Iferhounène Explained

Official Name:Iferhounene
Native Name:Iferhunen
Settlement Type:Town
Pushpin Map:Algeria
Pushpin Label Position:bottom
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: Algeria
Subdivision Type1:Province
Subdivision Name1:Tizi Ouzou Province
Subdivision Type2:District
Leader Title:APC President
Leader Name:Ouaissa Ghani
Unit Pref:Imperial
Area Total Km2:32.95
Population As Of:2008
Population Total:46831
Timezone:CET
Utc Offset:+1
Coordinates:36.5167°N 27°W
Elevation M:1100
Elevation Ft:3610

Iferhounene (Arabic: ايفرحونن, Kabyle: Iferḥunen, TifinaƔ:ⵉⴼⴻⵔⵀⵓⵏⴻⵏ) is a town and commune in Tizi Ouzou Province in northern Algeria.[1] It's the closest dense urban center east of Ain El Hammam and is traversed through daily by commuters. It's also known for its snowy climate during the winter.[2]

Geography

The town and most of the villages surrounding it are nestled south of the Djurdjura Mountains, boasting a rugged landscape with lush valleys, olive groves and steep cliffs. The Oued Sebaou originates from and flows through the district.

Road Network & External Connections

The district contains a single national road (RN-15) passing through it, and 2 local roads W-253 and W-7. Though, there are many smaller roads and dirt tracks forming a dense road network.

Climate

The region experiences a Mountainous-Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. The region enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C (41°F) in winter to 40°C (103°F) in summer.

Precipitation primarily occurs between November and March, with snow mainly falling and accumulating in the months of January, February and March.

Road closures[3] are common in winter months due to snow accumulation, and the fact that the two main roads passing through the region are mountain passes.

Snowy mountains can be observed until mid-spring, and the Djurdjura Mountains provide chilly air and multiple cold fronts up until the second half of June.

There has been a sharp decline in precipitation and a rise in temperatures[4] in the later 2010s and early 2020s due to climate change,[5] as evident of it being in one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change.

Culture

Iferhounene's downtown area maintains a long-held traditional market every Wednesday.[6]

The district is known for its traditional dresses, like the "Robe Kabyle" and "Burnous", alongside the few local associations dedicated to preserving Kabyle culture. Many kabyle artists, comedians, and singers have originated from the district. [7]

Public transit

The entire district has 20 main lines. [8]

The town of Iferhounene is served mainly by taxis and minibuses. Its transportation system includes 2 main minibus terminals:

Tizi Bouirene Terminal

The Tizi Bouirene (TB) terminal is divided into two zones: The "Ahdouche" part, and the "Monument" part. It's frequented by minibuses with diverse lines including but not limited to:

Iferhounene Terminal

The Iferhounene (IT) terminal is the main terminal in the town with minibuses and taxis combined, it's located in the same area as the local Wednesday market, near the historical village with the same name.

It's divided into three parts:

CW-253

Named for the route its lines pass through, this part includes two lines:

RN-15

Also named for the route its lines traverse, this part includes two lines:

Michelet

The most frequently used and well-known stop in the town. Named for the common name of its main destination, this part consists of a single line:

Notes and References

  1. Web site: MICHELIN Iferhounene map - ViaMichelin . 2022-06-30 . www.viamichelin.com . en.
  2. Web site: Rédaction . La . 2016-01-16 . Iferhounène sous la neige... . 2022-06-30 . La Dépêche de Kabylie . fr-FR.
  3. Web site: Src='https://Secure.gravatar.com/Avatar/211f8ee2a7dd7824988e5b3857086c4e?s=80 . <i . Srcset='https://Secure.gravatar.com/Avatar/211f8ee2a7dd7824988e5b3857086c4e?s=160 .
    1. 038;r=g'
    . Celestial .
    1. 038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-80 photo' height='80' width='80' decoding='async'/> Julie
    . 2019-11-14 . Heavy snowfall blocks multiple major roads in Algeria . 2024-04-29 . The Watchers . en-US.
  4. Web site: Climate Change Iferhounene . 2024-04-29 . meteoblue . en.
  5. Web site: Staedter . Tracy . Warmer Climate Produces Less Rain . 2024-04-29 . Scientific American . en.
  6. Web site: Page 51 .
  7. Web site: Rédaction . La . 2024-04-02 . Rencontre avec le comédien chanteur Sadek Yousfi . 2024-05-05 . Le Matin d'Algérie . fr-FR.
  8. Web site: Page 109 .