Sir,

As part of the colonial official in French Algeria, I coagulate and welcome you as our newly assigned colonial governor. It is truly an honor for us to work for someone as respectable as you. While I would love to personally invite you to carouse, I must fulfill my duty first and introduce you to the area you will be governing for the next few years.

While most things had run smoothly with the careful governance of our last governor, there are two things that you will have to know before you start to your governance, our current social policy in Algeria and the conditions in the Casbah and Marine Quarter. Let’s start with our current social policy in Algeria, as you might or might not know, our current social policy is mostly conservative and affected by local tradition. The most notable policy that is enforced in French Algeria is gender segregation. While this might seem barbaric when compare to our libertarian French values, this policy is one of the key policy that we have to enforce to maintain public order. The policy of gender segregation was actually enacted even before we incorporated Algeria into our Grand republic as a territory. The local inhabitant, during their period of self-rule, has assigned different areas for different genders. The public places such as streets and city centers are predominantly for men while domestic places like houses and indoor buildings will generally be where women spend their days. Due to the religious background (mostly Muslims), the policy of gender segregation have maintained in effect even after the incorporation into our glories republic. Please do advice with caution if you wish to alter any policy that would possibly interfere with gender segregation.

As we have covered the social policy in French Algeria, let’s move on to the conditions in the Casbah and Marine Quarter. The Casbah and Marine Quarter to the local inhabitant is a place that is riddled with myths and urban legends. But as a Civilized French official, I must advise you not to be sway by their barbaric and pagan stories. Instead, we should focus on the strategic importance of the Marine quarters. It is a place that is fill with robust economic activity and most importantly, foreign embassies. Adding this to the fact that the marine quarters is closed to the harbors, it is easily one of the most important places diplomatically, economically and military speaking. I even foresee there will be even greater development in the future if we would further focus our development in that area.

In conclusion, I have absolute faith in you as a well-respected politician to govern Algeria, wish you the best of luck for your governance.

-Bernard

Eminent Domain under French policies displayed utter disregard for Algeria’s Casbah locale since France’s initial occupation in the nineteenth century.  Areas were leveled and rebuilt to create a more European-type city.  The compact homes of the local Algerians were confiscated, torn down to make way for mansions for Europeans to live in.  A commercial district was designed with more sophisticated structures in a manner that might entice foreign investment and trade.  Meanwhile, demolition of the Marine area was meant to create a defensive sector in the event that other outsiders tried to invade Algeria.  Under these policies, the French destroyed mosques, madrasas, shops, streets and homes with complete disdain and lack of respect for the uniqueness of the Casbah.  However, French policies in Algeria’s Casbah and Marine areas leading up to the 1930s underwent a dramatic shift.

Due to an influx of tourists, France changed its policies in the Casbah and Marine Quarter.  The “Europeanization” of the areas was no longer advantageous to the French.  Tourists wanted to see “authentic” Algeria, not an Algeria made to look like any other European city.  Instead of tearing down the traditional Casbah home, the new policies mandated that all new housing must be built to mirror those of the traditional Islamic dwellings.  In addition, new schools were erected to foster the creation of local Algerian art.  These new policies were applicable only to the Casbah areas allotted to the local Algerians.  The sections that were once razed and re-built in model-European structures would continue to do the same with new buildings in those sectors.

The policy of separation between the locals and Europeans remained solidly embedded in Algeria even as France implemented new guidelines.  Policies to integrate the two communities into each other seemed to be non-existent. The lack of integration also continued to exacerbate a situation that existed within the Islamic section of the Casbah.  The traditional Islamic network of homes allowed for women to be confined to inside while down below, the Muslim men ruled the streets.  This particular layout of buildings kept men and women somewhat segregated within the Islamic community.  The French policy of building new tradition Islamic Casbah homes enforced this social practice.  Any semblance of unity on the part of the French was purely superficial.  The new policies meant to promote “tolerance” were meant to attract more tourists who would thereby bring more money into the area.

References

Çelik, Zeynep.  Urban Forms and Colonial Confrontations: Algiers under French Rule. Berkeley: University of California Press (1997).

Davidson, Naomi. Only Muslim: Embodying Islam in Twentieth-Century France. Ithaca: Cornell University Press (2012).

