Your daily moment
The 1999 Civil Concord marked a major step toward peace in Algeria.
In which decade did Algeria experience the βBlack Decadeβ?
Interactive timeline
1980- 1980The Berber Spring begins
- 1988More freedoms in Algeria
- 1991Elections interrupted
- 1992Conflict begins
- 1999Civil concord
- 2002Tamazight becomes a national language
- 2005Charter for peace
- 2016Tamazight becomes an official language
Map of Algeria
Tap a region to discover its events and figures.
Tafsut Imazighen β Berber Spring (1980)
Let's take a moment to understand what happened in 1980β¦
Story mode
In 1980, a writer named Mouloud Mammeri wanted to give a talk about old Kabyle poetry in a big Algerian city. The talk was cancelled. Many students, especially in Kabylie, felt this was unfair. They walked into the streets, peacefully, to say: βOur language matters. Our culture matters.β
What happened
Kabylie at the heart of the movement
A call to recognise the Amazigh language
Peaceful student demonstrations
A harsh response from the authorities at the time
Aftermath
- 1980The Berber Spring begins
- 1988More freedoms in Algeria
- 2002Tamazight becomes a national language
- 2016Tamazight becomes an official language
βSometimes small voices create big change.β
What would you do?
You are a student in 1980. Your mother tongue is not recognised at school. What do you choose?
How does this connect to today?
- Today, Tamazight is an official language, taught in many Algerian schools.
- Yennayer, the Amazigh New Year, is now a national public holiday.
Quick quiz
Why did Tafsut Imazighen begin?
The Black Decade (1990s)
This section covers a sensitive time. We approach it with care and respect.
Story mode
In the early 1990s, Algeria went through a very hard time. Elections were stopped, and a long conflict began between the state and some armed groups. Many families lived with fear. Yet through all of this, teachers, doctors, artists and neighbours kept protecting one another and holding on to hope.
What happened
The electoral process was interrupted
A long and painful civil conflict
Journalists and teachers were threatened
Many Algerians helped one another
Many families were affected. Remembering, gently, helps protect the peace of today and tomorrow.
Aftermath
After these hard years, Algeria sought to heal: to remember with respect, to listen to the families affected, and to protect peace so it never happens again. Learning this history, gently, is part of that healing.
βPeace is something we must protect.β
What would you do?
You are a child during these years. A friend at school is sad and afraid. What do you do?
How does this connect to today?
- Today, Algeria nurtures civil peace and the memory of the families affected.
- This history reminds us that listening to and respecting others protects society.
Quick quiz
How did this difficult period begin?
Your badges
With respect for Algeria's memory.