Demonstration and representation of the city in "A City in Time of War" by Abdelkader Djemai

In this article, the author examines how the city is represented in literature, focusing on Une ville en temps de guerre by Abdelkader Djemaï. The study highlights the city as more than just a setting—it becomes a character shaped by cultural intersections, identity struggles, and social change. Since the 19th century, the city has been viewed as both a place of alienation and a space of creativity and memory. In Maghrebi literature, especially Algeri-an, the city often contrasts with the village, symbolizing the shift from tradition to a sometimes-violent modernity. The article centers on Oran during the Algerian War, as seen through the memories of Lahouari, the novel’s main character. Through his perspective, Djemaï depicts the fear, chaos, and emotional toll of war-torn urban life. Ulti-mately, the article reflects on the city’s role in literary creation—as a source of inspiration, memory, and expression of both suffering and dreams.