Oran

On May 16, 1509, the Spanish Empire captured the city of Oran in present-day Algeria. The siege was conducted under the leadership of Cardinal Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros and was part of the Spanish efforts to expand their influence in North Africa. This conquest marked the beginning of Spanish occupation in Oran, which lasted intermittently until the city was handed over to Algeria in 1792 after a period of Ottoman rule. The capture of Oran was significant in establishing Spanish dominion over the western Mediterranean.

In March 1792, after several decades of control fluctuating between Spanish and Ottoman rulers, the city of Oran was permanently ceded back to the Ottoman Empire. The agreement took place after the devastating 1790 earthquake and repeated Ottoman attempts to retake the city. Under the governance of Mohamed El-Kebir, the Ottomans managed to restore the city, which remained under Ottoman influence until French forces took control in 1831. This marked a significant political transition in Oran's history, as it once again became part of an Islamic empire.

The Attack on Mers-el-Kébir was a British naval bombardment of the French fleet stationed in the harbor at Mers-el-Kébir, near Oran, on July 3, 1940, during World War II. The attack aimed to prevent the French fleet from falling into German hands following the armistice between Germany and Vichy France. The British attack resulted in nearly 1,300 French casualties and damaged several ships. This event marked a significant and controversial move in the war, with far-reaching diplomatic repercussions between Britain and Vichy France.

On July 5, 1962, Algeria officially gained independence from France following the Évian Accords. However, the day was marred by the Oran massacre, in which a large number of Europeans and pro-French Muslims were killed in Oran. The violence erupted amidst the complex tensions between different factions in the wake of decolonization. The massacre remains a sensitive topic in Algerian history and symbolizes the tumultuous period of transition from colonial rule to independence.

In October 1986, the University of Oran was officially opened, providing a major boost to higher education in the region. This institution became a center for research and education, attracting students from across the country and abroad. The university's founding signified an important development for Oran, contributing significantly to the cultural and educational advancement of Algeria. It has grown over the decades to offer a wide range of academic and professional programs.

On July 29, 1994, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck between Oran and Ain Temouchent in northwestern Algeria. The quake caused substantial damage to infrastructure and numerous buildings, resulting in several deaths and injuries. The earthquake highlighted the region's vulnerability to seismic activities and prompted the government to invest in better preparedness and disaster management strategies to mitigate the impact of future earthquakes.

On June 7, 2009, Oran was announced as the host city for the Mediterranean Games scheduled for 2021. This decision was made during the General Assembly of the International Committee for the Mediterranean Games in Pescara, Italy. Winning the bid to host the games was a prestigious achievement for Oran and Algeria. It was viewed as a unique opportunity to showcase Oran on an international stage, boost tourism, and improve local infrastructure and facilities.

On January 20, 2014, the Oran Tramway was inaugurated, marking a significant advancement in the city's public transportation network. The tramway, which spans several kilometers across the city, was developed to alleviate the heavy traffic congestion and offer a modern, efficient mode of transport for residents and tourists. The project was seen as a key step in modernizing Oran's infrastructure to meet contemporary urban mobility demands.

On April 12, 2015, the city of Oran witnessed the resurgence of its cultural festivals, marked by the reopening of several arts and music events that had been dormant due to political and economic challenges. This included the International Festival of Arabic Film and the Oran International Arabic Music Festival, which celebrated the rich cultural diversity of the city. These festivals attracted international participants and visitors, reinforcing Oran's status as Algeria's cultural capital.

By April 2, 2019, Oran had become one of the pivotal cities in the Algerian Hirak movement, a series of protests that demanded political reform and the removal of long-standing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. These protests, which began in February 2019, were characterized by large peaceful demonstrations calling for an end to corruption and better governance. Oran's participation highlighted the widespread discontent across the country and was crucial in the eventual resignation of the president.