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Ghardaïa

بلدية غرداية
Municipality and city
Commune of Ghardaïa
Panoramic view of Ghardaïa (Tagherdayt) with the dry bed of Wadi Mzab on the right side.
Panoramic view of Ghardaïa (Tagherdayt) with the dry bed of Wadi Mzab on the right side.
Location of the commune of Ghardaïa within Ghardaïa Province
Location of the commune of Ghardaïa within Ghardaïa Province
Country Algeria
ProvinceGhardaïa (seat)
DistrictGhardaïa (coextensive)
Government
 • PMA Seats15
Area
 • Municipality and city590 km2 (230 sq mi)
Elevation
572 m (1,877 ft)
Population
 (2005)
 • Municipality and city104,645
 • Density180/km2 (460/sq mi)
 • Metro
82,500
Time zoneUTC+01 (CET)
Postal code
47000
ONS code4701
UNESCO World Heritage Site
M'zab Valley
Name as inscribed on the World Heritage List
Ghardaïa vue générale.jpg
TypeCultural
Criteriaii, iii, v
Reference188
UNESCO regionArab States
Inscription history
Inscription1982 (6th Session)

Ghardaïa (Arabic: غرداية , Mozabite: Ghardaïa in Tifinagh.svg) is the capital city of Ghardaïa Province, Algeria. The commune of Ghardaïa has a population of 104,645, with 82,500 in the main city according to 2005 estimates. It is located in northern-central Algeria in the Sahara Desert and lies along the left bank of the Wadi Mzab. The M'zab valley in the Ghardaïa Province (Wilaya) was inscribed under the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982, as a cultural property evaluated under the criteria II ( for its settlement having an impact on urban planning even to the present century), III (for its Ibadi cultural values), and V (a settlement culture which has prevailed to the present century).[1][2]

Ghardaïa is part of a pentapolis, a hilltop city amongst four others, built almost a thousand years ago, and founded by the Mozabites a Muslim Ibadi sect (non-Arabic Muslims, including the Berbers) in the M’Zab valley.[3][4] It is a major centre of date production and the manufacture of rugs and cloths.[5] Divided into three walled sectors, it is a fortified town. At the centre is the historical Mʾzabite area, with a pyramid-style mosque and an arcaded square.[6] Distinctive white, pink, and red houses, made of sand, clay and gypsum,[7] rise in terraces and arcades.[6] In her 1963 book, La force des choses the French existentialist philosopher Simone de Beauvoir described Ghardaia as "a Cubist painting beautifully constructed".[7]

Etymology

The name of Ghardaïa has its origins in a female saint named Daïa who lived in a cave (ghār) in the area before it blossomed into a town inhabited by Kharijite Muslims who came to escape persecution from Orthodox Muslims in the north.[5][6]

History

The M'Zab valley, in limestone plateau, as inscribed under the UNESCO Heritage List, is a unique conglomeration of five cities confined in area of 75 km² situated 600 km to the south of Algiers, the capital of Algeria. Original architecture of the semi desert valley is dated to early 11th century ascribed to the Ibadis with their cultural identity originally traced to the Maghreb who had their capital at Tahert as an Ibadi Kingdom. They were forced to leave Tahert consequent to a devastating fire in 909 (it is reported that destruction was caused by the founder of the (Shi'ite) Fatimid Dynasty[4]). They first moved to Sedrata and finally to M'Zab valley. They settled in five fortified villages located on rocky outcrops, known locally as “Kosars”, even though they could have lived in one larger village encompassing all the five), which were planned with meticulous details to precise layouts defined by set principles of community living within a defensive environment. Each village was planned in diverse topography comprising a small island, a ridge, a hilltop, a peak and a recess. The villages were fortified in such a manner that they were inaccessible to the nomadic groups. The five villages set up with identical planning concepts were Ghardaia, Melika, Beni Isguen, Bou Noura and El Atteuf. The identical “miniature citadels” as they are termed had each their own mosque with minaret functioning as watch towers, houses built around the mosque in concentric circles and surrounded by a high walls (extending up to the ramparts). which together gave the feel of a fortress to each village. The mosque also provided for storage of grains and arms for defence.[1][2][4] However, during the summer season a they migrated to a "citadel" outside the fortified villages, in an informal setting of artificial palm grove, a cemetery and a mosque.[4]

Ghardaïa, as a village, was established in the 11th century, its founding attributed to the female saint Daïa who inhabited a cave (ghār) in the valley. Daïa is highly venerated by Mozabites who deemed the valley as of high religious importance so they built their houses in the area and occupied the land for ten centuries. Nicknamed "the Puritans of the desert", they do not smoke or drink.[7]

