Blida

Mitidja calm. Atlas attitude

History

Exploring the key history of the region.

Origins of Blida

The area was once inhabited by Berber tribes (Beni-Khelil, Beni Saleh, Beni Misra, Douirette and Hadjar Sid Ali) living in small hamlets around today’s Blida.

The town occupies the site of an old Roman military station, and medieval Mitidja settlements were later destroyed by Beni Ghania campaigns.

The Foundation of Blida

Around 1533–1535, Sidi Ahmed El Kebir, aided by expelled Moorish refugees from Spain and local tribes, founded the settlement, naming it “El-Blida” (the “small town”).

He diverted water from Atlas foothills to introduce irrigation and agriculture, driving early urban development.

A visiting poet reportedly called it “El Ourida” (the “little rose”), giving rise to its nickname, the “City of Roses”

Ottoman Era

Under Ottoman rule, the town prospered, and a mosque was built by order of Khair al-Din Barbarossa.

The city expanded behind walls with seven gates, Bab Er‑Rahba, Bab Ed‑Zair, Bab El‑Khouikha, Bab Es‑Sebt, Bab El-Zaouia, and Bab El‑Kseb and Bab Kbour,later lost but still referenced still referenced.

French Colonial Period

French forces first attacked it in July 1830, but were resisted by local tribes from Beni Salah and Beni Misra. A second expedition by General Clausel in November 1830 faced heavy local opposition.

Full control was established by 1839; the city was turned into a significant military garrison, and European-style administration and infrastructure, including barracks, hospitals, churches, and new streets, were built.

In 1843–44, colonial villages (Joinville, Montpensier, Dalmatie) were established, the city wall was demolished (1926), and urban modernization was undertaken.

Earthquake 1825

Earthquake 1825

Blida was hit by a powerful earthquake on 2 March 1825. The shock was strong enough to almost wipe out the entire city, with thousands of residents killed.

First Battle of Blida

First Battle of Blida

First Battle of Blida is the First Expedition of Blida took place from 22 to 24 July 1830 during the French push into Algeria.

Battle of Beni Mered

Battle of Beni Mered

the Battle of Beni Mered unfolded in April 1842 between French troops and Algerian resistance fighters operating south of Algiers

Earthquake 1867

Earthquake 1867

Earthquake 1867 at magnitude-7 struck Mouzaïa as its epicenter on 2 January 1867 at 07:13, severely impacting the city of Blida.

The Flood of Oued El Kebir

The Flood of Oued El Kebir

The Flood was a disaster, striking the Blidean Atlas, specifically the outskirts of the city of Blida.

Earthquake 1931

Earthquake 1931

Detailed account of the 4 March 1931 El Hamdania Earthquake in Blida, reporting tremors, damage, and eyewitness observations across multiple localities.

Ouled Yaïch Massacre

Ouled Yaïch Massacre

The Ouled Yaïch massacre took place on 17 September 1956 in Blida. They exposed the brutality of colonial repression against unarmed civilians.

Beni Ali Massacre

Beni Ali Massacre

The Beni Ali massacre of 1997 left dozens dead near Chrea, followed days later by the Rais massacre, marking one of the darkest episodes of the conflict.