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Cemetery at Frenda, Algeria

The city of Frenda is located in the Tiyarat province, in northern Algeria.1 The cemetery in Frenda, called Cimetiere Chretien et Juif, is shared by, as its name suggests, two different religious groups. The Jewish cemetery was combined with the Christian cemetery several years ago, and now both groups share the space. The city of Frenda is best known for its' closeness to the thirteen tombs dating back to Late Antiquity, known as the "Jedars," which lie between Frenda and nearby city Tiaret. Three of these ancient structures stand on Jabal Lakhdar, with the other ten situated on top of Jabal Arawi.2 Scholars agree that these elevated positions, as well as the size of the structures themselves, indicate that they were constructed for royalty. Unfortunately, the Jedars have been ruined and any evidence pointing to who they were built for, and by whom, has been lost as a result of being plundered through the years. Nevertheless, their similarities with smaller Berber tombs in the area suggest that they are of Berber origin. 3


 

Description

Historical Accounts: In October 1890, a Christian missionary travelling in the province of Tiaret wrote the following description of Frenda:  "Frenda I found to be situated on a high plateau, and on the edge of steep precipices overlooking a large plain surrounded on every hand by forests.  The town is divided into old and new, and is a military port.  Many of the people, who are mostly Arabs, negroes, and Jews, are polite and agreeable, and many of them speak French fluently.  The place seems very healthy, and from what I could gather, the water is good.  ....numbers of caravans repair there for grain and other provisions, but during the winter months it is nearly closed on account of the snow."4 

The Jedars: Frenda is best known for its' closeness to the thirteen tombs dating back to Late Antiquity, known as the "Jedars," which lie between Frenda and nearby city Tiaret.  Three of these ancient structures stand on Jabal Lakhdar, with the other ten situated on top of Jabal Arawi.Scholars agree that these elevated positions, as well as the size of the structures themselves, indicate that they were constructed for royalty. Unfortunately, the Jedars have been ruined and any evidence pointing to who they were built for, and by whom, has been lost as a result of being plundered through the years. Nevertheless, their similarities with smaller Berber tombs in the area suggest that they are of Berber origin.6

Frenda, Algeria

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