Médina J’dida (Oran), un quartier-marché sur les routes algériennes du commerce transnational

Abstract

Médina J’dida, whose name means “new city”, is a retail market located in Oran’s downtown (Algeria) whose target groups are mainly popular and middle-classes. This market has undergone remarkable transformations under the influence of a transnational trade of low quality goods made in China. In relation with these dynamic trade flows, the area is under a deep urban renewal: the old urban fabric, composed with traditional and small shops in ancient low buildings, is demolished and replaced with new shopping malls which are best suited to new consumption modes and practices. Despite its peripheral situation in the national commercial organization, which is largely polarized by the huge import markets located in East Algeria, Médina J’dida is confirmed by non-hegemonic globalization as a commercial centrality with regional significance. It plays the role of a supply market in items made in China for all the western region of Algeria, and thus strengthens and refines the national trade network of items made in China.

Keywords

• Oran
• Algeria
• Urban Market
• Commercial Centrality
• Transnational Trade
• China