Oran

Oran (population 700,000) is a city in northwest Algeria, situated on the Mediterranean Sea coast.

Oran was founded in the 10th century by the Moors, but was captured by the Spanish in 1509. From 1708 to 1732 and from 1791 to 1831, the city was part of the Ottoman Empire, until it fell to the French. During World War II, Oran was held by Vichy France until it was captured by the Allies in late 1942.

Today, Oran is a major port and has a university.