🏜️ M'zab Valley

About This Sacred Site

The M'zab Valley in the northern Sahara of Algeria is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising five fortified towns (ksour) built by the Ibadi Muslims in the 11th century. The Mozabite Ibadi community established these towns as a refuge for their distinct form of Islam, and the communities maintain strict religious governance to this day. Each town is centered on a mosque whose minaret doubles as a watchtower, and the architecture influenced modernist architects including Le Corbusier.

Key Facts

• •UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982
• •The five ksour were founded by Ibadi Muslims in the 11th century
• •Ibadi Islam is a distinct branch, neither Sunni nor Shia
• •Each town is centered on a mosque that serves as the social and spiritual core
• •The M'zab's architecture influenced Le Corbusier and other modernist architects

Location

Coordinates: 32.4900, 3.6730