Inhabited since ancient times, the Mzab Valley is one of the few UNESCO-protected sites in Algeria. This piece of the vast Sahara attracts tourists with its unusual architecture - the houses in the restricted towns look like toy houses. The distinctive culture of the locals, who call themselves "Sahrawi Puritans", is also of great interest.
History of the settlement of the valley
The Mzab Valley is located in the north of the Sahara Desert, about 500 kilometres from the country's capital, the eponymous city of Algiers. It was settled by Berber Ibadite Muslims fleeing persecution by Fatimid religious fanatics in the 10th century. They founded 5 fortified towns in the province of Gardaïa, the xuras. Another 2 xuras were formed much later, in the 17th century, when the population began to increase rapidly.
The Ibadites united the settlements into a commonwealth called Heptapolis and for a long time existed separately, almost as a separate state. It became a safe and secure haven for them. Only in the XIX century the community of cities voluntarily, but on special conditions became a part of French Algeria. However, since those times, practically nothing has changed here.
The Xuras are small fortified towns built around the main mosque. From this starting point the houses diverge like circles on the water. They are compact and in many places are almost touching walls. The streets between the houses are very narrow and winding. All cities are surrounded by an imposing wall, on which are minarets, which are also guard towers.
Architectural features of the Xurians
The cities built in the desert resemble giant honeycombs. Boxes of similar houses are lined up in clear rows-circles. And because of the monotony of colours chosen for the design of the buildings, it is easy to get lost in the narrow streets. Mostly cream and yellow colours are used for painting the walls, and less often blue colours are used. They look especially interesting in the sunlight during sunset - the houses from afar look like toy cubes.
Houses built many centuries ago have a traditional layout. They are simple and functional, perfectly adapted to the climatic peculiarities of the region. Almost universally, dwellings consist of four levels:
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a terrace with a roof;
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top floor;
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basement floor;
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basement.
The basement is where the locals usually hold holidays and family gatherings. And on the upper floor they have "men's" rooms. Many neighbours have houses connected to each other by a covered staircase. This is done so that women can visit their friends without travelling down the street.
The distinctive culture of the Ibadis
Each of the xuras has a unique flavour. The centres of attraction in them are mosques, but many discoveries await tourists in the local markets. They are called museums of local life - largely due to the fact that only here you can openly communicate with the inhabitants of ksur. They keep themselves apart from travellers and can hardly boast of their hospitality.
Men in the Mzab Valley prefer to wear white trousers. Women choose traditional closed robes - also white in colour. They cover the body and face so that only the eyes are visible. Members of the fair sex are not allowed to be photographed. "The Saharan Puritans are known for their religiosity.
Most xuras do not allow guests to move around the city without restrictions. Only the main city of Heptapolis, Gardaia, is completely open to tourists. The other cities have set a specific schedule for visiting. For example, in closed from the world Beni-Izgen to admire the architecture is possible only in the daytime hours. And not the whole territory is available for inspection. By the way, to go inside, you need a guide.
Not all of the Mzab Valley has received the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since 1982, an area of about 40 square kilometres has been under special control.