It was developed into a town by Kharijite Muslims who came to Ghardaïa as a haven to escape the persecution from Orthodox Muslims in the north. The ancient ksar of Metlili-Chaamba was founded by Tamer and Trif in the 12th century and is inhabited by the Chaamba, descendants of the Beni-Mansour Souleima Ben Medina (Saudi Arabia), a collection of tribes among whom are the Ouled Allouche, the Ouled Abdelkader, the Chorfa, the Almorabitines (descendants of the Prophet of Islam Mohammed), the Zouas, and the Beni Beni Brahim or Merzoug. The village of Berriane was built in 1679 and historically was a place of conflict between the Arabs and Berbers and Mozabites.

These people revolted against French colonialism in the popular uprisings of 1864 at Bouchoucha. Colonel Alphonse Ferjeux Didier, who commanded Ghardaïa from 1883 to 1886 and again from 1890 to 1895, was said to be deeply understanding of the politics of the Mzab peoples.[8]

Geography and climate

Map of major settlements within the commune of Ghardaïa

The city is located within the Sahara Desert in northern-central Algeria. The Ghardaïa Province is divided into 13 communes or municipalities, which includes the Ghardaïa municipality. It is bordered by Ouargla and El Bayadh Wilayas. It is nestled in the M'zab valley, lying on the left bank of the Wadi Mzab, which is commonly dry throughout the year. The commune of Ghardaïa now covers an area of 590 km2 (230 sq mi) and includes a number of suburbs, towns and villages in addition to Ghardaïa. Suburb settlements include Mélika, Béni Isguen, Bounoura (Has Bunur) and El Atteuf (Tadjnint) , all of which lie to the southeast of Ghardaïa city and the ancient ksar of Metlili-Chaamba or Metlili which lies 42 km (26 mi) to the southwest.[9][10][11] Outside of the Mzab valley, Berriane (Has Ibergane) and Guerrara (Iguerraren) are towns of note, the first 45 km (28 mi) to the north, and the second 110 km (68 mi) to the northeast.

This region is marked by large temperature differences between day and night, and summer and winter ranging from lows of 0°C to highs of 46°C. The prevailing winds of summer are hot and strong while those of winter are cold and wet. Sandstorms generally occur from March to May. In October 2008, Ghardaïa was severely affected by flooding due to heavy rain.[12]

Hydrology

Ghardaïa's ancient water distribution system was devised by the Mozabites, keeping in view the ephemeral flows of its oueds (rivers). Realising the preciousness of this natural resource, the Mozabites developed a unique hydraulic system of underground tunnels to harvest rainwater and divert it to the oases. They have a an equitable water distribution to all gardens and also maintain good flood protection measures.[3][13] The water supply is accessed in a number of ways through an incredible irrigation system that distributes water from many wells.[7] Well drilling occurs to a depth ranging from 350 ft (110 m) to 500 ft (150 m), then drawing the water from the Albian fossil groundwater continental infill whose reserves are estimated at 1.5 trillion m3. It is also sourced [13]

Layout and architecture

The unique layout of the Ghardaïa village is dictated by the rocky terrain of the region. Apart from the mosques and the housing pattern layout, with the mosque at the top of the hill, and the houses laid in labyrinthine alleyways, there is also a large market centre. The houses in particular are oriented in such as way that it admits sunlight into every as they strongly believe: "Inhabitants of the house where sun comes in will never see a doctor". Chimneys are also set in such a way that it does nor encroach their neighbours comfort.[13]

Economy

Market on the main square of Ghardaïa (1970)

Ghardaïa is a major centre of date production, with nearly 60,000 palm trees produce dates. The wood of dead palms is used to make house roofs; live trees are not killed as they are considered living beings that sustain the inhabitants.[7]

Another important industry is the manufacture of rugs and cloths.[5] Ghardaïa is renowned for its coarse goat hair carpets, generally with simple geometric patterns in black and white.[citation needed] Metlili-Chaamba is known for its "Deglet Nour" dates and its camel hair products.

