglomeration, then 1.5 million people live in the city. The population in Oran is distributed quite densely, about 70 thousand people / sq. km The vast majority - Arabs and Berbers, representatives of other nationalities are extremely rare here. So it is with religion. 99% of the population practice Islam.
Oran is an important city for Africa
Oran is the economic, financial, and cultural center of North Africa. It is in this city that the large financial and economic enterprises of the whole country are concentrated. One of the largest universities in the country is located in Oran - Oran State University EsSenia. The following industries are developed from industries: metalworking, chemical, food and textile.
sights
In Oran, you can find many interesting historical sights. They have remained here since the reign of the Ottoman Empire and Byzantium. Especially bright against the background of others, the historical district of Al-Hamri stands out. There are preserved buildings that appeared in the XVI century.
Finally
Oran is a port city. They import goods here for the entire African continent. They export wine, fruits, vegetables. Besides the fact that the city is a port city, other types of transport are also developed in Oran: there is a railway, highways connecting the city with other settlements. There are two airports, one of them is international class.
Residents of the city are very sensitive to the environmental problems of the country and even the entire mainland. Environmental protection is the most important occupation in Oran. Due to the climate, the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and a lot of interesting sights, Oran is considered a resort tourist city. Travelers come here, eager for new unique experiences.
Interesting Oran will seem to tourists who like to learn new and interesting artists, to study stunning paintings of ingenious artists. The city is home to world-famous musical figures.
Traveling to Africa, you should definitely visit Oran in order to appreciate all the attractions located on its territory. Everyone who has been here at least once has not remained indifferent and recalls with awe the amazing days spent next to real works of art.