Ghardaia Oasis

Ghardaia is located in the northern Sahara Desert, within the M'zab Valley of Algeria. It sits roughly 600 kilometers south of the Algerian capital city, Algiers.

The M'zab Valley, including Ghardaia, is primarily inhabited by the Mozabite people. They are a Berber (Amazigh) community that practices a strict, traditional sect of Islam known as Ibadi.

Yes, the M'zab Valley, including the historic ksour of Ghardaia, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982. It was recognized for its highly distinctive, traditional urban planning and architecture adapted to the desert environment.

Ghardaia was founded in the 11th century by the Ibadi Mozabite community. They built the five historic ksour (fortified cities) of the valley as a desert refuge to escape persecution.