🏜️ M'zab Valley
Algeria
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
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