Overview
A closer look at Tassili n’Ajjer
Tassili n’Ajjer Plateau is located in the southeast of Algeria near the Libyan border. It spans a vast area of about 72,000 square kilometers. It is famous for its rock paintings dating back to thousands of years BC. These paintings reflect the transformation of the Sahara from a fertile environment to a barren one. The plateau includes strange rock formations known as stone forests. The rock engravings depict hunting scenes and ancient social life. Tassili n’Ajjer is one of the largest open-air museums of rock art in the world. It was discovered by European archaeologists in the early twentieth century. It represents a living witness to human and climatic evolution in Africa. Tassili n’Ajjer was listed as a World Heritage site in 1982. M'Zab Valley:M'Zab Valley is located in the Wilaya of Ghardaïa in southern Algeria and is home to the Ibadi community. Its five main cities were established in the tenth century as a safe refuge. The layout of the ksars is based on a strict defense system and a unique social organization. Mosques are centered within the ksars and serve as religious and cultural centers. The houses are built from mud respecting the harsh desert nature. M’zab architecture aims to conserve water and natural resources. The inhabitants still preserve their ancient traditions and social customs. The M’zab Valley reflects an intelligent integration of humans with the surrounding environment. It is an exceptional model of traditional sustainable development. The valley was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1982