Blida, Algeria

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Blida, Algeria

Region: Blida

---

Geographic Coordinates: 36.472200, 2.833300

Climate: Blida, Algeria has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The rainy season occurs from November to April.

Population: 331779

Language: Arabic

---

Blida is a city in Algeria’s north-central region, Situated about 45 kilometers southwest of Algiers. It has a population of approximately 200, 000 people and serves as the capital of Blida Province. The city is located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains and is surrounded by fertile plains that make it an important agricultural center. Blida has a long and rich history dating back to Roman times when it was known as Castellum Tingitanum. During the Arab conquests in the 7th century, Blida became an important military post due to its strategic location between Algiers and Constantine.

The city played a significant role during French colonization, Serving as a key administrative center for French colonial officials. One of Blida’s most famous attractions is its rose garden covering over two hectares with more than three million roses. This beautiful garden was established in 1924 by French botanist Jean Nicot who recognized that Blida’s mild climate and fertile soil were ideal for growing roses. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of nearby mountains while strolling through this colorful garden filled with flowers.

Another popular attraction in Blida is La Grotte de Chiffa or Chiffa Cave featuring underground streams, Waterfalls, Stalactites, And stalagmites formed over millions of years. Visitors can explore this cave system on guided tours or hike along one of many trails leading through nearby forests.

Blida also boasts several historical sites such as Dar El Kadi Museum showcasing traditional Algerian art and artifacts from various periods throughout history including Ottoman Empire era furniture pieces like chairs made from camel bones; Ksar El Boukhari Palace built during Ottoman rule; Sidi Yahya Mosque dating back to medieval times; Ain Romana Roman ruins; Djebel Mokra National Park where visitors can enjoy hiking trails with stunning views. Blida offers delicious cuisine blending Arab and French influences with local specialties like couscous, Tajine, Pastries such as baklava and makroud, And various types of grilled meats.

Visitors can sample these dishes at one of many local restaurants or cafes while enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Blida is a picturesque city with a rich history and culture that offers visitors an array of attractions including beautiful gardens, Natural wonders like Chiffa Cave, Historical sites such as Dar El Kadi Museum or Sidi Yahya Mosque along with delicious cuisine blending Arab and French influences. It’s definitely worth visiting if you are planning to explore Algeria!

---

---

1. Al-Kawthar Mosque
2. Boufarik Archaeological Museum
3. El Kénz Park
4. The Great Mosque of Blida
5. Beni Salah Dam
6. Hammam Melouane
7. Ain El Fouara Fountain
8. Grotte de Cervantes (Cervantes Cave)
9. The Mausoleum of Emir Abdelkader
10. The National Botanical Garden of Algeria

---

1. Agriculture: Blida boasts of its fertile land and agricultural production, yielding crops such as olives, citrus fruits, vegetables, and cereals.
2. Textile industry: The city has a thriving textile industry that produces an array of products like clothing, carpets, and blankets.
3. Food processing: There are numerous food processing industries in Blida that manufacture canned foods, jams and other food items.
4. Construction materials: Several businesses in Blida produce construction materials like cement blocks and bricks.
5. Chemicals: Additionally there are several chemical companies in Blida producing fertilizers and other chemicals for agriculture.
6. Manufacturing: The city houses manufacturing plants producing goods such as electronics equipment or machinery parts.
7. Services sector: Finally there is a growing services sector which includes banking institutions along with healthcare providers like hospitals or clinics serving the surrounding region’s needs!

---

1. The Battle of Blida: In 1837, French forces battled Algerian troops during the French colonization of Algeria.
2. Ahmed Bey: From 1816 to 1830, Ahmed Bey ruled over Blida.
3. Emir Abdelkader: During the mid-19th century, Emir Abdelkader fought against French colonization in Algeria as both a religious and military leader.
4. The Great Plague of Algiers: In 1815, an outbreak of bubonic plague occurred in Algiers which spread to other parts of Algeria including Blida.
5. The French Revolution: Revolutionary ideas were introduced to North Africa during the French Revolution, including in Blida.
6. The War for Independence: During this conflict from 1954-1962, many battles took place near or within Blida due to its strategic location between Algiers and Oran.
7. Ali La Pointe: One of the leaders of FLN during Algeria’s war for independence was Ali La Pointe.
8. Hocine Aït Ahmed: Hocine Aït Ahmed played a crucial role in gaining independence from France as one of three founders alongside Ferhat Abbas and Messali Hadj.
9. Mouloud Feraoun: This Algerian writer spent time teaching at schools in Bouira before later teaching at Lycée de garçons in Blida where he wrote novels about life under colonialism such as The Poor Man’s Son set in Kabylie.
10. The Battle at Ténès River: Near Blida in 1837, there was another battle between Algerian forces and those from France during their colonization efforts there.

