M'zab

The M'zab Valley extends across 50 square kilometers in the northern Sahara Desert, featuring five fortified settlements with limestone buildings and palm groves.

The Ibadi Muslim community established five fortified villages between 1012 and 1353, creating a network of settlements in response to the harsh desert conditions.

The Mozabite residents maintain traditional practices through a council called Majlis Ammi Said, which oversees religious ceremonies and social matters in the settlements.

Each fortified village contains a central mosque, markets, residential areas, and water management systems designed to maximize resource utilization in the desert environment.

The inhabitants practice seasonal migration between the main settlements and summer residences near the palm groves, following a pattern established over centuries.

Location: Ghardaïa Province

Part of: Algerian Desert

Address: FP99+5G, El Atteuf, Algeria El Atteuf El Atteuf

Website: http://opvm.dz

GPS coordinates: 32.48722,3.68139

Latest update: June 21, 2025 23:10