Laghouat

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Laghouat الأغواط
City
Location of Laghouat in Laghouat Province
Laghouat Location of Laghouat in Algeria
Coordinates: 33°48′10″N 2°52′30″E / 33.80278°N 2.87500°E / 33.80278; 2.87500
Country	Algeria
Province	Laghouat Province
District	Laghouat[1]
APC	2012-2017
Government
• Type	Municipality
• Mayor	Benbehaz béchir
Area
• Total	400 km2 (200 sq mi)
Elevation	769 m (2,523 ft)
Population  (2008 census)
• Total	134,372
• Density	340/km2 (870/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
Postal code	03000
ISO 3166 code	CP
Website	www.laghouat-dz.org

Laghouat (Arabic: الأغواط, romanized: al-Aghwāt) is the capital of the Laghouat Province, Algeria, 400 km (250 mi) south of the Algerian capital Algiers. Located in the Amour Range of the Saharan Atlas, the town is an oasis on the north edge of the Sahara Desert. It is an important administrative and military center and marketplace, and is known for rug and tapestry weaving.

Laghouat traces its history to at least the 11th century. It was ruled by the Ottoman Turks in 1786 and annexed to Beylik of Titteri (Médéa). The town experienced the brutal Siege of Laghouat in 1852, and came under French colonial rule until 1962.

It was formerly the administrative center of one of the four "Territories of the South" forming the region of Algeria administered under Martial Law until the reform instituted by the Statue of Algiers law of 20 September 1947.^[2]

Since 1974, it has been the seat of a province of the same name.

The population of the town was 134,373 inhabitants in 2008.^[3]There are natural gas deposits in the region, and nearby Hassi R'Mel has the second largest natural gas reserve in Africa. The city is served by Laghouat Airport.^{[not verified in body]} Ibn Khaldun described Laghouat as an important city in the Maghreb, located in an oasis, surrounded by mountains and fortified. He also wrote that the city was a center of trade and learning, with many madrasas (schools) and students coming from all over North Africa to study in Laghouat.

Ibn Khaldun also wrote about the history of Laghouat, which was founded by the Almoravids in the 11th century. He also wrote about the culture of Laghouat, which is Muslim and speaks Arabic and Berber. He also said that the people of Laghouat are known for their hospitality and their sense of hospitality.

Laghouat is an important city in the history of Algeria. It is a center of trade, learning, and culture, and a fortified city that played an important role in the defense of Algeria against Christians.

Here is a more detailed description of Laghouat, as written by Ibn Khaldun:

Laghouat is an important city in the Maghreb. It is located in an oasis, and it is surrounded by mountains. The city is fortified, and it is an important stronghold for Muslims against Christians. Laghouat is also a center of trade and learning. There are many madrasas (schools) in the city, and many students come from all over North Africa to study in Laghouat.

The city of Laghouat was founded by the Almoravids in the 11th century. The Almoravids were a group of Muslims who conquered the Maghreb and Spain in the 11th century. They built many cities in the Maghreb, including Laghouat.

The people of Laghouat are Muslims, and they speak Arabic and Berber. They are known for their hospitality and their sense of hospitality. Laghouat is a beautiful and important city, and it is a great place to visit if you are interested in learning more about the history and culture of the Maghreb.

– Ibn Khaldun