One important aspect of social life and economic values of the people of the region is concerned is that there begging and theft are non existent in the community. They have a close-knit society with all aspects of economy and social customs dictated by the community.[13]

Culture

Traditional architecture

The residents have preserved the original medieval architecture remarkably well; the valley of which it forms being a part of an official World Heritage Site. The Medabian quarter lies to the northwest. The military compound and hospital are located in the southern area.[6] It is given the epithet "the pearl of the oasis" and is as one of the most important tourist regions for its ancient cultural heritage in southern Algeria. Apart from the tourism interests, the Wilaya of Ghardaia also draws anthropologists, architects, researchers and historians to explore its rich cultural, anthropological and architectural uniqueness.[14] An interesting aspect of their community welfare is the fact that they follow the rules of governance diligently and also contribute to the maintenance and care of the community. Mozabites in the light of their rigid approach in negotiations, dominate the financial sector, particularly in banking and wholesale sectors They also have their own mosque, cemetery, recreation and sporting activities. They have a patriarchal system of social inheritance. Another unique feature among the Mozabites is that right from birth a “Mozabite is looked after by the community for education, work, marriage, and the building of a home. Touiza (groups of volunteers) are organised for building houses.”[13] The Wilaya of Ghardaia is also well known for its Weaving, Dinanderie D'art, basketry, pottery and carpet weaving (tapestry). The rugs of the area so popular that every year the "National Day Of Rugs" is held in March.[14]

The Mozabites of Ghardaia have their distinct identity of traditional costume of saroual loubia (baggy trousers) and chéchia (head gear).[13]

Festivals

Every spring, the commune of Metlili-Chaamba, 31.3 km (19.4 mi) from Ghardaïa, celebrates the "Day mehr" when people from all over the country and other parts of the world attend and participate in a camel race.

In March and April, a carpet festival provides an opportunity for celebration, competition, as well as sales.[15]

Religion

Ghardaïa is the traditional heart of the M'zab valley and home of the Ibadi religious sect in Algeria. As a religious Muslim sect they did not subscribe to the doctrine of Sunnism and Shi'ism.[4] They practice a different way, praying, worship of God and designing mosques as compared with Malikis who form the majority of Algerians.[13] Here, wasting water, and more generally any gift of land, is considered a sin.[7] The Ghardaïa Mosque, built in the 10th century, is of Moorish architecture style. Its tower, simple and elegant, includes a large portal at the top of the shaft, the design of which provides for ventilation flow.[16]

The White Fathers, a Roman Catholic missionary society, live in a hermitage near the old city, and have a collection of books on the Sahara.[15]

The Jewish quarter is in the eastern side of the city and is noted for its craft shops and many wells.[6]

Transportation

It is served by Noumérat - Moufdi Zakaria Airport (or simply Ghardaïa airport). There is also a bus station.[17]

Notable Metilli people

Gallery

Images of Ghardaïa
Mausoleum of sheik Sidi Aissa (1971) 
Mosque in the city 
Market in Ghardaïa (1971) 

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "M'Zab Valley". Unesco.org. Retrieved 2010-11-12.
  2. 2.0 2.1 "The Mazab valley: Evaluation Report" (pdf). Retrieved 2010-11-12. Text "Unesco.org" ignored (help)
  3. 3.0 3.1 Ham, Anthony; Luckham, Nana; Sattin, Anthony (2007). Algeria. Lonely Planet. p. 153. ISBN 1741790999.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "Ghardaïa, Algeria". Organization of World Heritage Sites. Retrieved 2010-11-12.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 Harris, Nathanuel (2003). Atlas of the world's deserts. Taylor & Francis. p. 33. ISBN 1579583105.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 "Ghardaia". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 Tilouine, Joan (04 DECEMBRE 2009). "Oasis de Ghardaïa, la richesse du secret". voyages.liberation.fr. Retrieved 12 November 2010. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. Brower, Benjamin Claude (2009). A desert named peace: the violence of France's empire in the Algerian Sahara, 1844–1902. History and society of the modern Middle East series, Columbia University Press. p. 192. ISBN 0231154925.
  9. Google. Google Maps (Map). 
  10. Microsoft and Harris Corporation Earthstar Geographics LLC. Bing Maps (Map). 
  11. "Ghardaïa, Algeria (UNESCO World Heritage City)\accessdate=2010-11-12". skyscrapercity.
  12. Deadly floods hit Algerian oasis
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 "Ghardaïa remains unchanged as major centre of Mozabite life". Magharebia. Retrieved 2010-01-12.
  14. 14.0 14.1 "Ghardaia, la perle des oasis". Ministry of Tourism. Retrieved 2010-11-12.
  15. 15.0 15.1 Ham, p. 158
  16. "Ghardaïa Mosque". glasssteelandstone.com. Retrieved 12 November 2010.
  17. "Ghardaia". el-annabi.com. Retrieved 12 November 2010.

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