a town of Algeria, province of Oran, pleasantly situated on the S. slope of the Atlas range, 45 miles S.E. of Oran. It was formerly the residence of Abd-el-Kader, and was strongly fortified and defended by a castle. It was taken and burnt by the French in 1835, and was again taken by them in 1841, since which time it has remained in their possession. It has been much improved since it came into the hands of the conquerors, and is now strongly garrisoned. Pop. (1851) 4915, of whom 3210 were natives.