Dear Sir,

It has come to my attention that you have been tasked with overseeing our (France) newest feat, Algeria. I will provide you with some rather insightful information that I recommend you take into consideration during your new assignment.

With regards to a social policy enforced throughout all of Algiers, you must be sure to enforce and maintain control over gender segregation. This is rooted back the Muslim religion and tradition of Algiers’s inhabitants which governs lifestyle. Different areas are designated for different genders: the public and streets are predominantly for men while domestic places will generally be where women spend their days. Again, this is mainly due to the city’s religious influence and it is imperative that you maintain this order as well as all other religious traditions to deflect uneasiness within the city. Be sure to uphold these societal norms while you began thinking about your new position.

While maintaining these norms in the beginning will be a good idea, it would be a good idea to begin thinking about Westernizing the city when rebuilding efforts and growth occur. As I am sure you already know, Algeria was previously controlled by the Ottoman Empire, leaving the large Islamic influence and lifestyle that still remains present. Gradual Westernization in an attempt to civilize inhabitants may be a more effective and less costly approach than a massive rebuild when it is not necessary. Noted, you will come across and learn very much about the Islamic faith while transitioning into your new role.

To conclude, we will briefly talk about the Casbah and Marine Quarter, you must not be intimidated by the hearsay of mystery related to this area. The majority of this mystery is rooted back to some things already discussed and in general, cultural differences. Specifically, for Marine Quarter you will be sure to make security a priority in this area as it is an area with high concentration of critical diplomats, officials, and secretaries mainly in part to its advantageous location to the harbor. In an attempt to promote a more robust economy you may want to concentrate your efforts here. Then, gradually spreading throughout the region. As you begin your new role with the French government I wish you the best of luck. I am completely confident that you are capable of doing a fantastic job here in Algiers, otherwise you would not have been asked to take on this important project in the westernization and civilizing of Algeria.

-Dahmane

Hello Sir,

I am wiritng to you from Algiers as I have been informed that you are currently preparing to embark an a mission to this new territory. I have decided that it may be useful to you to have a brief introduction and understanding of the local custom and standing within the French Empire, in order to best prepare you for your new assignment.  I will herein briefly outline the living conditions and French policy here for your convenience.

Life in this region is very heavily influenced by religious concerns; traveling through local cities and towns, you will notice that the local architecture and city-planning is very heavily geared towards facilitating the daily prayers which occur five times per day here and houses of worship called mosques–these can be easily spotted as a result of the towering minarets and domed roofs. French government policy will be focused on attempting to secularize the local culture, so I expect that you will need to learn more about the local religious customs upon your arrival as a result of the cultural shifts that we are attempting to bring about.

We will be working not only in social terms but also in a economic, infrastructural, and civil-engineering avenues towards modernizing this city and giving it the level of technological advancement that it obviously lacks by comparison with French cities. You will spend most of your time in the Marine quarter, where you will be surrounded by other military and diplomatic functionaries of various backgrounds. Other areas of the city will be of particular focus in our efforts towards modernization.

It is important to recognize that we may be optimistic in our assessment of the odds of our continued success in the region, given that we are not the first to have taken control of the region. For centuries, Algiers was controlled by the Ottoman empire. A great deal of its existing culture and infrastructure came about as a direct result of Ottoman rule. Suffice to say that an understanding of this history will help you in understanding how we may replicate this act of modernization and civilizing.

The most important of your tasks will be to ensure the security and safety of French-controlled Algiers, especially at times of tumult and enforced change to the way of life to which they have grown accustomed. If we are diligent in maintaining security in Algiers we will be successful in turning the region into a valuable economic asset and you will also be of great assistance in ensuring that we are able to help bring modernization, secularization, and civilization to the local populace.

Best wishes,

Khaled

ar Sir,

Congrats on your new position in taking over Algeria. Algeria was previously controlled by the Ottoman empire was is known for its architectural culture and most importantly city life. The religion here is mainly Muslim, the lay out of the city has lots to do with the religion.  For everything to run smoothly you must stick to the norms, try not to change anything or the people will become very upset.

