Generic toponyms of southern Algeria

The study of toponyms constitutes an essential dimension of research in the humanities and social sciences, as it makes it possible to explore the history, culture, and identity of peoples through their practices of naming places. This collective work is part of this dynamic by offering an in-depth analysis of the naming systems of southern Algeria, a region rich in linguistic and cultural diversity. The area under study extends across several wilayas of southern Algeria, notably Tamanrasset, Béchar, Adrar, Ouargla, Illizi, Ghardaïa, and El Oued. These spaces, shaped by centuries of history, bear traces of Amazigh, Arab, and colonial influences in their toponyms. The central research question is as follows: how do the place names of southern Algeria reflect the history and identity of local populations? Through an interdisciplinary approach, the researchers highlight the processes of formation, evolution, and transmission of toponyms, while also taking into account the political and social issues related to toponymy. The methodology adopted is based on a lexicological, historical, and geographical analysis of place names. The use of digital databases derived from the Geographic Information System (GIS) made it possible to produce a precise mapping of toponyms and to establish general trends regarding their distribution and meaning.