Touggourt (Arabic: تقرت or تڤرت; Berber: ⵜⵓⴳⵓⵔⵜ, Tugurt, meaning "the gateway" or "the gate") is a city and commune, former sultanate, and capital of Touggourt District in Touggourt Province, Algeria. It is built next to an oasis in the Sahara Desert.
Etymology
The name is derived from the Berber word Taggurt, meaning "gate" or "door," due to its location on a road connecting the coast to the south.
Geography
Touggourt lies on the western side of an extensive system of oases that supports palm plantations and other agriculture over an area approximately 50 km from north to south. It is situated at an elevation of about 62–65 meters above sea level. The city is located at the junction of the N3 and N16 roads, 161 km northeast of the provincial capital of Ouargla, 100 km from El Oued, and approximately 660 km southeast of Algiers.
Climate
Touggourt has a hot desert climate (Köppen climate classification BWh), with long, extremely hot summers and short, warm winters. Average high temperatures exceed 40 °C (104 °F) during June through September, reaching nearly 45 °C (113 °F) in July. On 30 July 2023, a maximum temperature of 50.3 °C (122.5 °F) was recorded. Average annual rainfall is around 55–60 mm.
History
In 1414, the Sultanate of Tuggert was founded in southern Algeria. The Beni Djellab dynasty ruled the region between 1414 and 1854. The Tuggurt Expedition of 1552 was a notable historical event, when Salah Raïs, the Beylerbey of Algiers, attacked the city. In 1854, the sultanate was abolished by French colonial authorities. During the French colonial period, Touggourt became one of the autonomous administrative districts of the Territoires du Sud (Southern Territories). In 2019, the Algerian government promoted Touggourt to the capital of a new wilaya (province).
Demographics
As of the 2008 census, the commune of Touggourt had a population of 39,409. The broader urban area, which includes the communes of Nezla, Tebesbest, and Zaouia El Abidia, had a total population of 143,270. The urban agglomeration is the result of the annexation of seven ksour (fortified villages).
Economy
Touggourt is a commercial and tourist center. It is notable for its date palms, particularly the Deglet Nour variety. The city is a major market for dates and serves as a hub for trade in livestock, carpets, and woven cloth. It benefits economically from its proximity to the hydrocarbon fields of Hassi Messaoud. The city is the terminus of a railway line from Skikda (built in 1914) and is served by Sidi Mahdi Airport (IATA: TGR).
Transportation
Touggourt lies at the junction of the N3 and N16 national highways. It is connected by railway to Biskra and is served by Sidi Mahdi Airport, located approximately 9 km southeast of the city. Air Algérie operates flights from Algiers and Bou Saâda.
Notable features
The old ksar of Mestaoua forms the historical heart of the city, dating from before the 15th century. The Grand Mosque of Touggourt (Djamaa El-Atik or Djamaâ El-Kebir) was founded by Sultan Ibrahim Ben-Djellab in 1805. The tombs of the Beni Djellab kings are located in the city center under whitewashed domes.
