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Ghardaia is the main of the five cities in the M'zab valley in Sahara, some 600 km south from Algiers and Medditeranean Sea. The cities of this pentapolis are Ghardaia (capital), Bounura, Beni Isguen (most sacred), Melika (main cemetery) and Al-Atteuf (oldest part) have walled centers (called Ksars) with a fortress-like mosque and minaret and storage in the centre on a hill surrounded by a maze of narrow streets and alleys and standartized cubical houses constructed in concentric circles aroung the mosque and hill. The place was founded by the Mozabites. These were of Berber origin and in 11th centure they were defeated by Fatimids in north and found a safe refuge far from their enemies in the canyons. Ironically the have quite soon converted to the religion of their enemies so the major population is now of the Ibadi Islam sect (another major Ibadi religion places are Oman and Zanzibar). However the isolation of the communities is still present in the defense-based architecture of ksars. The palm grove oases are surrounding the ksars using the river beds of the canyon valley.

The picture shows the market place in Ghardaia, the carpets are a trademark of this region, using colours and plain geometry.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.

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April 2011

Marché a la Criée, Beni Isguen, M'zab valley, Algeria

Marché a la Criée is a market place in Beni Isguen town. It is the largest of the five Ibadi villages of M'zab valley in Algeria, some 600 km south of Algiers.

Late in the afternoon it becomes the centre of the social life of Beni Isguen with the daily auction. Those who sell yell out the price of their item until someone buys it or the price is brought down.

This picture was taken during Friday prayer time, when it feels like a western movie town at noon (maybe apart from the carriages :)

#unesco

M'zab valley including the village of Beni Isguen is since 1982 a well deserved UNESCO World heritage site.

A quote from the UNESCO reasoning:
A traditional human habitat, created in the 10th century by the Ibadites around their five ksour (fortified cities), has been preserved intact in the M’Zab valley. Simple, functional and perfectly adapted to the environment, the architecture of M’Zab was designed for community living, while respecting the structure of the family. It is a source of inspiration for today’s urban planners.

Our top choices for Ghardaia Province hotels

Lobby

mirana mayotte hostel 47

Ghardaia

Italy

Ivano

₩42,970 total

includes taxes & fees

Feb 11 - Feb 12

Outdoor pool

Mzab Hotel

Ghardaïa

₩115,914 total

includes taxes & fees

Mar 1 - Mar 2

Reception

Résidence Ferme Habib

Sebseb

Lobby

Hotel Belvedere

Bounoura

Front of property - evening/night

Residence les Deux Tours

Ghardaia

Outdoor pool

El Djanoub Hotel

Ghardaia

₩157,433 total

includes taxes & fees

Feb 28 - Mar 1

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