Muqras Mountain

Muqras Mountain
Highest point
Elevation1,760 m (5,770 ft)
Coordinates36°19′51″N 5°21′16″E / 36.3309°N 5.35446°E / 36.3309; 5.35446
Geography
Parent rangeTell Atlas

Muqras Mountain is a peak within the Tell Atlas mountain range, situated in three distinct municipalities: El Ouricia and Ain Abessa, which are part of the Ain Arnat district, and Amoucha in Amoucha District. These municipalities are located within Sétif Province in northern Algeria.[1]

Overview

Muqras Mountain provides a vantage point for the city of Sétif in the northern region, offering a distinctive climate of extreme coldness.[2]

  • The mountain is covered with snow throughout the year.
  • The mountain has an elevation of 1,760 meters above sea level.
  • The city is situated in a northerly position and is characterized by a prevalence of fresh air and extreme cold.
  • The peak is perpetually encased in snow.[3]

The summit of Muqras Mountain can be reached via a single national road, National Road No. 75, which runs alongside the village of Takouka, approximately 8 kilometers north of Ain Abessa in the Sétif Province.[4]

  • The Romans built a small fort on this mountain to monitor the ancient city of Sitifis (modern Sétif).
  • During the French colonial period, a communications center was established on the mountain, utilizing the area's elevated position.[5]

Hassasna tribe has inhabited this mountain for centuries, seeking refuge there from various invasions due to the rugged terrain and difficult access.[6]

Climate

Main article: Mediterranean climate
Snow in Muqras Mountain 2016

The prevailing climate in Muqras Mountain is classified as Mediterranean, exhibiting characteristics of cold and wet winters and hot, dry summers. Annual precipitation ranges between 400 and 150 mm, with the majority occurring between October and March.[7][8]

Valleys

Several valleys have their source in and flow around Muqras Mountain, including:

  • Valley Ouricia[9]

Dams

Ecological diversity

Trees

The area surrounding Muqras Mountain is characterized by a diverse range of arboreal species, with numerous trees found within the nearby forests and woodlands.

Animals

Main articles: Wildlife of Algeria, List of mammals of Algeria, and List of birds of Algeria

The mountainous regions of Algeria are home to a diverse range of mammal species, including a notable population of wild horses. These horses exhibit natural breeding behaviors and roam across expansive wilderness areas. The land is regarded as public domain, with the horses not belonging to any individual or entity.[11]

See also

References

  1. ^ Muqras Mountain-Ministry of tourism and handcrafts
  2. ^ The good snow of Mount Muqras
  3. ^ The good snow of Mount Muqras
  4. ^ Information about Setif Governorate.
  5. ^ Information about Setif Governorate.
  6. ^ “Jebel Mokrass is a destination for tourism investors in Ain Abassa, Setif” The Chronicle. Archived from the original on 2019-07-26. Accessed on 2019-07-26.
  7. ^ Information about Setif Governorate.
  8. ^ Hiking tourism-Mount Muqras ... a destination for tourists from far and wide
  9. ^ “Decree No. 84-365 signed on December 01, 1984 defining the composition, contents and territorial boundaries of municipalities” (PDF). Official Gazette of the Republic of Algeria. Algiers p. 69: 2247. December 19, 1984. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-08-09. Accessed on 2020-08-17.
  10. ^ Hana, Metatla. “Setif: Mouane Dam guarantees drinking water supply during Ramadan and summer.” www.aps.dz (bar-aa). Archived from the original on 2020-08-10. Retrieved 2020-08-09.
  11. ^ “The Horses of Muqras. The American West in Algeria”. www.alkhaleej.ae. Archived from the original on 2018-12-06. Accessed 2019-07-26.