Let me lay out a map of the city for you so you can get an idea. It is broken up into two cities, upper and lower. The lower city was filled with military and commercial head quarters. This is where officials and diplomats are housed because of the closeness to the harbor. The upper city is made up of about 50 small neighborhoods, filled with people and merchandise, many of the houses have windows and doors that are out of sight from the street, make sure to respect peoples privacy. The architect plays a big role and is amazing to those who have never seen it upon arrival.

Gender plays a big role in the society, there are separate public spaces and streets that belonged to men and domestic spaces for women. This prevents physical contact and make the women stay at home.  This is very important you keep this in place or it will disrupt the entire city from what they know. Getting into the Casbah and everything behind it, the myths and unknown started from three major factors, gender, mystery and difference. The Algerian women are seen as the key symbols of the colony cultural identity. My best advice to you is don’t mess around with what the norms are and listen to the people and respect their culture.

Good Luck!!!

Sir,

Congratulations on your appointment in taking charge of Algeria. As you are about to start your important mission, its important to be aware of certain factors within your colony that can either help or hamper your performance. Algeria is an important economic and strategic colony, essential for France’s safety and security in the Mediterranean.

The first important component is to have an understanding of the local norms and culture of the region. Algeria was previously controlled by the Ottoman Empire, before our acquisition in the mid nineteenth century. The religion of the region is predominantly Muslim. Furthermore, Algiers was city planned to support its religion. One could easily find minarets and plenty of religious architecture that suggests an almost theocratic system. As we begin efforts to civilize Algeria in the name of France, there has to be an understanding that we work towards secularizing the region. These people need to be made aware of the clear separation between church and state. France’s policy follows the “Law on the Separation of the Church and State.” We partitioned the public secular sphere from a person’s private religious inclinations. Religion only belongs in the private domain. As we move to westernize Algeria, starting with the Marine Quarter, we need to carefully city-plan and rebuild a better Algiers.

Westernizing Algiers is as much a security concern as it is a social one. Algiers has a long history as the epicenter for historical Barbary piracy, as well as a strategic fortress for the Ottomans. When the French conquered Algiers, they had the mind to improve its defenses. Now, as we continue renovating Algiers, it’s important to keep in mind internal and external security for the Mediterranean region. In supporting security, Algiers can also be a tremendous economic asset.

From an economic perspective, demolition and remodeling will have a multitude of positive effects. As we construct luxury housing and develop new arteries, we can attract the higher income population. While there are concerns of local depopulation, from a development perspective, it’s not necessarily a bad proposition. With this redevelopment, Algiers can become the Paris of North Africa.

To summarize my advise for your first strong course of action, you need to remodel Algiers to mirror the West. The local population must be made aware of the French policy towards religion and the public. France and her colonies is secular Republic, period. From there, you can begin to rebuild and city plan a European Algiers.

Dear Louise,

I hear that you are the one to take over for me in Algiers. Well if that is the case then let me go over some of the policies and conditions here so that you can run things smoothly. First things first I want to go over the policies here in Algiers. Since this is one of our valuable colonies in our vast empire it will not be the exact same as mainland France. First and foremost the role of women in muslim society is a very divisive subject. You must be sure to enforce gender segregation as many muslim men will be very upset if religious and societal balances are interrupted and not met. You must remember that we are here representing our modern society which as you know is much more civilized and advanced, therefore you must make conscious choices to accept norm and customs. I will say this though, the architecture of the city in both the Casbah and Marine quarter is quite astounding. Men reside on the streets as women tend to more domestic spaces including the roofs of many buildings which serve as a second life in Algiers. Just to quickly focus on the Casbah and Marine quarter, despite our obvious advances in society, technology, and culture it is quite a challenge for any European to travel there and not be amazed at the mysteries it holds. I am sure you have heard of its myths. Not knowing what lies ahead especially with the way the individuals treat nature. The Atlas mountains and the many palm trees. Now back to business. You must remember to keep troops in the lower part of the city, Marine quarter, this is where most of the diplomats, officials, and secretaries are housed due to the close proximity to the harbor. If necessary you are allowed to use force to efficiently accommodate our needs. I know you will be in Algiers while the urban projects will be taking place. I can’t imagine that it will be well received there but these are necessary projects and not just for private interests but for the growth of the city. It will also grant us better access for our troops so that they can easily move from one region to the next. I mean let’s face it their traditional society is what is holding them back. This city is too much of a beautiful and prosperous region for it to not be used at its full potential.

