Miliana

Miliana
مليانة
Commune and town
View of Miliana
Location within Aïn Defla province
Miliana
Location within Algeria
Coordinates: 36°18′N 2°14′E / 36.300°N 2.233°E / 36.300; 2.233
CountryAlgeria
RegionTitteri
WilayaAïn Defla
DaïraMiliana
Area
 • Total
55 km2 (21 sq mi)
Elevation
721 m (2,365 ft)
Population
 (2008)
 • Total
44,201
 • Density804/km2 (2,080/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
Patron SaintSidi Ahmed Ben Youcef

Miliana (Arabic: مليانة) is an Algerian commune in the Aïn Defla province, serving as the capital of Miliana district approximately 114 kilometres (71 mi) southwest of the Algerian capital, Algiers. It is located south of Dahra, on the slopes of Mount Zaccar, overlooking the Chelif Valley.

Founded in the 10th century by the Zirid prince Bologhine son of Ziri on the ruins of the Roman city Zucchabar, Miliana lost prominence during the colonial period. Its old town, with several monuments, is a preserved heritage site. Its population descends from Dahra Berbers, Arabs, Andalusians, and Jews.