ORAN

Oran, pinyin à o l á n, also known as Wahlan, is the second largest city in Algeria, a seaport, and the capital of Oran Province. Located on the south coast of the Mediterranean Bay of Vajran, 430 kilometers southwest of Algiers. Population 716900 (2004). Founded in 903, it is said to have been first discovered by two Arab sailors. Also known as Wahlan. Located on the south coast of the Mediterranean Bay of Vajran, 430 kilometers southwest of Algiers. Population 716900 (2004). Founded in 903, it is said to have been first discovered by two Arab sailors. Oran, with its geographical advantages, has developed maritime trade with Europe, and its commerce has become increasingly prosperous, gradually becoming a hub for goods distribution, a safe haven, and a warehouse. In 1509, Oran was occupied by the Spanish Empire and recaptured by the Ottoman army in 1708. It was damaged in the earthquake of 1790. In 1792, the Turks established a Jewish community here. After becoming French in 1831, new ports and naval bases were built. The Allies entered during World War II. Most of the Europeans who originally lived here left after Algeria gained independence in 1962. Oran City is now divided into a dock area, an old city, and a new city built on a terrace. At the end of the 19th century, it formed Algeria's largest naval base and fishing port along with the nearby port of Kebir. As the largest city and commercial center in western Algeria, Oran is also known as the "capital of the west" of Algeria. Surrounding is an important agricultural area that produces grapes and wheat. The industry is mainly focused on petrochemicals, metallurgy, shipbuilding, textiles, metal processing, brewing, flour, canned food, and has the largest glass manufacturing plant in North Africa. The transportation infrastructure in Oran is relatively complete, with highways extending in all directions. Essenia Airport, located in the south of the city, is an international airport that transports 3 million passengers annually. The railway connects Morocco in the west, Algiers in the east, and the Atlas Mountains in the south to Beshar and Abadelai on the edge of the Sahara Desert. The oil and gas pipelines connect to the Hassilumaile gas field and the Hasimasiod oil field. Oran Port is the second largest port in Algeria, with a wide and deep harbor that can accommodate ships with a draft of 10 meters. It has modern loading and unloading operations, good storage equipment, and an annual cargo throughput of 2.8 million tons. There is a fuel supply station. The city is built on a small hill, with the old and new cities running side by side from east to west. The city has Fort Santa Cruz, the former Spanish Governor's Office, an 18th century mosque, and the University of Vajran founded in 1965. There is an international airport located in the southern suburbs of the city center in Seniye.