“Tis hardly possible to see a more agreeable landscape. The city itself is very large and extremely populous. Here are hot baths, very famous for their medicinal virtues.” (56)

The author is describing her arrival in the city of Sofia. A very popular activity of this era, locals would go to “hot baths”, something equivalent to a modern day spa with things like a sauna used for cleansing purposes.

“But this climate, as happy as it seems, can never be preferred to England with all its snows and frosts, while we are blessed with an easy government under a king who makes his own happiness consist in the liberty of his people and chooses rather to be looked upon as their father than their master.” (57)

This quote pertains specially to mean reflecting the differences in government between that of England and Ottoman area. The government was extremely authoritative and wish to controlled nearly all aspects of life for its citizens, restricting the abilities of men (and women).

“The government here is entirely in the hands of the arms and Grand Signor with all his absolute power as much a slave as any of his subjects, and trembles at a Janissary frown”

Yet again, the author points out how the government is extremely controlling and rules with an iron fist, playing to the likes of ego driven men.

“’Tis very easy to see they have more liberty than we have, no woman, of what rank so ever being permitted to go in the streets without two Muslims, one that covers her face all but her eyes and another that hides the whole dress of her head, and hang half way down her back and their shapes are also wholly concealed by a thing they call a ferace with no woman of any sort appears without.”(71)

The above quotation reflects something still relevant today; the women were not permitted to show anything besides their eyes in public, which plays into the stereotype for women of this time.

“They are most of them Greeks and have little houses in the midst of their gardens, where their wives and daughters take a liberty not permitted in the town; I mean to go unveiled.”(74)

Here in this letter the women are allowed, taking their veils off their fave and revealing more than their eyes. In an earlier passage we see how women are NOT allowed to show their skin. Now, we see where the women actually did unveil themselves.

“Yet there was not one of them that showed the least surprise or impertinent curiosity, but received me with all the obliging civility possible. I know no European court where the ladies would have behaved themselves in so polite a manner to a stranger.” (p. 58)

With this Quote it shows how surprised she is at the difference in culture between the Turkish and Europeans. Even though this took place in the outstanding city of Sofia, the writer was no expecting such politeness.

“Indeed the janissaries had no mercy on their poverty, killing all the poultry and sheep they could find without asking who they belonged to, while the wretched owners durst not put in their claim for fear of being beaten. Lambs just fallen, geese and turkeys big with egg all massacred without distinction!” (p. 61)

This quote portrays us quite a different picture of the Turkish. Showing a military side of things, and how difficult it was having this happen to the common folk.

“The government here is entirely in the hands of the army and the Grand Signor with all his absolute power as much a slave as any of his subjects, and trebles at a janissary’s frown.” (p. 66)

This quote surprised me, learning that the Grand Signor is basically helpless to the power of his own military. It paints a picture of the inner workings of the government which the people did not see.

“It would be too tedious to tell your ladyship the various dresses and turbans by which their rank is distinguished, but they were all extremely rich and gay…” (p. 67)

With this quote we are shown how wealth and riches were being flaunted. It wasn’t difficult to know who was truly rich, as they loved to show it.

“…those ladies that are rich having all their money in their own hands, which they take with them upon a divorce with an addition which he is obliged to give them. Upon the whole, I look upon the Turkish women as the only free people in the empire.” (p. 72)

This quote shows us what worry-free lives the women in this culture lived. As long as they accept and live by the rules, they were free to live as they please. Even if a divorce were to ensue, the woman would not have to worry for much, as the husband is duty-bound to leave them his money.

“She gave me a dinner of fifty dishes of meats, which, after their fashion, was placed on the table but one at a time, and was extremely tedious, but the magnificence of her table answered well to that of her dress. The knives were of gold, the hafts set with diamonds, but the piece of luxury that grieved my eyes was the table cloth and napkins, which were all tiffany embroidered with silks and gold in the finest handkerchiefs that ever came out of this country” (Montagu, 116).

