Fort Stamboul, also known as the Broken Boat Fort, is a military fortification located in Bordj El Kiffan, in the Wilaya of Algiers, Algeria. Built in the 19th century, it is part of a network of coastal defenses protecting the Bay of Algiers.
History
Ottoman Period
Although Fort Stamboul itself dates from the French period, it is part of a continuation of an older defensive system. As early as the 17th century, the Ottomans established a series of forts along the Algerian coast to monitor the Bay of Algiers and prevent foreign incursions.
French Construction
Fort Stamboul was built in 1861 by the French army, as evidenced by an inscription engraved on one of the upper voussoirs of the entrance gate. Its construction was part of a policy to strengthen coastal defenses pursued by the French colonial authorities after 1850. The decree of September 24, 1861, classifies Fort Stamboul as a second-series military post, as a detached work from the place of Algiers.
Features
Fort Stamboul is distinguished from other fortifications in the region by its relatively isolated location. Unlike other forts such as those in Bordj El Kiffan or Tamentfoust, which have been progressively surrounded by urbanization, Fort Stamboul has escaped the encroachment of concrete. This situation offers an interesting potential for its preservation and enhancement.
Fort Stamboul, also known as the Broken Boat Fort, is a military fortification located in Bordj El Kiffan, in the Wilaya of Algiers, Algeria. Built in the 19th century, it is part of a network of coastal defenses protecting the Bay of Algiers.
History
Ottoman Period
Although Fort Stamboul itself dates from the French period, it is part of a continuation of an older defensive system. As early as the 17th century, the Ottomans established a series of forts along the Algerian coast to monitor the Bay of Algiers and prevent foreign incursions.
French Construction
Fort Stamboul was built in 1861 by the French army, as evidenced by an inscription engraved on one of the upper voussoirs of the entrance gate. Its construction was part of a policy to strengthen coastal defenses pursued by the French colonial authorities after 1850. The decree of September 24, 1861, classifies Fort Stamboul as a second-series military post, as a detached work from the place of Algiers.
Features
Fort Stamboul is distinguished from other fortifications in the region by its relatively isolated location. Unlike other forts such as those in Bordj El Kiffan or Tamentfoust, which have been progressively surrounded by urbanization, Fort Stamboul has escaped the encroachment of concrete. This situation offers an interesting potential for its preservation and enhancement.
