Overview:

Ghardaïa Old Town, Ghardaïa in Algeria is an ancient and traditional settlement that has survived the test of time in the Sahara. Its vibrant structures of clay and clay-like stones bring alive the stories of generations of Saharans. The Old Town of Ghardaïa is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a beautiful and peaceful escape from the bustling city centre. It is full of vibrant cultures, unique architecture, and interesting people. The sprawling network of alleyways along the densely packed adobe buildings give visitors a captivating insight into the traditional lifeways of the people living in Ghardaïa. Historical monuments like mosques, plazas, and mausoleums are also found within the Old Town and tourists can explore what the area once was over 1,000 years ago. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Algeria
Prominent Features:

, Ghardaïa is an outdoor museum located in the old town. It is considered as the most typical architectural area of the M'zab Valley. The town is composed of eleven fortified villages, all arranged around the Great Mosque, built in the 13th century. The houses are all built of mud and feature panoramic roofs, making the entire town look like an ancient palace. The old town is a complex of labyrinthine streets and alleyways, as well as a variety of traditional building materials and decorations, which make it an interesting place to visit. The old town also showcases a variety of traditional design elements, such as ornate doorways, high arcades, intricate mosaics, and typical courtyard housing. Visitors can enjoy traditional Berber markets, shops and restaurants, as well as cultural experiences like storytelling and music. The old town also includes numerous ancient monuments, including traditional castles and mosques. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Algeria.

History:

Ghardaïa is a city in southeastern Algeria, located in the M'zab Valley. The city is well known for its unique two-part Old Town and the nearby spectacular rock formations of Amdad and Pic du 7eme Sommet. The history of Ghardaïa dates back to the 8th century, when the Berber Sanhadja confederation migrated to the M'zab Valley. The city was founded in 1048 by the ruler Yaḥyā ibn Ibāḍurrāh, known as Sidi yahia, who was the leader of a subgroup of the tribe, the Ibnẗubs. He was known to be a wise leader who put in place rules and regulations in order to meet the basic needs of the confederation. The town flourished under Yaḥyā’s leadership and went on to become an important trading hub for the region. During the Ottoman era, it was a major stop on the caravan route from Timbuktu to Constantine. Although the city experienced periods of foreign rule, including Spanish, Turkish, and French occupations, it remained an important center of Islamic law and culture throughout the centuries. Ghardaïa is home to the unique two-part Old Town, which consists of the historic walled city and the mountainside fortress Ghardaïa berbère. The city was separated into two parts primarily for defensive purposes during hostile periods. The walled city was designed for protection from outsiders, while the fortress on the mountain served as a refuge for inhabitants. It was used as a base for launching counterattacks against attackers and as a prison for political dissidents. The architecture of Ghardaïa Old Town is heavily influenced by Islamic and Berber influences. The city is divided into two parts, the lower part where the majority of the inhabitants live, and the upper part where the administrative, religious, and business areas are located. The two-part design influences the city’s unique maze of narrow alleyways and streets which are rarely seen elsewhere. Since Ghardaïa Old Town has been declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, it has become a major tourist attraction. The site now contains several historical sites such as the 12th century mosque, archway of Ibadurrahman, the Apiculture Research Center, and the Iron Shoe Monument which celebrates peace between the M'zab inhabitants and the Ottoman Empire. In recent years, Ghardaïa has seen a resurgence in its population due to reforms put in place by the Algerian government. Today, it is a vibrant city with a strong sense of community and culture. The city continues to be an important cultural and religious center of the M'zab Valley and serves as a bridge between the past and the present. Visit one of the famous monuments of Algeria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Ghardaïa Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the M’Zab Valley of Algeria. 2. The walled town was established in the 10th century and features a unique architectural harmony. 3. The town is made up of seven districts known as ksours (fortified settlements) and grouped around an urban center. 4. The houses in Ghardaïa are constructed using hand-made mud bricks that are placed in a pattern which gives the houses both an attractive appearance and exceptional thermal comfort. 5. Ghardaïa is home to the Mzabite Berber population, a traditionally conservative society who have actively avoided contact with the outside world for many centuries. 6. Ghardaïa has been largely untouched by modern trappings, though, it has maintained its soul as a town of artisans, merchants and farmers 7. Ghardaïa Old Town is renowned for its traditional market, where many items are sold mainly by M'zabite Berber women. 8. The town is also known for its distinctive music and handcrafted carpets, both of which are traditional arts practiced since the 10th century. One of the historical monuments of Algeria, it tells the story of a bygone era