Redefining heritage: the post-colonial tourist gaze and the impact of domestic tourism on Algerian identity

The struggle against identity loss has driven Indigenous Algerians (Arabs and Amazigh) to reclaim their heritage and explore the boundaries of their freedom following post-colonial reforms (after colonial ruling ended). This study examines the shifts in tourism as Algeria transitioned from a colony to an independent nation, focusing on tourism’s role as a means of understanding freedom and fostering connections to cultural heritage. Through semi-structured interviews with Algerians who experienced the transition from colonial to post-colonial rule, the findings reveal how French policies disrupted national identity, compelling Algerians to rediscover “freedom” and gradually reclaim their identity through community interactions. The research highlights the intrinsic link between post-colonial identities and ancestral lands, demonstrating how this relationship is pivotal in reshaping identity and healing from colonial trauma. Furthermore, this study contributes to cultural heritage literature by illustrating tourism's transformative potential in cultural reclamation and identity reaffirmation within post-colonial contexts.