Ghardaia
Ghardaia with its stunning cake and icing architecture is the capital of M’Zab, a cluster of 5 traditional villages nestled in the mystifying dunes of the spectacular Sahara. The oldest one of the villages was built in the 11th century and the people of M’Zab still maintain their authentic traditional lifestyle, bringing life to the dusty desert for the last 1000 years.
Ghardaia - an ancient historical town is known for a variety of things that will appeal to any tourist from the historian to the shopper to the religious. Explore the markets on the main square or examine the traditional heart of the M'zab valley which is an official World Heritage Site by foot and by car to gain insight into this oasis town. Ghardaia is home of the Ibadi Muslim sect in Algeria and there are beautiful Mosques and a Mausoleum of sheik Sidi Aissa among other religious landmarks.
These places are well preserved and beautiful for all people regardless of religion. Ghardaia is renowned for its coarse goat hair carpets with simple geometric patterns in black and white and the markets are popular among locals and tourists alike. Ghardaia is situated along a river bed which is dry most of the year. This beautiful oasis town that is made up of five settlements is built on the five highest hills of the M'zab valley. Stand at the top with a lone towering minaret which tops each hill and watch the landscape where the two storey high houses span out from the minatet in narrow concentric circles.
Each house has its own courtyard, terraces and yards that form part of the hillside and it forms a spectacular view from above. This 11th-century oasis town will cater for any type of tourist who is sure to take home good memories, scenic pictures, richer history sense and at least one goat hair carpet.
