Bordj Hamza, also known as Borj Bouira, is a historic military fortification located in the city of Bouira, specifically in the Draa El Bordj area. Constructed in the late 16th century by the newly established Ottoman authority in Algeria, the fort served as a defensive structure aimed at controlling hostile local populations and securing caravan routes between Algiers (Dar El Sultan) and the Beylik of Constantine.
The fort hosted a garrison of 62 janissaries, commanded by an officer, who monitored the surroundings and collected taxes. The janissaries were supported by a local vassal tribe, exempt from taxes, that assisted in managing local populations and tax collection.
Architecturally, Bordj Hamza features an eight-pointed star shape with a central square and protruding points. It covers an area of 1674 square meters and has walls over five meters high with 78 openings. A large double-door gate provides access to the interior, leading to a spacious courtyard. The remnants of a powder magazine, used for storing gunpowder and ammunition, can be found in the courtyard, along with various other structures such as kitchens, water channels, and a rainwater harvesting system.
During the French occupation, the fort was used as an indigenous bureau, a colonial army barracks, and later as a dispensary. Classified as a historical monument on September 12, 2006, Bordj Hamza was restored and inaugurated as a museum in 2013.
Bordj Hamza, also known as Borj Bouira, is a historic military fortification located in the city of Bouira, specifically in the Draa El Bordj area. Constructed in the late 16th century by the newly established Ottoman authority in Algeria, the fort served as a defensive structure aimed at controlling hostile local populations and securing caravan routes between Algiers (Dar El Sultan) and the Beylik of Constantine.
The fort hosted a garrison of 62 janissaries, commanded by an officer, who monitored the surroundings and collected taxes. The janissaries were supported by a local vassal tribe, exempt from taxes, that assisted in managing local populations and tax collection.
Architecturally, Bordj Hamza features an eight-pointed star shape with a central square and protruding points. It covers an area of 1674 square meters and has walls over five meters high with 78 openings. A large double-door gate provides access to the interior, leading to a spacious courtyard. The remnants of a powder magazine, used for storing gunpowder and ammunition, can be found in the courtyard, along with various other structures such as kitchens, water channels, and a rainwater harvesting system.
During the French occupation, the fort was used as an indigenous bureau, a colonial army barracks, and later as a dispensary. Classified as a historical monument on September 12, 2006, Bordj Hamza was restored and inaugurated as a museum in 2013.
