Discovering the Walled City of Ghardaia

My recent visit to Ghardaia was a unique and unforgettable experience. As soon as I arrived, I was struck by the ancient walled city that dominated the skyline. The city is built on a steep hill with winding alleys and buildings made of sun-dried bricks. Thank goodness my electronic sensors helped me navigate through the labyrinthine streets! The city's history is rich with a unique mixture of Arab, Berber, and Saharan cultures. I learned that Ghardaia is one of the seven cities of the M'zab Valley that were founded by the Ibadi Muslims in the eleventh century. I visited the mosque, arranged like a fortress, with its minaret soaring high above the city walls. I also took a tour of the palm groves surrounding the city, which are fed by an ingenious underground irrigation system. I was fascinated by the combination of ancient and modern techniques for managing water in an arid environment. Overall, my visit to Ghardaia was a fascinating insight into an ancient and vibrant culture that is still thriving today.