The area was inhabited by the Bani Hamid tribe, one of the Bani Amer tribes, from the 14th century AD, and with the arrival of the French in 1843 AD, General Boudou realized its strategic importance and established a protectorate on the banks of the Makrah River, next to the dome of the saint Sidi Bel Abbas.
The Banu
Amer resisted the occupation in 1845, which led to their retreat and the
weakening of their alliances, after having confronted the colonial project with
great ferocity.
The
population during the French occupation: The majority of those who lived in the
city of Sidi Bel Abbes during the French occupation of Algeria are of Spanish
origin and they lived in neighborhoods such as the Cayson neighborhood (Caya
del sol) before, and even some old neighborhoods named in Spanish
Tourism
The site, which embraces the lake Sidi M'hamed Ben Ali, is located not far from the city of Sidi Bel Abbes and almost at the foot of the mountain "Tsala" on the town of Ain Trad, a natural area of breathtaking beauty and unique, which attracts during weekends and school vacations thousands of visitors in search of calm and fresh air.
The lake undoubtedly offers moments of relaxation and contemplation in the middle of an attractive landscape. The site is a living sample of the natural wonders of which Algeria abounds.
For visitors, it is the ideal place to get rid of anxiety and get away from the noise of the city, cement, gases emitted by cars, and other small or big worries of daily life. With a good mood, one can face urban life and its endless disturbances.
The charming natural decoration is transformed according to the successive seasons, as it gets a new costume with different colors of lights throughout the year. However, in spring, it is ready to reveal all its qualities, and moreover, it becomes an idyllic place.
The lake Sidi M'hamed Ben Ali occupies an area of about 50 hectares. Its water can reach up to 30 meters deep. Sometimes, diving courses are organized by a local association.
The lake is fed by the Wadi Makara and forms a kind of safety valve by absorbing its water flows during heavy rains and the rise in the level of the valley. The lake is considered one of the most important water reserves in the region.
It is also characterized by green banks with a variety of plants and reeds. It also receives migratory birds such as ducks, flamingos and others. Its fresh waters include types of fish such as silver carp, where fishermen find their way to practice their favorite pastime if they can find the right place.
Due to the lack of recreational spaces in Sidi Bel Abbes, except for a few sites in the urban fabric, residents head to the lake in search of recreation and fresh air. Some come to watch birds, and there are those who prefer to walk in the middle of the forest, which occupies several hectares, or eat meals prepared on coals.
Photography enthusiasts will also find happiness in this picturesque place, surrounded by wonderful paradoxes. Some families have frequented this site for several years to the point that often many of them maintain strong friendships and continue to exchange visits the rest of the year in Sidi Bel Abbes or elsewhere.
As for the security aspect, the national gendarmerie conducts regular patrols, especially during weekends and school vacations, periods when many families arrive.
However, the site has some negative aspects, mainly garbage, where plastic bags of various colors and other non-biodegradable waste are thrown that visitors leave after eating the food they brought with them.
Considering that a large part of the lake's shoreline is on a slope, a lot of dirt accumulates near the water, especially in the reeds. A work of sensitization must be made with the hikers and the visitors of the site.
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