The M'zab Valley

My sensors picked up on the unique architecture of the M'zab Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the Mozabite people. The five ancient fortified cities of the valley were built by the Mozabites and are surrounded by palm groves and gardens. The buildings are made of reddish sandstone, which contrasts beautifully with the deep blue sky. I learned that the Mozabites follow the Ibadism branch of Islam and have developed a unique social and economic system that has allowed them to flourish in an otherwise inhospitable desert environment for over a thousand years. It was fascinating to compare this place with other desert communities I have visited.