Ghardaïa

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Coordinates: 32°29′N, 3°40′E

Commune of Ghardaïa
بلدية غرداية

The traditional market of Ghardaïa (1971)

Map of Algeria highlighting Ghardaïa Province

Map of Ghardaïa Province highlighting Ghardaïa Municipality
ONS code 4701
Postal code 47000
Province Ghardaïa (seat)
District Ghardaïa (coextensive)
PMA Seats 15
Area 590 km² (228 sq mi)
Altitude 572 m (1879 ft)
Population 104 645 (2005)
Density 117/km² (459/sq mi)
Time Zone Central European Time (UTC+1)
M'zab Valley*
UNESCO World Heritage Site

Panoramic view of Ghardaïa (Tagherdayt) with the dry bed of Wadi M'zab on the right side.
State Party Flag of Algeria Algeria
Type Cultural
Criteria ii, iii, v
Reference 188
Region Arab States
Inscription history
Inscription 1982  (6th Session)
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List.
Region as classified by UNESCO.

Ghardaïa (Arabic: غرداية , Mozabite: Image:Ghardaïa in Tifinagh.svg) is a capital city of Ghardaïa Province, Algeria. The city has a population of 104 645 (2005 estimate).

[edit] Culture

It is the traditional heart of the M'zab valley, home of the Ibadi Muslim sect in Algeria, and has preserved its original medieval architecture remarkably well; the valley of which it forms a part is an official World Heritage Site. Ghardaia is renowned for its coarse goat hair carpets, generally with simple geometric patterns in black and white. The accompaning photo of the maket place was the same when visited in 1974. A 'sight-to-see' was the roving cobbler. He would stop anywhere to repair your footwear...move on the next person...wandering the square.

[edit] Transportation

It is served by Noumérat - Moufdi Zakaria Airport (or simply Ghardaïa airport).

[edit] See also