Aurès Explained

Aurès
Other Name:أَورَاس
Settlement Type:Natural region
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:Algeria
Elevation M:450
Population Density Km2:auto

Aurès (Arabic: أَوْرَاس|Awrās) is a natural region located in the mountainous area of the Aurès range in eastern Algeria. The region includes the Algerian provinces of Batna, Tebessa, Constantine, Khenchela, Oum El Bouaghi, Souk Ahras and Biskra.

History

The Awras or Aurès region is characterized both by its mountain terrain and by the Berber Chaoui ethnic group that historically has inhabited the area. The rugged terrain of the Aurès has made the region one of the less developed areas in the Maghreb. Traditionally the women of the region wore tattoos.[1]

It was in the Aurès region that the Algerian War of Independence was started by Berber independence fighters such as Mostefa Ben Boulaïd, who operated from the area.[2] A district of Algeria that existed during and after the War of Independence, from 1962 to 1974, was named after this region.

See also

External links

35.3333°N 46°W

Notes and References

  1. http://pulitzercenter.org/reporting/algeria-Aurès-mountains-facial-tattoos-culture-portrait-series Behind Algeria's Tattoos: A Portrait Series
  2. Algeria, 1830-2000: A Short History, p.