Mecheria history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Mecheria is deeply rooted in the traditions of the nomadic tribes that inhabited the High Plateau region. For a long time, this territory served as an important site for seasonal encampments and gatherings of shepherds. Mecheria began to actively take shape as a permanent settlement with urban infrastructure in the late 19th century, gradually transforming from a temporary camp into a centre of sedentary life.

Key Factors of Establishment

• Geographical Location: The city is situated in a strategically important zone between the Tell Atlas and the Saharan Atlas ranges. This made it a natural gateway connecting the fertile north of Algeria with the vast expanses of the desert south.
• Transport Artery: A decisive impulse for development was the construction of the railway connecting Oran and Béchar. The appearance of a railway station turned Mecheria into a lively trade and logistical hub.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economic foundation of the city was laid thanks to the extensive pastures surrounding the settlement. Livestock farming, primarily sheep breeding, became the main occupation of the inhabitants, and the city markets quickly gained fame as centres for the trade of wool and livestock products. The harvesting and processing of alfa grass (esparto), used in paper production and weaving, also played an important role.

The cultural character of Mecheria was formed at the intersection of traditions: here, the lifestyles of nomads and settled townspeople intertwined, which contributed to the flourishing of folk crafts such as weaving and leatherworking.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1881: The beginning of active development of the region and the construction of the first permanent structures on the site of the future Mecheria as part of the railway network expansion.
• 1906: Opening of the railway line connecting the city with Oran and Béchar, which gave a powerful boost to the trade in livestock and esparto.
• 1936: Foundation of the local football club SC Mecheria, which became an important symbol of urban identity and culture.
• 1957: Mecheria receives the status of a full commune, cementing its administrative importance in the region.
• 1962: After Algeria gained independence, the city came under the management of the national administration, beginning a period of Algerianisation of the workforce.
• 1974: During administrative reforms, the city became part of the Wilaya of Saïda, continuing to develop as an industrial centre.
• 1984: The Naâma Province was formed, and the city became one of the key economic and demographic centres of the new administrative unit.
• 2000s: Implementation of a large-scale modernisation of the railway line, improving transport accessibility to the High Plateau.
• 2010s: Realisation of government programmes for the construction of social housing and the development of urban infrastructure for the growing population.
• Present day: The city continues to develop as an important transport and trade hub, preserving traditions of livestock farming and craftsmanship.

Key Stages of the City's Development

The evolution of the city of Mecheria is a journey from a seasonal nomad encampment to a major urbanised centre of Naâma Province. Each milestone in the city's history not only changed its appearance but also defined the economic and social way of life for decades to come.

• Construction of the Railway (Early 20th Century):

  The launch of the line connecting northern Algeria with the desert regions became the main catalyst for urban planning. The railway turned Mecheria into a strategic logistical node, ensuring a constant flow of goods and the ability to export local products (wool and esparto).

• Establishment as an Agro-Industrial Centre:

  The development of infrastructure for processing alfa grass (esparto) and organised livestock trading formed the city's economic foundation. This secured its status as the "Capital of Shepherds" and attracted a settled population engaged in trade and crafts.

• Birth of Sporting Traditions (1930s):

  The founding of the SC Mecheria football club played a huge role in the cultural cohesion of the residents. The club became not just a sports organisation, but a symbol of civic identity and pride, uniting different generations of townspeople.

• Obtaining Full Commune Status (1950s):

  Administrative recognition gave impetus to orderly development. During this period, a clear urban layout began to form, and administrative buildings and social institutions appeared, marking the transition from a settlement to a fully-fledged city.

• Administrative Reform and Inclusion in Wilaya Naâma (1984):

  New administrative status within the province brought significant investment. This allowed for the modernisation of municipal services and improvements in healthcare and education, strengthening Mecheria's role as a key city on the High Plateau.

• Modern Urbanisation and Demographic Growth:

  In recent decades, with the population growing to over 114,000 people, the city is experiencing a construction boom. The implementation of social housing programmes and the renewal of utilities allow Mecheria to meet the challenges of the times while preserving its historical flair.

Urban Development and Layout

The architectural appearance of the city of Mecheria was formed under the strong influence of its strategic position and its history as a transport hub. The urban layout of the central part demonstrates a clear structure characteristic of French military and civil urban planning of the late 19th century. The streets here form a regular grid (the so-called "Hippodamian plan"), oriented along the railway track, which historically served as the main axis of the settlement's development.

Architectural Eras and Styles

In the city's appearance, one can trace the succession of several eras, each leaving its mark in stone and concrete:

• Colonial Period (Late 19th — Mid 20th Century):

  The old part of the city is characterised by functional colonialism with elements of European eclecticism. Buildings from this period, often one or two stories high, are distinguished by the severity of their forms, the presence of internal courtyards, and the use of local materials. A hallmark of this era is the railway station building — a typical example of transport architecture of that time, combining utility with the aesthetics of the French province.

• Independence Era and Modernism (Second Half of the 20th Century):

  With population growth and industrial development in Algeria, the city began to expand with new neighbourhoods. Here, utilitarian modernism prevails: multi-apartment residential blocks of simple geometric shapes, built from concrete and brick. These districts (such as social housing quarters) form the modern silhouette of the city, responding to the need for mass housing.

• Modern Religious Architecture:

  The most important architectural landmarks are the mosques erected in recent decades. Their design reflects a Neo-Moorish style, where traditional Islamic elements — tall minarets, domes, and arched openings — are realised using modern construction technologies, creating an expressive contrast with the residential developments.

Features of the Urban Environment

Mecheria represents an interesting example of a city grown in the steppe zone of the High Plateau. There are practically no cramped, winding streets here typical of the ancient medinas in the north of the country. On the contrary, the wide avenues and open spaces of the new districts emphasise the vastness of the surrounding landscape, and the architecture as a whole bears a restrained and practical character.

Distinguished Figures of Mecheria

The city of Mecheria, being an important centre of Naâma Province, has become the birthplace and place of activity for people who have achieved significant heights in public service, science, and sports. Their biographies are closely intertwined with the history of the development of the region and all of Algeria.

• Abdelmadjid Tebboune

  Politician, Statesman
  Current President of Algeria (since 2019). A native of Mecheria, he travelled a long path in public service, holding the posts of Minister of Housing and Prime Minister. His career is an example of how a native of the High Plateau region reached the pinnacle of the country's political hierarchy.

• Souad Aït Salem

  Track and Field Athlete, Olympian
  A famous long-distance runner born in Mecheria. She is a multiple champion of Africa and the Mediterranean. Souad holds national records in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres, as well as the marathon, personifying the sporting potential of the region.

• Zoghman Mebkhout

  Mathematician, Scientist
  A prominent scientist born in this city. He received international recognition thanks to his fundamental works in the field of algebraic geometry and algebraic analysis. As a Director of Research at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), he has made a weighty contribution to world mathematics.

• General Colonieu

  Military Figure, Founder of the City
  The French general who, in 1881, determined the location for the construction of a fortified post and railway station. This strategic decision became the starting point for the foundation of modern Mecheria, transforming it from a temporary nomad encampment into a permanent urban centre.