Sig, town near Oran, Algeria
Sig is a small town in northwestern Algeria located by the Sig River and surrounded by fertile farmland. The town spreads across gentle plains with hills and is crisscrossed by dams that provide water for olive groves, cotton fields, and grain cultivation.
Sig was known in ancient times as Tasacora and served as part of a major Roman trade route through the empire. During French colonial rule, the town was replanned as Saint-Denis-du-Sig in a rectangular grid pattern and developed into an agricultural center from the 19th century onward.
The name Sig comes from its ancient designation Tasacora, meaning "the pass of the Mékerra." Local handcrafts include simple pottery and woven fabrics made by hand, reflecting the practical needs and customs of the community that have been passed down through generations.
Sig is best reached by car and lies about 44 kilometers east of Oran on good roads. Local buses and vehicles connect the town to other places, and most important destinations are within walking distance.
A major flood in 1885 destroyed parts of the town when heavy rains caused the river banks to break. The local leader Mohamed Ben Mustapha helped residents flee and saved many lives in the process.
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