15 Kilometers To Algeria
Oujda, a city steeped in history, located in the northeast of Morocco, serves as the capital of the Oriental region. Positioned only about 15 kilometers from the Algerian border, Oujda is a melting pot of Moroccan and Algerian influences, which is evident in its architecture, traditions, and daily life. The city's unique geography, deep-rooted culture, and shared history with its neighboring country make it a fascinating destination. In this blog, we will explore Oujda's architecture, geography, culinary traditions, and its connection to Algeria.
Geography of Oujda
Oujda’s strategic position near the Moroccan-Algerian border has defined much of its history and current identity. The city is surrounded by a diverse landscape that includes the fertile plains of the Angad Plateau and is near the Beni-Snassen Mountains. The area experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters, typical of this region. Additionally, its location as a trade and migration hub between Morocco and Algeria has made it a crossroads for various civilizations and cultures, from the Berbers and Romans to the Arabs and French colonizers.
The proximity of Oujda to Algeria has also made the city an important political and economic center. Historically, the city functioned as a gateway between the two countries, facilitating the exchange of goods, services, and culture. Despite the current closure of the Moroccan-Algerian border, the historical ties between Oujda and Algeria continue to shape the city's identity, influencing everything from its dialect to its cuisine and architecture.
Architectural Heritage of Oujda
Oujda's architecture reflects its rich and varied history, blending elements from different periods and civilizations. The city's most famous architectural landmark is the Great Mosque of Oujda, or Jamaâ El Kebir, built in 1296 during the reign of Sultan Abu Yaqub of the Marinid dynasty. This mosque, one of the oldest in Morocco, showcases classical Islamic architectural features, including horseshoe arches, ornate tile work, and a vast courtyard surrounded by colonnades. The mosque is emblematic of Oujda's long-standing religious and cultural significance in the region.
Another important architectural site is Bab Sidi Abdel Wahab, a monumental gate that serves as the entrance to Oujda's old medina. The gate was originally built in the 14th century and later restored in the 20th century. It stands as a reminder of the city’s historical role as a fortified settlement. The old medina itself is a labyrinth of narrow streets and traditional Moroccan houses with their characteristic courtyards and intricate zellige tilework. Walking through the medina, one can see Oujda’s past come alive in the ancient walls and the bustling souks that remain vibrant with local commerce.
French colonial architecture also left a lasting mark on Oujda, particularly in the downtown area, where you can find elegant European-style buildings dating back to the French protectorate period (1912–1956). These buildings often combine French architectural elements, such as wrought-iron balconies and Art Deco facades, with traditional Moroccan design, creating a unique blend that reflects the city’s dual heritage.
Culinary Traditions of Oujda
Like its architecture, the cuisine of Oujda reflects a blend of Moroccan and Algerian influences. The city’s food is rich, flavorful, and diverse, with dishes that are deeply rooted in the traditions of the Amazigh (Berber), Arab, and Andalusian cultures, while also incorporating elements from its Algerian neighbors.
One of the most famous dishes from Oujda is Harira, a hearty soup made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and meat (usually lamb or beef). Harira is traditionally eaten to break the fast during Ramadan and is often served with dates and Chebakia, a sweet sesame cookie soaked in honey. While Harira is a staple across Morocco, the version found in Oujda often features spices and ingredients influenced by Algerian cuisine, such as cumin and fresh coriander.
Another quintessential dish in Oujda is Mechoui, a traditional method of slow-roasting a whole lamb over an open fire. The dish is commonly prepared for special occasions such as weddings, religious holidays, and large family gatherings. The lamb is typically marinated in a mixture of Moroccan and Algerian spices, including saffron, cumin, and ras el hanout, which gives the meat its distinctive flavor.
Oujda is also known for its Couscous, a North African dish made from steamed semolina grains, served with a variety of vegetables, meats, and a rich broth. What makes Oujda’s couscous stand out is its variation in preparation, which often mirrors Algerian styles, such as adding dried fruits like raisins or apricots, which is more common in the eastern regions.
Street food is a vibrant part of Oujda's culinary scene. In the old medina, vendors sell Msemen, a flaky, pan-fried bread that is often eaten for breakfast with honey or cheese. Another popular street food is Maakouda, deep-fried potato cakes that are usually spiced with paprika, cumin, and fresh herbs, reflecting the influence of both Moroccan and Algerian culinary traditions.
Oujda's Cultural and Historical Ties with Algeria
Oujda's close geographical proximity to Algeria has long influenced the social and cultural fabric of the city. The shared history between Morocco and Algeria dates back to pre-colonial times when both regions were part of larger Islamic empires, such as the Almoravid and Almohad dynasties. The two countries also share linguistic ties, with both regions speaking variants of the Maghrebi Arabic dialect, known as Darija. In Oujda, many people speak a dialect that includes words and phrases borrowed from Algerian Arabic, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between the two regions.
The relationship between Oujda and Algeria is not only cultural but also familial. Many families in Oujda have relatives across the border, in cities such as Tlemcen, Oran, or even Algiers. For decades, the border between the two countries was open, allowing for the free movement of people, goods, and ideas. This fluidity fostered strong ties between communities on both sides of the border, with shared customs, intermarriage, and common religious practices. Even today, despite the political tensions that led to the closure of the Moroccan-Algerian border in 1994, these familial and cultural bonds remain strong.
Oujda also played a significant role during Algeria’s war for independence from France (1954–1962). The city became a refuge for Algerian nationalists and a center of logistical support for the Algerian resistance movement, known as the FLN (National Liberation Front). Many Oujda residents offered shelter to Algerian fighters, and the city became a hub for smuggling arms and supplies across the border. This period further cemented the close relationship between the people of Oujda and Algeria.
Today, despite the political challenges between the two governments, there is a longing among many people in Oujda for the reopening of the border, which would allow families to reunite and economic ties to be restored. The cultural and historical connections between Oujda and Algeria serve as a reminder of the deep-rooted solidarity between the two peoples.
The Future of Oujda and Algeria Relations
Looking forward, many hope that the political relations between Morocco and Algeria will improve, allowing for the reopening of the border and the strengthening of economic and cultural ties. In the meantime, Oujda continues to stand as a symbol of the historical connection between the two countries, with its unique architecture, cuisine, and culture serving as a living testament to the shared history of Morocco and Algeria.
Oujda’s blend of traditional Moroccan and Algerian influences makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Morocco, offering visitors a rich cultural experience shaped by centuries of cross-border exchange. Whether exploring its ancient medina, savoring its culinary delights, or engaging with its vibrant history, Oujda provides a window into the deep-rooted relationship between Morocco and Algeria.
