Located in the heart of the Casbah of Algiers, Dar Khedaoudj El Amia reveals the elegance of large Algerian houses from the Ottoman period. The palace features an inner courtyard, arcades, marble columns, and decorated zellij tiles.
Today, it houses the National Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions, dedicated to the crafts and lifestyles of Algeria’s different regions.
Practical Information
- Current name: Dar Khedaoudj El Amia
- Type of site: Traditional house and historic palace
- Address: 9 Mohamed Akli Malek Street, Casbah, Algiers
- Historical period: Ottoman period
- Visit duration: Approximately 30 to 45 minutes
- Major transformation: 1789
History and Architecture
The origins of the house remain debated. Some accounts date its initial construction to around 1570, while heritage studies emphasise the importance of the major restoration carried out in 1789.
That year, Hassan Khaznadji, treasurer of Dey Mohamed Ben Othman, acquired the property for his daughter Khedaoudj. The house subsequently kept her name.
After 1830, the colonial administration occupied the palace, which was notably used as the first town hall of Algiers. It was later dedicated to traditional crafts before becoming the National Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions in 1987.
According to a popular legend, Khedaoudj lost her sight because she spent too much time admiring her reflection in a mirror. This is why she was nicknamed “El Amia,” meaning “the blind woman.” This story belongs to the oral tradition of the Casbah and should not be regarded as a confirmed historical fact.
The Architecture
Dar Khedaoudj El Amia is one of the finest examples of preserved Ottoman residential architecture in the Casbah of Algiers.
The museum contains collections highlighting Algeria’s rich traditions, including:
- Traditional clothing
- Jewellery
- Carpets
- Embroidery
- Pottery
- Basketry and doum-fibre products
- Everyday objects
Like many houses in the Casbah, the building has a simple exterior façade, while its beauty is revealed after entering. The entrance leads through successive passageways known as a sqifa, designed to protect the residents’ privacy.
A staircase then leads to the main courtyard, surrounded by arcades and rooms. The arches, columns, carved balustrades, and zellij tiles reflect the refinement of traditional Algerian domestic architecture.
Visitor Advice
Dar Khedaoudj El Amia is one of the most remarkable historic houses in the Casbah of Algiers. Thanks to the museum it contains, visitors can discover both an Ottoman palace and the diversity of Algerian crafts and traditions.
The site should be visited calmly and respectfully, as it is not merely a tourist attraction but also a place dedicated to preserving Algerian history and heritage.