The Doodle for today honours Algerian Independence Day! After 132 years of French domination, Algeria attained independence on this day in 1962 and became a sovereign nation.
From the early 16th century until France invaded in 1830 and took control of Algiers and beyond, Algeria was partially ruled by the Ottoman Empire. Algerians were subjected to 132 years of persecution, bigotry, and poverty, which led to their treatment as second-class citizens. In 1954, the Front de Libération National was formed by Algerians who were protesting their colonisation and control by the French.
A peace deal known as the Evian Accords was eventually mediated between France and Algeria after a protracted eight-year fight for freedom and justice against colonialism. A vote for independence was given to the populace, and an overwhelming 91.5 % chose “yes.” Exact 132 years after France’s initial invasion, the Algerian Provisional Government designated July 5th to be Algeria’s Independence Day.
The Maqam Echahid, which was built in 1982, 20 years later, serves as a memorial honouring more than a million wartime martyrs who fought valiantly. A perpetual flame is protected by three palm leaves, which stand for victory and support statues of warriors. The monument also houses the National Museum of El Mujahid, which honours the Algerian resistance to colonialism.
Algerians celebrate their independence by donning white and green attire to parades, events, and concerts. In today’s artwork, a flag can be seen waving triumphantly. Flags flutter all around the country, but notably in Algiers.
Happy Algerian Independence Day!