Algeria in Queens

3438643252?profile=originalThe rich diversity of New York City does not only exist in Manhattan: in fact, this multiethnic, multidimensional mosaic extends to all five boroughs, including Queens, which boasts of being one of the most ethnically diverse urban areas in the world. In the spotlight, is the Algerian population that resides in Queens, which among the vast number of other diverse groups, calls New York City home.

Famed for the setting of Albert Camus’ The Stranger, its beautiful Mediterranean waters, and an abundance of natural resources, Algeria itself is home to a large range of ethnic and cultural variety: although the vast majority of the population is Muslim, a large number of Jews and Christians are also native to this North African country where waves of historical integration has shaped this Arabic nation into one of many ethnic dimensions.

As of the 1990 US Census, approximately 3,215 Algerians resided in the United States, and that number is certainly estimated to have increased, particularly as a result of the perceived increasing toleration of different cultures in the country and where Algerian-Americans usually emigrate to, including New York City, Miami, Washington, and Los Angeles. It is speculated that “mass migrations” of Algerians did not occur sooner than the 1960s because Muslim Algerians feared that they would not be able to maintain their traditions in the country.

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Certainly, a lot has changed since this notion dominated, and there is certainly a home for Algerians here in Queens, particularly in Astoria. Being of utmost importance for Algerians in America, many Algerian-Americans are among the highly educated population, often holding distinguished degrees or working as academics.

Although many of the women no longer where the hibjab, their traditional head scarf, marriages are not arranged as frequently, and overall assimilation into the American culture is prominent, most American-Algerians certainly still uphold many of their customs: in keeping with ‘ Umma’, the Arabic word for ‘community’, many Algerians seek to emphasize the cultural unison of Arabs across borders and nationalities.

The upholding of Algerian cultural traditions like their labor day on May 1st is made possible by the proximity of traditional Algerian establishments, as well as cultural and religious centers in Queens. It is during days like these that one can hear Raï dominating the streets, the northwestern Algerian musical style, which originated in the 1970s and spread drastically throughout the world thereafter.
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To get a ‘taste’ of Algerian culture and try the cuisine, like the traditional chicken disk, Tagine, or the lamb dish L’Ham El Hloul, head over to Café Borbone in Astoria, Queens or Harissa Café in the East Village in Manhattan.

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