Lhouma is a term used in North Africa, to refer to a neighbourhood / quarter characterised by strong social relations between residents and the space in which they live and practice their daily life.
The origin of El Houma is believed to go back to the first settlements in Algiers, and evolved during the Medieval ages, where residential quarters were a place of production and reproduction of local society.
Social life in these quarters was intense as every Houma sustained itself through a moderate mix of uses to satisfy residents’ daily needs while also ensuring privacy and maintaining a separation between the hustle of public and private areas.
[4][17] Every Houma was under the administrative responsibility of a religious chief / qadis (judge) often called Sheikh, who was usually an old, noble and wise man from the quarter, acting as an informal government body; to solve problems and conflicts between people and give blessings for marriages, etc.
[19] Although El Houma has no administrative definition or official recognition in planning policies of Algeria, it constitutes an important component of the city’s organisation and a vital part in the lifestyle of people.