BLIDA

also called (after 1981) El-boulaida, town, northern Algeria. It lies on the southern edge of the Mitidja plain at the base of the Tell Atlas and is about 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Algiers. French in character, the town is surrounded by orchards, trades in oranges and flour, and has light manufacturing. The Wadi el-Kebr, an affluent of the Wadi Chiffa, supplies water for fountains and gardens in the town and is a source for hydropower. Blida (boleida, diminutive of the Arabic balad, city) occupies the site of a Roman military station. Formerly walled with six gates, the present town was founded in 1553 by Moorish refugees from Andalusia. A mosque was built in the town by order of Khayr ad-Din (Barbarossa). Blida was severely damaged by earthquakes in 1825 and 1867. It is overlooked (south) by the ruined Fort Mimich. Mount el-Mergueb (5,344 feet ), Chiffa Gorge, and Chrea mountain and ski resort are nearby. Crops grown in adjacent areas of the Mitidja plain include wheat, barley, citrus fruits, vegetables, tobacco, and olives. There are also vineyards in the area. Pop. (1987) 170,935.