Throughout Lady Montagus letters, she presented the Turkish as being very wealth.  Cardini also supported this observation.  He described the Sultan, Suleiman “the magnificent” as being known for his “pomp and opulence” entertainment (Cabini, 157).  Suleiman was particularly successful in battles (Carbini, 152) and thus, would have acquired more wealth from the new lands, including taxes from non-Muslims. Clearly, even Turks liked a little elegance at the dining table.  The table layout was probably more sophisticated than the visitor expected; maybe a more crude setting was anticipated.

“The government here is entirely in the hands of the army and the Grand Signor with all his absolute power as much as a slave as any of his subjects, and trembles at a janissary’s frown” (Montagu, 66).

The many conquests of the Turks were largely due to the strength of the Janissaries who were groomed from a very age to become a very elite army contingent serving the Turkish Sultan even though they were Christians (Carbini, 152).  It would have been very prudent indeed for the Sultan to “play nice” with the Janissaries even though they were conscripts.  The success of battles depended on the Janissaries.  Although, they were beaten down sometimes, the Turks were resilient and came back strong.  When the Turks ships were destroyed in battle; they rebuilt them and went on to win more battles and conquer land (Carbini, 159).  The Ottoman Empire was one of the long reigns in the Islamic World and it governed lands from North Africa stretching around the Mediterranean Sea and up into European territory.

 “The Turk took the money, which he presented to her, and told her she was at liberty, but the lady very discreetly weighted the different treatment she was likely to find in her native country.  Her Catholics relations, as the kindest thing they could do for her in her present circumstances, would certainly confine her to a nunnery for the rest of her days.  Her infidel lover was very handsome, very tender, fond of her and lavished at her feet all the Turkish magnificence” (Montagu, 136).

Marriages between Muslims and Christians were not encouraged during the Middle ages.  In this instance, the Christian woman made the decision to stay with her Muslim captor since she would have been an outcast in her own community.  In earlier class discussions, this practice would not have been uncommon. There would have been more likelihood of Christians converting to Islam as there was more opportunity for social mobility within the Islamic community. Even Christian rebels became fleet commanders and governors in the Ottoman Empire (Carbini, 165). There seemed to be more tolerance within the Ottoman empire for people from other religious who just needed to pay the non-Muslim tax and pledge allegiance to the Sultan (Carbini, 163).

“ ´Tis certain we have but very imperfect relations of the manners and religion of these people, this part of the world being seldom visited but for merchants, who mind little but their own affairs, or travellers who make too short a stay to be able to report anything exactly of their own knowledge” (Montagu, 60).

Carbini supported Montagu statement regarding the lack of information about the Islamic world.  He found that Muslims were more knowledgeable about Christians that vice-versa probably due the lack of literature making its way to Europe (Carbini, 168).  Towards the later stages of the Middle Ages, trading and more exposure to the Ottoman Empire helped to disperse information further into Europe (Carbini, 169). The essays from The Metropolitan Museum of Art also revealed that there were well-established trade links between the Islamic World, Africa, Asia and Europe.

“You may guess then how effectively this disguises them, that there is no distinguishing the great lady from her slave and ‘tis impossible for the most jealous husband to know his wife when he meets her, and no man dare touch or follow a woman in the street… I look upon Turkish women as the only free people in the empire” (Montagu, 71-72).

Lady Montagu’s implication that Turkish women were free and some even had lovers was somewhat baffling.  She implied that the women dressed as their slaves would make arrangements to have secret tête–à–têtes.  Traditionally, Muslim women in the Islamic World, would have been restricted to the home of their fathers or husbands.  Implying that the women could do what they wanted yet having to do it in secret did not seem to be “free” by any stretch of the imagination.  If the women were free then their husbands would know of the lovers and there would be no need for any disguise or secret rendezvous.

References

Carboni, Stefano, and Trinita Kennedy. “Venice’s Principal Muslim Trading Partners: the Mamluks, the Ottomans, and the Safavids.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/vmos/hd_vmos.htm (March 2007).

Carboni, Stefano, and Trinita Kennedy, and Elizabeth Marwell. “Commercial Exchange, Diplomacy, and Religious Difference between Venice and the Islamic World.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/cedr/hd_cedr.htm (March 2007).

Cardini, Franco.  Europe and Islam. Wiley-Blackwell. 2001.

Montagu, Lady Mary Wortley. Turkish Embassy Letters. United Kingdom: Virago, 1994.