Béchar, Algeria
Region: Béchar
Geographic Coordinates: 31.633300, -2.200000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 40.0°C (68°F to 104°F)
Climate: Desert climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Population: 165627
Language: Arabic
Béchar is a city in the western part of Algeria, Near the border with Morocco. It is the capital of Béchar Province and has a population of approximately 200, 000 people. The city is renowned for its unique architecture, Cultural heritage, And natural beauty. One of Béchar’s most distinctive features is its use of adobe brick in many buildings. This traditional building material gives them a distinct reddish-brown color and helps keep them cool in the hot desert climate.
Visitors can explore these historic buildings by taking a walk through the old town or visiting landmarks such as La Mosquée de Sidi Yahia. Béchar has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its history as an important trading center along ancient caravan routes. Ksour de Béni Abbès is one notable example consisting of several fortified villages built by nomadic tribes over centuries. These villages are now UNESCO World Heritage sites offering visitors an opportunity to learn about traditional Berber culture.
In addition to cultural attractions, Béchar boasts stunning natural scenery such as Saoura Valley with breathtaking views of sand dunes, Palm groves, And oases filled with date palms. Visitors can take guided tours or go on their own adventures through this beautiful landscape. Tassili n’Ajjer National Park covers over 72, 000 square kilometers and includes some of Algeria’s most spectacular rock formations and prehistoric cave paintings making it another popular destination for nature lovers in Béchar. Overall there are plenty reasons to visit Béchar during your travels through Algeria whether you’re interested in history or nature.
With its unique architecture, Rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty it offers something for everyone who wants to experience Algerian culture at its finest!
- Tassili n’Ajjer National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique rock formations and prehistoric cave paintings.
- Erg Chebbi Dunes: A vast desert area with towering sand dunes that attract tourists for camel rides and camping.
- Taghit Oasis: An oasis town with palm groves, ancient ruins, and a traditional market.
- Beni Abbès: A historic town known for its architecture, including the 17th-century mosque of Sidi Brahim.
- Ghardaia Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring traditional Berber architecture and a maze-like network of narrow streets.
- Béchar Museum: A museum showcasing local history and culture, including artifacts from the prehistoric era to modern times.
- Djebel Ouarkziz Nature Reserve: A protected area with diverse wildlife such as Barbary macaques, wild boars, and birds of prey.
- Béni-Isguen Market: An outdoor market selling traditional crafts such as carpets, pottery, leather goods, and spices.
- Gueltas de Gourara Natural Springs: Natural springs surrounded by rocky cliffs that offer a refreshing break from the desert heat.
- Mosque of Sidi Ahmed Tidjani: An ornate mosque built in honor of Sufi saint Ahmed Tidjani in the early 20th century.
- Béchar, Algeria is known for its agricultural industry, particularly for the production of dates and olives.
- The city also has a significant mining industry with deposits of iron ore and phosphates in the surrounding area.
- Additionally, Béchar has a growing tourism sector due to its proximity to the Sahara Desert and popular attractions such as the Taghit Oasis and Tassili n’Ajjer National Park.
- There are also small businesses in sectors such as retail and services catering to local residents.
- The city was founded in the early 19th century as a French military post.
- Béchar played a significant role in the Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962), with several battles fought in and around the city.
- In 1960, Béchar was declared the capital of Saoura Province.
Notable People:
- Mohamed Boudiaf – an Algerian political leader who played a crucial role in Algeria’s struggle for independence against France.
- Abdelhamid Ben Badis – an Islamic scholar and reformer who founded the Association of Muslim Ulema of Algeria (AMUA) to promote education and social reform among Muslims in Algeria.
- Salah Bey – a local ruler who resisted French colonization during the late 19th century, leading to his exile to Gabon by French authorities.
Overall, Béchar’s history reflects its strategic location as an important military outpost during colonial times and its significance as a center for resistance against foreign occupation during various periods throughout Algerian history.
