GHARDAA

chief town of the M'zab (q.v.) Oasis, north-central Algeria. It lies along the left bank of the Oued (wadi) Mzab in the northern Sahara (Desert). Founded in the 11th century, it was built around the cave (ghar) reputedly inhabited by the female saint Daa (the cave is still venerated by M'zabite women). Ghardaa is a fortified town with white and red clay houses that rise in terraces and arcades toward the pyramid-style mosque at its centre. Ghardaa is divided into three walled sectors. At the core is the M'zabite section, built around the mosque and an arcaded square. The traditional Jewish quarter, with its many wells and craft shops, lies to the east, and the Medabian quarter lies to the northwest. The military compound and hospital are to the south, and the town also has an airport. Pop. (1977) mun., 71,483.