Bechar history

The history of the city of Bechar dates back to ancient times, although its modern appearance began to take shape relatively recently. Located in the west of Algeria, this city emerged as a vital point on the Sahara map, combining centuries-old desert traditions with industrial development.

Foundation and First Mentions

The territory of present-day Bechar was inhabited long before the establishment of modern borders. Initially, traditional fortified settlements (ksars) existed here, with residents engaged in farming within the oasis. The year 1903 is generally considered the official milestone in the history of the modern city, marking the establishment of a strategic post. However, life in the oasis had thrived for centuries thanks to the presence of water in the wadi valley, making this place suitable for permanent settlement amidst the harsh conditions of the desert.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of Bechar from a small settlement into a major regional centre was driven by several important factors:

• Geographic Location: The city lies at the foot of the Saharan Atlas, effectively serving as the "gateway" to the Great Desert. This strategic position made it a crucial control point for routes leading deeper into the continent.
• Natural Resources: A powerful impetus for development was the discovery of coal deposits in the nearby Kenadsa region in the early 20th century. Mining attracted new residents and fostered the growth of urban infrastructure.
• Transport Accessibility: The construction of a railway linking the region to the Mediterranean coast definitively cemented the city's status as a vital transport and trade hub.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Bechar represented a unique blend of traditional lifestyle and nascent industry. For centuries, the foundation of life in the oasis remained the cultivation of date palms, grains, and vegetables using ancient irrigation systems. The city served as a bustling market where nomadic tribes and settled merchants met to trade wool, leather, jewellery, and livestock.

The cultural landscape was shaped by the traditions of the Saoura region, uniting Berber and Arab heritage. This blend of cultures is vividly reflected in the local architecture of mud-brick structures, handicrafts, and musical traditions that are preserved by local residents to this day.

Timeline of Key Events

• 1903 — The military post of Colomb-Béchar is founded, considered the official birth date of the modern city of Bechar.
• 1905 — Completion of the railway connecting the city to the coast, simplifying trade connections.
• 1917 — Coal deposits are discovered in the nearby Kenadsa area, sparking industrial development.
• 1947 — Establishment of the Special Weapons Test Centre (CIEES), turning the region into an important site for aerospace research.
• 1958 — The city receives the status of the administrative centre of the Saoura department.
• 1962 — Algeria gains independence, after which the city is renamed and begins to develop as part of a sovereign state.
• 1967 — Final withdrawal of foreign military bases from the region in accordance with international agreements.
• 1974 — During administrative reform, the city becomes the capital of the eponymous Wilaya (province).
• 1986 — Opening of the National Institute of Higher Education, laying the foundation for the creation of a local university.
• 2000s — Large-scale modernisation of urban infrastructure, including airport reconstruction and road network development.

Major Milestones in the City's Development

The evolution of the city of Bechar is a journey from a strategic outpost to the largest metropolis in the southwest of Algeria. Each of the events listed below played a decisive role in shaping the region's modern economic, cultural, and architectural landscape.

• Beginning of Industrial Coal Mining (1917): The discovery and exploitation of coal deposits in the neighbouring district of Kenadsa became the city's economic foundation. This event turned the oasis into an industrial centre, attracted thousands of workers, and stimulated energy development.
• Railway Integration: The construction of the railway connecting the region to the Mediterranean coast made the city a key logistics hub. This ensured uninterrupted trade between the north and south of the country, securing its status as the main trade gateway to the Sahara.
• Aerospace Phase (Mid-20th Century): The activities of the Special Weapons Test Centre brought advanced technologies and engineering solutions to the region. The infrastructural legacy of this period, including modernised runways, laid the groundwork for the development of modern civil aviation.
• Gaining Wilaya Capital Status (1974): Administrative reform gave a powerful boost to urban planning. The status of a provincial centre led to the large-scale construction of administrative buildings, hospitals, and the creation of new residential districts, significantly expanding the city boundaries.
• Opening of Tahri Mohamed University (1986): The appearance of a higher education institution radically changed the cultural climate. The city transformed from an industrial-garrison centre into an intellectual hub, attracting youth and scientific personnel from across the southwest of the country.
• Infrastructure Modernisation (2000s – Present): The implementation of state programmes for the development of southern regions led to the renewal of the road network, the construction of a modern airport terminal, and the development of a tourism cluster focused on Sahara expeditions.

