Biskra

Biskra

Biskra (Arabic: بسكرة) is the capital city of Biskra Province, Algeria. 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 like Sokkra, Vescra, and Adbesran. No one knows exactly 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 think it comes from "Adebesran," an old Roman name, because of a warm water spring nearby. Some say it comes from "Sokkra" because the city is known for its sweet dates.

The name Biskra was also used for a place called Biskra Palms near Palm Springs, California.

History

Gaetuli

The Gaetuli people lived in North Africa long ago, south of old Roman areas like Mauritania. The Greek writer Strabo said they were very many but not well known. Old stories from the Carthaginians tell of a Gaetuli prince who wanted to marry Élyssa (or Dido), the first queen of Carthage.

The Gaetuli may have started the Berber calendar. They mixed with the Taureg at Tassili and learned the Tamazight language. They finally settled near the Aures and stopped Roman explorers.

Roman colonization

Biskra had many fights during Roman times. Leaders like the Berber Tacfarinas and Jugurtha fought back. With local help, Jugurtha beat a Roman army.

The Vandals in the 4th century

The Vandals came to Biskra in the fourth century but had to mix with locals after much resistance. The Romans came back and built defenses.

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

In the seventh century, Arab leader Uqba ibn Nafi al-Fihri came to the area. He died in 683 AD during an attack. He was buried in a mosque in Sidi Okba, a holy place for Islam.

The Hillal Bannis in the 12th century

In the twelfth century, the Hilal Arabs took over Biskra and removed local leaders.

The Hafsids in the 14th century

In the fourteenth century, the Hafsids from Tunisia and Algeria made Biskra an important city.

The conquest of the city by the Turks in 1541

In 1541, the Turks started to take Biskra, led by Hocine Agha, who had protected Algiers. The Ottoman Empire ruled the city for three hundred years.

French colonization from 1844

The French took Biskra in 1844 and built defenses. Local leaders fought back, like El-hadj Mohammed Esaghire Elokbi. Bou Zian also resisted French rules and was killed. Biskra had more fighting during the Algerian War of Independence in 1954.

In culture

In the late nineteenth century, Biskra became famous with artists and photographers. Writers and artists like André Gide wrote about it. Henri Matisse painted a well-known picture called Blue Nude (Souvenir de Biskra). The town started the story for The Sheik, a novel and silent movie with Rudolph Valentino.

Geography

Biskra is located 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 is where the desert begins. Biskra sits 87 meters (285 feet) above sea level 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, it was an important city long ago under Roman rule and later became successful under Muslim rule. During the Turkish period, the city had health problems that caused people to live in smaller groups. Next, during colonial times, new parts of the city were built with different planning. Finally, after colonial rule, the city grew quickly without strict planning, creating 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 normal for its area. Summers are long and very hot, with temperatures often above 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 making it hard to see. Biskra gets 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