The seasons and official processions in Algeria during the ottoman period 1519-1830 (Doctorate thesis)

Abstract

This study examines the official festivals and ceremonial processions of the Regency of Algiers during the Ottoman period (1519–1830) as symbolic instruments through which the Ottoman administration constructed political legitimacy and reinforced its authority within society. It analyzes the ceremonial structure of official occasions and explores their political, social, and economic functions, as well as their symbolic significance in shaping relations between rulers and subjects. The research adopts a historical-analytical approach based on a wide range of primary sources, including foreign archival records—particularly consular correspondence—local archival documents, memoirs, and contemporary historical accounts. The findings demonstrate that the Ottoman authorities preserved important elements of the local ceremonial heritage while incorporating Ottoman imperial traditions into official rituals. Religious, political, military, and social ceremonies were deliberately employed to consolidate state authority, strengthen public loyalty, and communicate political legitimacy through a sophisticated system of ritual practices, public ceremonies, and ceremonial patronage. The study further highlights the central role of political symbolism and official generosity in sustaining Ottoman rule in the Regency of Algiers, demonstrating that official festivals and processions provide an essential framework for understanding the political culture and mechanisms of governance in Ottoman Algeria.