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The Remains of Mansura Tlemcen: Echoes of a Sieged City

Step back in time at Mansura Tlemcen, where the ruins whisper tales of sieges, sultans, and a city that rose from a military camp.

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Explore the evocative ruins of Mansura, a 13th-century city built by a besieging Sultan outside Tlemcen, Algeria. See the remnants of its once-grand mosque and towering ramparts, testaments to a dramatic chapter in North African history.

A brief summary to The Remains of Mansura Tlemcen

  • VMC6+8CM, Mansourah, Mansourah, DZ

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and capture the best lighting for photographs.
  • Consider hiring a local guide for deeper insights into the history and significance of the ruins.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain is uneven and requires some walking to explore fully.
  • Bring water and snacks, as facilities are limited near the site.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Tlemcen bus station, take a local bus heading towards Mansourah. Look for signs indicating 'Mansourah' or ask locals for assistance. The bus journey typically takes 20-30 minutes. Once in Mansourah, ask the driver to drop you off near the Remains of Mansura. From the drop-off point, it's approximately a 10-minute walk to the site, following local signs or directions.

  • Walking

    If starting from the center of Tlemcen, walk northwest along Avenue Abderrahmane until you reach Rue Aïcha Kadi. Turn left onto Rue Aïcha Kadi, continuing until you reach Avenue des Martyrs. Turn right and follow Avenue des Martyrs, looking for signs for Mansourah. After approximately 1.5 km, the remains will be on your left.

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Discover more about The Remains of Mansura Tlemcen

The Remains of Mansura Tlemcen offer a captivating journey into Algeria's medieval past. Founded in 1299 by the Marinid Sultan Abu Yaqub Yusuf as a military camp during the siege of Tlemcen, Mansura quickly evolved into a thriving city, complete with a palace, mosque, and fortifications. The siege, lasting eight long years, transformed Mansura into a rival to Tlemcen, drawing commerce and development within its walls. However, the city's fate was intertwined with the tumultuous politics of the time. The assassination of Sultan Abu Yaqub led to the Marinids abandoning Mansura, and the city was partially destroyed. In 1335, Mansura experienced a brief revival when Sultan Abu al-Hasan rebuilt it and used it as his seat of power after finally conquering Tlemcen. Yet, the fall of the Marinid dynasty also signaled the decline of Mansura. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the once-imposing ramparts, stretching across the landscape and offering a glimpse into the city's former grandeur. The most striking feature is the partially standing minaret of the Great Mosque, a testament to the architectural ambitions of the Marinids. The site provides a unique opportunity to wander through history and imagine life in this strategically important, yet ultimately ephemeral, city.

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