Biskra

Biskra (Arabic: بسكرة) is the capital city of Biskra Province, Algeria. In 2007, the city had a population of 307,987 people. It is located in northeastern Algeria, about 248 miles (399 km) from Algiers, 71 miles (114 km) southwest of Batna, and 137 miles (220 km) north of Touggourt. Because of its place at the edge of the Sahara Desert, Biskra is known as "The Queen of the Zibans," "The Door of the Desert," or "The Saharan Nice."

Throughout history, Biskra has been an important meeting point for many different groups. People from many cultures have passed through the city, including the Romans and the Arabs, before it became part of the French garrison in 1844.

Today, Biskra has 28 neighborhoods, with the main ones being Korra, City 60 Logements, and Equipment Zones. The city is connected to the rest of Algeria by rail and has grown into a popular place for people to visit during the winter months.

Etymology

Biskra has had many names throughout history, such as Sokkra, Vescra, and Adbesran. People are not sure where the name Biskra comes from. Some think it might come from "Vescera," meaning a place for trade, because Biskra connects different parts of the country. Others believe the name comes from "Adebesran," an ancient Roman name, because of a special warm water spring nearby. Some say the name comes from "Sokkra" because the city is famous for its sweet dates.

The name Biskra was even given to a place called Biskra Palms near Palm Springs, California.

History

Gaetuli

The Gaetuli people first appeared in North Africa during the third millennium BC. They lived in a large area south of the Roman provinces of Africa and Mauritania. According to the Greek historian Strabo, they were the most numerous people in North Africa but the least known. Ancient references to the Gaetuli come from the Carthaginians, who mentioned that a Gaetuli prince wanted to marry Élyssa (or Dido for the Romans), the founding queen of Carthage around 815 BC.

The Gaetuli are believed to be the origin of the Berber calendar, which began around 943–949 BC. They later mixed with the Taureg at Tassili, learning the Tamazight language. Eventually, they settled at the edge of the Aures, where they resisted Roman attempts to explore the area.

Roman colonization

Biskra saw many battles during Roman rule, including resistance led by the Berber leader Tacfarinas and later Jugurtha. With help from the city's people, Jugurtha defeated a Roman army in the Numidia region.

The Vandals in the 4th century

The Vandals invaded Biskra in the fourth century but were eventually forced to integrate with the local people due to continuous resistance. The Romans later took control again, building defenses against possible revenge attacks.

The arrival of the Arab conqueror Uqba ibn Nafi al-Fihri in the 7th century

In the seventh century, the Arab conqueror Uqba ibn Nafi al-Fihri arrived in the area. After twenty years of conquest, he died in 683 AD during an ambush by a Numidian prince named Koceila. He was buried in a mosque in what later became known as Sidi Okba, considered one of Islam’s holy places.

The Hillal Bannis in the 12th century

In the twelfth century, the Hilal (Hilalian Arabs) took over Biskra, removing local leaders and taking property. They sought help from the Almohads of Marrakech.

The Hafsids in the 14th century

During the fourteenth century, the Hafsids from Tunisia and Algeria made Biskra an important center. It remained under their influence for a long time.

The conquest of the city by the Turks in 1541

In 1541, the Turks began their conquest of Biskra under the leadership of Hocine Agha, who had defended Algiers. The Ottoman Empire controlled the city for three centuries until French colonization.

French colonization from 1844

The French took control of Biskra in 1844 and built defenses. Local leader El-hadj Mohammed Esaghire Elokbi continued fighting against the French. Resistance also came from Bou Zian, who opposed a palm tax and was killed during a long siege by French forces. Biskra saw more conflict during the Algerian War of Independence in 1954.

In culture

In the late nineteenth century, Biskra became a popular place for artists and photographers. It inspired many writers and artists, including André Gide, who wrote about the town in his novels. Henri Matisse painted a famous work called Blue Nude (Souvenir de Biskra). The town was also the starting point for the story of The Sheik, a novel and silent movie starring Rudolph Valentino.

Geography

Biskra is found in the northeast part of Algeria, in the Biskra district. The city is about 248 miles (399 km) from Algiers, 71 miles (114 km) southwest of Batna, and 137 miles (220 km) north of Touggourt. It is called “The Queen of the Zibans” and “The door of the desert” because it marks the start of the desert. Biskra sits at an altitude of 87 meters (285 feet) in the northern part of the Sahara Desert.

The land around Biskra is mostly flat, with mountains nearby. Some parts of the city are surrounded by the Sfa Pass and the Ziban Mountains. The area is dry, with small water points found in oases and mountain canyons around El Kantara. The city covers 127.55 square kilometers (49.25 square miles) and has a population of 307,987 people.

Cityscape

Neighborhoods

Biskra grew in three main phases. First, during ancient times, it was an important city under Roman rule and later became prosperous under Muslim rule. During the Turkish period, the city faced health problems that scattered people into smaller groups. Next, during colonial times, new parts of the city were built with different planning. Finally, after colonial rule, the city expanded quickly without strict planning, leading to many new neighborhoods. Today, Biskra has 28 neighborhoods, including three main ones: Korra, City 60 Logts ENICAB, and Equipment Zones.

Climate

Biskra has a subtropical hot desert climate (Köppen climate classification BWh), which is typical for its area. Summers are long and extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 49°C (120°F). The hottest month, July, averages around 42°C (108°F). Winters are short and mild. The city receives very little rain, about 128.8 mm per year, mostly in January and February. Sandstorms can occur, sometimes reducing visibility to almost zero. Biskra enjoys plenty of sunshine, with about 3,292 hours of sunlight each year.

Flora and Fauna

Biskra is home to many different animals. Insects such as the Sacred Scarab and yellow broad-tailed scorpions can be found. There are also amphibians like frogs, reptiles such as the Horned Viper and the Egyptian cobra, and birds like the Black Warbler. Mammals include gazelles, small gerboise, foxes, wild boar, hares, hedgehogs, bats, and many types of spiders.

Demographics

Population