- Musée du Patrimoine de Béchar (Béchar Heritage Museum)
- La Mosquée Sidi Ahmed Tidjani (Sidi Ahmed Tidjani Mosque)
- Le Centre d’Art et de Culture de Béchar (Béchar Art and Culture Center)
- La Casbah de Béni Abbès (Beni Abbes Kasbah)
- Les Grottes de Taghit (Taghit Caves)
- Le Palais des Beys de Béchar (Bey’s Palace of Béchar)
- L’Oasis de Timimoun (Timimoun Oasis)
- Le Fort Vieux Ksar Tamentit (Old Fortress of Ksar Tamentit)
- La Bibliothèque Communale De Bechar
- La Place du 1er novembre 1954
- USM Béchar – Union Sportive de la Médina de Béchar is a football club based in Béchar. The team was founded in 1962 and currently plays in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 2.
- CRB Ain Sefra – Chabab Riadhi Baladiat Ain Sefra is a football club from Ain Sefra city which is located near Béchar. The team was founded in 1946 and has played several seasons in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 2.
- NRB Touggourt – Nasr El-Ridha Baladiat Touggourt is a football club from Touggourt city which is also located near Béchar. The team was founded in 1957 and has played several seasons in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 2.
- JS Saoura – Jeunesse Sportive de la Saoura is a football club based in Bechar that plays its home games at Stade du 20 Août 1955 stadium which has a capacity of around ten thousand spectators. JS Saoura was established recently as compared to other clubs mentioned above since it came into existence only after Algeria gained independence from France i.e., around late-1970s or early-1980s.
These are some of the prominent sports teams that represent the region of Béchar, Algeria with their respective histories as per my research findings available online.
- Moussem of Sidi Okba is a religious festival held annually in Béchar to honor the life and teachings of Sidi Okba, a renowned Muslim saint.
- The International Festival of Nomads celebrates the nomadic way of life and showcases traditional music, dance, and cuisine from around the world.
- The Festival of Saharan Culture highlights the unique culture and heritage of the Sahara desert region through various art forms such as music, dance, poetry, and art.
- Eid al-Fitr is a significant Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan with feasts, prayer services, and family gatherings.
- Independence Day commemorates Algeria’s independence from France on July 5th 1962 with parades, fireworks displays cultural events across Béchar.
- International Women’s Day celebrated on March 8th recognizes women’s achievements in various fields while also highlighting gender inequalities still present today.
- National Youth Day (November 1st) is dedicated to celebrating young people in Algeria through cultural events such as concerts by local musicians or theater performances showcasing their talents.
- Couscous: A traditional dish made of semolina grains and served with vegetables, meat or fish.
- Tajine: A slow-cooked stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices.
- Mechoui: A roasted lamb dish that is popular during celebrations.
- Chebakia: A sweet pastry made of fried dough coated in honey syrup and sesame seeds.
- La Table de Gharbouze: This restaurant offers a range of traditional Algerian dishes like couscous, tajine, mechoui as well as international cuisines like pizza and pasta.
- Restaurant El Bahdja: Specializes in grilled meats like lamb chops, beef kebabs along with salads and soups.
- Café Restaurant Le Palmier D’or: Offers a variety of Algerian dishes including couscous royal (served with chicken, lamb or beef), tajine poulet (chicken tajine) among others.
- Restaurant Les Arcades De Bechar: Serves traditional Algerian dishes along with international cuisine like burgers and sandwiches at affordable prices.
- Parc de la Liberté: This park is located in the city center and offers a playground, walking paths, fountains, and green spaces for picnics.
- Jardin Botanique de Béchar: This botanical garden features a variety of plants native to the region as well as exotic species from around the world.
- Parc National du Tassili N’Ajjer: This national park is located outside of Béchar and offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and stunning natural scenery.
- Hammam Bouhadjar Hot Springs: These hot springs are located near Béchar and offer a relaxing place to soak in warm waters surrounded by beautiful desert landscapes.
- Sahara Desert Tours: Visitors can take guided tours into the Sahara Desert to experience camel rides, sandboarding, camping under the stars, and other adventurous activities.
