TIARET

also called (after 1981) Tihert, formerly Tagdempt town, northern Algeria. It lies at the southern end of the Massif de l'Ouarsenis (in the Tell Atlas) on the slopes of Mount Guezoul (4,510 feet ) at the edge of the Hauts (high) Plateaux. The Wadi Tiaret flows through the town to join the Wadi Mna. Tiaret's citadel stands on the site of Roman Tingartia, capital of western Algeria during the Byzantine period. Nearby on Mount Hadjar are the Djedar, groups of step pyramids on square foundations, probably monuments to Berber princes of the 6th and 7th centuries. It was an Arab town of note in the 7th century, known as Tahart (meaning the lioness). Taken by 'Abd ar-Rahman ibn Rustam in 761, it became the capital of his Ibadiyah kingdom. Tahart was attacked by the Fatimids and the Ibadis withdrew to the Sahara to found M'zab. The town then passed through Tlemcen and Turkish control and was taken by the French in 1843. The modern sector was founded by Gen. C.L.L.J. de Lamoricire in 1863, north of the old walled town. Located in a cool climate, Tiaret is a major agricultural centre of the Plateau du Sersou, dealing in cereals and livestock, and is noted for its purebred Arabian horses. Pop. (1977 prelim.) mun., 62,915.