Urban Structure and Architectural Appearance

The architectural landscape of the city of Bechar represents a visual chronicle of the exploration of the Sahara. Unlike the ancient cities in the north of the country, there are virtually no traces of antiquity or classical Islamic medieval architecture here. The city's appearance was formed at the intersection of harsh desert climatic conditions, French colonial influence, and the rapid urbanisation of the independent state of Algeria.

In terms of urban planning, Bechar is clearly zoned: the historical core with narrow streets sits alongside wide avenues laid out in a European style and new residential districts.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The city's development reflects three key stages, each characterised by its own unique style and materials:

• Traditional Saharan Architecture (Pre-20th Century): This style is present in the old quarters and surviving elements of ksars (fortified villages). The primary material is clay and unbaked brick (adobe), ideally suited for thermal regulation. Buildings are characterised by windowless external walls, flat roofs, and internal courtyards that create shade and coolness.
• Colonial Functionalism (1903–1962): The period of French presence brought a regular layout to the city. Buildings from this era, often of military or administrative purpose, are built in a strict, utilitarian style with elements of European classicism adapted for the hot climate (arcades, galleries, window shutters). The city centre has retained a geometrically regular street grid.
• Modernism and Contemporary Development (Since the 1970s): After gaining independence and receiving the status of an administrative centre, the city began to expand outwards. Concrete construction, typical of the second half of the 20th century, predominates here. Modern public buildings, such as university blocks and administrative offices, are designed in a concise style using Arab decorative elements (arches, geometric ornaments).

Iconic Districts and Landmarks

The look of Bechar is shaped by several key zones, each possessing its own atmosphere:

• Republic Square (Place de la République): The heart of the modern city, around which administrative buildings and shops are concentrated. This is an example of a European approach to organising public space within an oasis setting.
• Ksar District: The oldest part of the settlement, where remnants of traditional mud-brick architecture can be seen. Although many buildings have been reconstructed, the spirit of the old caravan route remains here.
• Railway Station and Infrastructure: The station building is a monument to the industrialisation era of the early 20th century, symbolising the connection between the desert and the coast.
• University Campus: An example of modern Algerian architecture, combining the functionality of an educational cluster with the spacious areas necessary in a hot climate.

Notable People

The Saoura region and the city of Bechar have been the birthplace of many talented individuals whose names are known far beyond the country's borders. Here, at the junction of the desert and civilisation, unique musicians, writers, and thinkers emerged, making significant contributions to the culture of Algeria and the entire world.

• Hasna El Bacharia — Musician, "The Rocker of the Desert"
  A legendary performer born in Bechar. She became the first woman to publicly play the guembri — a traditional bass instrument previously accessible only to men. Hasna combined sacred Gnawa music with modern rhythms, becoming an icon of female emancipation in North African art.
• Yasmina Khadra — Writer
  A world-renowned novelist (real name — Mohammed Moulessehoul), born in the neighbouring town of Kenadsa. His childhood was spent in this region, which is reflected in his work. Khadra's books have been translated into dozens of languages, making him one of the most widely read Francophone authors of modern times.
• Alla — Virtuoso Musician
  Abdelaziz Abdallah, known by the pseudonym Alla, was born and raised in Bechar. He is the creator of the unique "Foundou" musical style, characterised by soft improvisation on the oud (Arab lute) and a distinct "desert" melancholy. His music is considered the soul of the region.
• Malika Mokeddem — Writer and Doctor
  A native of Kenadsa whose destiny is closely tied to the region. In her novels, she often raises themes of life in the desert and the struggle of women for their rights. Her work has been recognised with numerous literary awards and deep psychological insight.
• Pierre Rabhi — Philosopher, Writer, and Agroecologist
  Born in the Kenadsa oasis, Rabhi became a key figure in the global environmental movement. He developed the concept of humanistic agroecology and called for "happy sobriety," inspired by the wisdom and simplicity of the lives of the desert people amongst whom he grew up.
• Nahida Touhami — Athlete
  A track and field athlete specialising in middle-distance running (800 and 1500 metres). A native of Bechar, she represented the country at the Olympic Games in Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008), becoming an example of determination for the region's youth.