---

1. The National Museum of El Ksar
2. The Great Mosque of Blida
3. The Martyrs’ Monument
4. The Botanical Garden of Hamma
5. The Palace of Culture Mohamed Boudiaf
6. The Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions
7. The Ancient Roman ruins at Chréa National Park
8. Beni Salah Mosque and Mausoleum
9. Ahmed Zabana Memorial Museum
10. Ain El Fouara Fountain

---

---

1. USM Blida: This football club was established in 1930 and has since then participated in various Algerian leagues. They have won the Algerian Cup twice, which happened in 1978 and 1986.
2. CRB Ain Benian: This football club was founded in 1945 and is based in the nearby town of Ain Benian. They have mostly played in lower divisions of Algerian football.
3. WB Blida: This basketball team was founded back in 1964 and has competed both nationally and internationally, winning several championships throughout the years.
4. JSMB Blida: This handball team was formed back in 1970 and has won numerous national titles while also regularly participating on continental competitions.
5. MCB Ouled Yaich: This football club was established back in 1958, just outside of Blida city limits, playing mainly at amateur levels but having some success over time.

Overall, sports play an important role for many people living within Blida’s community, with multiple clubs catering to a variety of interests across different disciplines and abilities.

---

---

1. Mouloud is a religious festival celebrated in Blida and throughout Algeria with prayers, processions, and feasting to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
2. The Festival of Roses is held annually in May in the nearby town of El Kef. This festival celebrates the blooming of roses with parades, music, and exhibitions.
3. The International Festival of Arab Music is an annual event held in July that features performances by renowned Arab musicians from Algeria and other countries.
4. National Day celebrations take place on November 1st each year when Algerians celebrate their independence from France with parades and patriotic displays.
5. Eid al-Fitr is a three-day celebration marking the end of Ramadan that includes family gatherings, gift-giving, and feasting.
6. The International Book Fair is held annually in May or June at Algiers Exhibition Center near Blida. This event attracts book lovers from around the world to browse new releases by local and international authors.
7. The Fantasia Festival is a traditional equestrian event featuring horseback riders performing choreographed maneuvers while firing rifles into the air. It’s held throughout Algeria but particularly popular in Blida during summer months.
8. The Almond Blossom Festival takes place every February/March when almond trees are blooming all over Blida’s countryside; locals celebrate with picnics under trees’ shade while enjoying nature’s beauty around them.

---

• Couscous: a traditional North African dish made with steamed semolina grains and vegetables or meat.
• Chakhchoukha: a stew made with broken pieces of bread, vegetables, and meat.
• Merguez: spicy sausages made from lamb or beef.
• Bourek: pastry filled with minced meat or cheese.
• Makroudh: sweet pastry filled with dates and honey.

Some popular restaurants in Blida, Algeria are:

• Le Pacha Restaurant which serves traditional Algerian cuisine including couscous and tagines.
• La Palmeraie Restaurant offers a variety of Mediterranean dishes including seafood and grilled meats.
• El Djazair Restaurant specializes in Algerian pastries such as makroudh and baklava.
• La Cascade Restaurant serves French-inspired cuisine such as steak frites and escargots.
• Le Jardin d’Eden Restaurant offers a mix of international dishes including Italian pasta and Moroccan tagines.

---



Parks and Recreation

1. Parc des Loisirs de Blida: a large public park with walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
2. Jardin Botanique de l’Université de Blida: a botanical garden featuring a variety of plant species.
3. Lac de la Carrière: a man-made lake with boating and fishing opportunities.
4. Parc National de Chréa: a national park located in the Atlas Mountains with hiking trails and skiing in the winter months.
5. Stade Mustapha Tchaker: a sports stadium that hosts soccer matches and other events.
6. Club Hippique National El-Aouana: an equestrian center offering horseback riding lessons and trail rides.
7. Centre Culturel Franco-Algérien Jean Mermoz: a cultural center offering exhibitions, concerts, and other events.
8. Salle Ibn Khaldoun: an indoor venue for concerts, theater performances, and other cultural events.

---



Adventure Awaits!

---