M'sila (also spelled Msila) (); is the capital of M'Sila Province,

Algeria Algeria, officially the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It is bordered to Algeria–Tunisia border, the northeast by Tunisia; to Algeria–Libya border, the east by Libya; to Alger ...

, and is co-extensive with M'sila District. It has a population of 132,975 as per the 2008 census. M'sila University is also located in this city.

History

The city was founded under the name al-Muhammadiya, named after the second Fatimid caliph, al-Qa'im, during the latter's campaign against the rebellious

Berber Berber or Berbers may refer to: Ethnic group * Berbers, an ethnic group native to Northern Africa * Berber languages, a family of Afro-Asiatic languages Places * Berber, Sudan, a town on the Nile People with the surname * Ady Berber (1913–196 ...

tribes of central Algeria. Meant to cement Fatimid control over the Hodna plain, the construction of the city was entrusted to Ali ibn Hamdun al-Andalusi, who became its first governor. Much building material for the new city was taken from a nearby ruined Roman city (likely Lambaesis or Timgad). M'sila was the location of the first village constructed as part of a government-run program to transition nomadic Algerians to sedentary life using local materials. The village, now complete, was dubbed Maader and consists of houses, public and trading areas, and a mosque. Today it is much more developed with many companies, business offices, religious centers and schools.

Geography

Climate

M'sila has a cold semi-arid climate (

Köppen climate classification The Köppen climate classification divides Earth climates into five main climate groups, with each group being divided based on patterns of seasonal precipitation and temperature. The five main groups are ''A'' (tropical), ''B'' (arid), ''C'' (te ...

''BSk''). Rainfall is higher in winter than in summer. The average annual temperature in M'Sila is . About of precipitation falls annually.

Economy

M'sila is primarily known for its farming and small business.

Transportation

The city was formerly served by M'Sila Airport.

Notable people

* Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina (1934-2025), film director

References

External links

Encycloepaedia of the Orient
a brief description of M'Sila, focusing on its capital
BBC
- a news article about some recent violence in M'Sila
Archnet
- focuses on the Maader village project
Wetlands International
- an in-depth description of M'Sila's wetland Communes of M'Sila Province Cities in Algeria Province seats of Algeria 920s establishments Populated places established in the 10th century {{M'Sila-geo-stub