An independent state since 1962, Algeria enjoys an economy on the rise, sustained by its strong hydrocarbons exports (with revenue from this source reaching as much as 45% of its GDP). It is the largest country in Africa, and its capital city, Algiers, is considered the most important North African port. It has overcome political, religious and economic crises and has surmounted social challenges. Two articles in this monographic issue of Hesperia allow us to read analyses and view situations involving some of these political and social situations, with in-depth coverage by Caridad Ruiz de Almodóvar, who deals with legacies in the Algerian Code, and by Rafael Bustos, in an overview of the Algerian developments which have taken place throughout the last fifty years. 

All of the stages and events in the country have been reflected, and continued to be reflected, with great intensity by its writers, as well as having very significantly, highly acclaimed film productions, as tends to occur with artistic forms of expression during crucial periods. The admirable vitality of this literature is made clear in an article by Adelaida Porras, about Algerian literature written in the French language, with very complete descriptions, and in another by Ignacio Gutiérrez de Terán, regarding current fiction and “the all-integrating commitment of Wasini al-A’rach,” which, as often takes place due to the several possibilities in transcribing the Arabic, is also known as  Waciny Laâredj, one of whose novels is dedicated precisely to “Don Quixote in Algiers.” Yes, Cervantes is another reminiscence forming a bridge with this country. It could not be lacking in a document about Algeria and Spain.

This 18th issue of Hesperia: Culturas del Mediterráneo, also contains its usual sections, including “Interview”: in this issue, with Eduardo López Busquets, the current General Director of Casa Árabe, who, in addition to discussing other experiences, talks about his diplomatic mission and experiences in Algiers, “two years, right at the beginning of this 21st century.” In addition to the articles in the “Current News” section, in the Reviews section there are several documents regarding Algerian subject matter, including one about the amazing Algerian spiritual and political hero, the Emir Abd al-Qadir (Abd el-Kader), whose legacy, which he left behind since the 19th century, has also borne witness to an opening to Others and an intercultural dialogue, features which we feel it is so comforting and of great interest to contribute to.