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Taza is an archaeological site located in the wilaya of Tissemsilt in Algeria, about 85 km east of Tissemsilt and 200 km southwest of Algiers. It is mainly known for the remains of a fortress built by Emir Abdelkader in the 19th century, but the site also bears witness to human occupation dating back to Roman times and earlier periods.
History
Prehistory and Antiquity
Neolithic remains have been discovered in the Ain El Anser cave, indicating an ancient human presence in the region. Stone tools and rock paintings bear witness to this prehistoric occupation. Protohistoric burials, called “bazinas,” have also been found at Ain Achir and Ras Taza.
Roman Period
Remains dating from the Roman period have been discovered on the site, including pottery and coins from the reigns of emperors Licinius (307-323), Constantine I (306-337), and Constantine II (337-361). These discoveries suggest that the region was inhabited and was part of the Roman province of Mauretania Caesariensis. Taza may have been an advanced Roman military post, part of the Roman limes defense system.
Medieval Period
Traces of occupation dating from the medieval Islamic period have also been unearthed during archaeological excavations. The name “Taza” dates from this period and means “passage between two mountains.”
Period of Emir Abdelkader
The fortress of Taza was built in 1838 (1255 AH) by order of Emir Abdelkader as part of his resistance against French colonization. It was part of a line of defense including other fortresses like Tagdempt, Boghar, and Saida.
On July 3, 1839, an important council (majlis) was held in Taza, bringing together Emir Abdelkader and his principal lieutenants. During this meeting, it was decided to resume armed struggle against the French.
Archaeological Excavations
Systematic excavations have been undertaken on the site since 2002, under the direction of Dr. Azzedine Bouyahiaoui from the University of Algiers. These works have uncovered:
- The architectural structures of Emir Abdelkader’s fortress.
- Remains of older structures beneath the foundations of the fortress.
- Various archaeological materials: pottery, ceramics, coins from different periods (Roman, medieval, modern).
- Weapons related to the period of Emir Abdelkader.
Taza is an archaeological site located in the wilaya of Tissemsilt in Algeria, about 85 km east of Tissemsilt and 200 km southwest of Algiers. It is mainly known for the remains of a fortress built by Emir Abdelkader in the 19th century, but the site also bears witness to human occupation dating back to Roman times and earlier periods.
History
Prehistory and Antiquity
Neolithic remains have been discovered in the Ain El Anser cave, indicating an ancient human presence in the region. Stone tools and rock paintings bear witness to this prehistoric occupation. Protohistoric burials, called “bazinas,” have also been found at Ain Achir and Ras Taza.
Roman Period
Remains dating from the Roman period have been discovered on the site, including pottery and coins from the reigns of emperors Licinius (307-323), Constantine I (306-337), and Constantine II (337-361). These discoveries suggest that the region was inhabited and was part of the Roman province of Mauretania Caesariensis. Taza may have been an advanced Roman military post, part of the Roman limes defense system.
Medieval Period
Traces of occupation dating from the medieval Islamic period have also been unearthed during archaeological excavations. The name “Taza” dates from this period and means “passage between two mountains.”
Period of Emir Abdelkader
The fortress of Taza was built in 1838 (1255 AH) by order of Emir Abdelkader as part of his resistance against French colonization. It was part of a line of defense including other fortresses like Tagdempt, Boghar, and Saida.
On July 3, 1839, an important council (majlis) was held in Taza, bringing together Emir Abdelkader and his principal lieutenants. During this meeting, it was decided to resume armed struggle against the French.
Archaeological Excavations
Systematic excavations have been undertaken on the site since 2002, under the direction of Dr. Azzedine Bouyahiaoui from the University of Algiers. These works have uncovered:
- The architectural structures of Emir Abdelkader’s fortress.
- Remains of older structures beneath the foundations of the fortress.
- Various archaeological materials: pottery, ceramics, coins from different periods (Roman, medieval, modern).
- Weapons related to the period of Emir Abdelkader.
