When a devastating fire destroyed their home in 909, the Mozabites left Tahert and settled in M’Zab valley.
El Ateuf, MZab Valley.
Around this building are houses built in concentric circles up to the ramparts.
Buildings are tightly packed, with narrow alleyways and covered passages winding between them.
Beni Isguen is the most enigmatic of all the Mzab towns.
This is no longer the case, but Beni Isguen remains the most traditional settlement in Mzab.
The women here are very camera shy, both by tradition and by religion.
Before marriage girls are allowed to show their faces but after marriage then only one eye can be shown.
In 1982, they were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
Ghardaia, MZab Valley.
Photo credit: Yann Arthus-Bertrand
Beni Isguen, MZab Valley.
Photo credit: George Steinmetz
Ghardaia, MZab Valley.
Photo credit: George Steinmetz
Aerial view of orchards and gardens upstream from Ghardaia.
Photo credit: George Steinmetz
Beni Isguen, MZab Valley.
