Famous People Born In Algiers

Before he revolutionized 19th-century erotica as Paul Avril, Édouard-Henri Avril was a soldier. An injury sustained in the Franco-Prussian War cut short his military life, and he was pushed into Paris sex salons to study art. His most notable works, such as the illustrations for Fanny Hill, were largely banned.

French economic and social theorist Jacques Attali was born in Algiers and later moved to Paris with his family. Apart from heading the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, he has established various non-profits and the EUREKA program. He has also penned books such as Labyrinth in Culture and Society.

Romani-origin French director, producer, and screenwriter Michel Dahmani, better known as Tony Gatlif, soared to fame with his multiple award-winning musical film Latcho Drom, which showcased the lives of gypsies. He also gained success with the Cannes Best Director Award-winning film Exils.

Henri Kréa was an Algerian-born French novelist, poet, dramatist, anti-colonialist, and political activist. His works dealt with nature, heroism, and social and moral changes in Algeria. Regarded as one of the best Algerian-born poets of his generation, Henri Kréa published over 20 collections of poetry during his lifetime.  

Alain Savary was a French Socialist politician best remembered for his service as the Minister of National Education from 22 May 1981 to 17 July 1984. He is credited with co-founding the Autonomous Socialist Party, which became the Unified Socialist Party in 1960.