Centre National des Archives

Overview

The Centre National des Archives (National Archives Center) is Algeria's public administrative institution responsible for collecting, preserving, exploiting, and communicating the country's archival heritage. It is headquartered in the Birkhadem municipality of Algiers.

History

Following independence in 1962, responsibility for Algeria's archives passed between the Ministries of Tourism, Education, and Information and Culture. The institution was formally created by Ordinance No. 71-36 of June 3, 1971, which placed it under the Council of Ministers and guaranteed free public access to archival consultation. Its headquarters building in Birkhadem, designed by architect Abderrahmane Bouchama in an Arab-Islamic style with modern elements, was inaugurated in 1989 by President Chadli Bendjedid, replacing an earlier headquarters near the Government Palace.

Collections, Holdings, and Publications

The Center's headquarters spans roughly 22,712 square meters across eight floors, with 64 archive stacks alongside technical, scientific, and workshop spaces. Its holdings span the Ottoman period, the French colonial period (1830-1962), and the records of national institutions established since independence.

Access and Usage

The Center provides guidance and support to public and private institutions on archival management and hosts field training for university and vocational students. It is open to the public Sunday through Thursday and Saturday mornings.