Miliana
Miliana
Darija: مليانة,
Berber: ⵎⵉⵍⵉⴰⵏⴰ | |
|---|---|
Commune and town | |
View of Miliana | |
Location within Aïn Defla province | |
| Coordinates: 36°18′N 2°14′E / 36.300°N 2.233°E | |
| Country | Algeria |
| Region | Titteri |
| Wilaya | Aïn Defla |
| Daïra | Miliana |
| Area | |
• Total | 55 km2 (21 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 721 m (2,365 ft) |
| Population (2008) | |
• Total | 44,201 |
| • Density | 804/km2 (2,080/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| Patron Saint | Sidi Ahmed Ben Youcef |
Miliana (in Berber: ⵎⵉⵍⵉⴰⵏⴰ, in Darija: مليانة) is an Algerian commune in the Aïn Defla province, serving as the capital of Miliana district approximately 114 kilometres (71 mi) southwest of the Algerian capital, Algiers. It is located south of Dahra, on the slopes of Mount Zaccar, overlooking the Chelif Valley.
Founded in the 10th century by the berber Zirid prince Bologhine son of Ziri on the ruins of the Roman city Zucchabar, Miliana lost prominence during the colonial period. Its old town, with several monuments, is a preserved heritage site. Its population descends from Dahra Berbers, Andalusians, Jews, and Kouloughlis. Berber languages ceased to be spoken locally by the late 19th century.