The Casbah of Algiers: Cultural Heritage as a Political Tool

The Casbah of Algiers serves as a potent example of how cultural heritage can be weaponized politically. Unlike much architectural history literature that focuses on colonial conflicts or distant pasts, this study highlights the paucity of post-independence construction in the Casbah, particularly in its immediate aftermath. By drawing from James D. Le Sueur's broader historical analysis and Çelik's work on material-world conflicts, it underscores the political dimensions embedded in the preservation—or neglect—of this iconic site. The research approach combines historical and architectural perspectives to reveal how power dynamics shape heritage narratives, offering a nuanced counterpoint to dominant discourses.

Peck, G. (2016). The Casbah of Algiers: Cultural Heritage as a Political Tool [University of Virginia]. https://doi.org/10.18130/V3738J