Ksar of Sidi-Ouali Tamentit-Touat-Adrar
Located in Saoura, in the Touat region, commune of Tamentit, the ksar of Sidi Ouali is one of the oldest in the wilaya of Adrar. It was built between the 11th and 12th centuries, and underwent significant development. Its expansion is mainly due to the growing number of foggaras, an ingenious means of irrigation, which continue to play their role in retaining the waters of the extremely rare beneficial floods. The ksar has five, constituting a gigantic network of canals and basins in a pleasant and judicious crisscross. This set constitutes the traditional irrigation system, unique in the world due to its source.
Exposed to the increasing humidity of the nearby sebkha, the 'toub' (terrace bricks baked in the sun) constructions of the ksar were heavily damaged, which caused a massive exodus of populations towards Adrar in the middle of the 20th century.
The ksar of Sidi-Ouali is a remarkable model of local architectural and urban planning genius. All the amenities of social life are brought together, reflecting the art of traditional Saharan construction. The defensive and protective aspect of the ksar behind its ramparts has largely contributed to the preservation of the traditional aesthetic and symbolic values of Saharan society.
Exposed to the increasing humidity of the nearby sebkha, the 'toub' (terrace bricks baked in the sun) constructions of the ksar were heavily damaged, which caused a massive exodus of populations towards Adrar in the middle of the 20th century.
The ksar of Sidi-Ouali is a remarkable model of local architectural and urban planning genius. All the amenities of social life are brought together, reflecting the art of traditional Saharan construction. The defensive and protective aspect of the ksar behind its ramparts has largely contributed to the preservation of the traditional aesthetic and symbolic values of Saharan society.