It was founded in the 10th century by the Banu Ifran, a Berber tribe, and was the capital city of Emir Abd al-Qadir, a leader of the Algerian resistance to early French colonial rule in the 19th century.

Relizane is 65 kilometres (40 miles) northeast, Sidi Bel Abbes 90 km (56 mi) southwest, Oran 105 kkm northwest and Saïda 80 km (50 mi) south.

Large parts of the town lie inside the ruins of its ancient ramparts.

The city is the home of Lakhdar Belloumi, a former Algerian football (soccer) star.

The nomadic tribes used the cosmetic as a beauty product but also to protect themselves from various trachomas and eye diseases.