Great Kabylie

mountain region, Algeria

Also known as: Djurdjura, Grande Kabylie, Great Kabylia

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

Great Kabylie is a mountainous coastal region in northern Algeria, situated between Algiers and Skikda. It is part of the larger Tell Atlas range and is characterized by rugged terrain, deep gorges, and significant rainfall, supporting forests and wildlife in protected areas like Djurdjura National Park.1

Despite the harsh landscape, population densities are high, with villages often built on ridges. The region faces widespread poverty, leading to traditional emigration to other parts of Algeria and to France. Tizi Ouzou is the main town. Great Kabylie is also known for its handicrafts, including basketry and wood carving. The people of this region are primarily Berber, and their culture has largely been preserved due to the area's historical inaccessibility.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Algeria
Settlement patterns
…the Aurès Mountains and the Great Kabylia, the latter being an Amazigh stronghold renowned for its hilltop villages and traditional way of life.
Read More
…the Aurès Mountains and the Great Kabylia, the latter being an Amazigh stronghold renowned for its hilltop villages and traditional way of life.
Read More

Atlas Mountains
Physiography
…height of 6,512 feet), the Great Kabylie, which reaches 7,572 feet at the peak of Lalla Khedidja, and the mountains of Kroumirie in Tunisia are all prominent.
Read More
…height of 6,512 feet), the Great Kabylie, which reaches 7,572 feet at the peak of Lalla Khedidja, and the mountains of Kroumirie in Tunisia are all prominent.
Read More

Kabylie
It comprises: (1) the Great Kabylie (Grande Kabylie) or Djurdjura Mountains bounded on the west by the Isser River and on the southeast by the Wadi Soummam; (2) the Little Kabylie (Petite Kabylie, or Kabylie des Babors) around the Gulf of Bejaïa (Bougie); and (3) the Collo Kabylie (Kabylie…
Read More
It comprises: (1) the Great Kabylie (Grande Kabylie) or Djurdjura Mountains bounded on the west by the Isser River and on the southeast by the Wadi Soummam; (2) the Little Kabylie (Petite Kabylie, or Kabylie des Babors) around the Gulf of Bejaïa (Bougie); and (3) the Collo Kabylie (Kabylie…
Read More

Tell Atlas
…ranges, the highest being the Great Kabylie, which reaches a height of 7,572 feet (2,308 m) at Lalla Khedidja. In Tunisia the Tell comprises coastal hills and an inland plateau, with high points rising to 4,500 feet (1,370 m).
Read More
…ranges, the highest being the Great Kabylie, which reaches a height of 7,572 feet (2,308 m) at Lalla Khedidja. In Tunisia the Tell comprises coastal hills and an inland plateau, with high points rising to 4,500 feet (1,370 m).
Read More