April 2011

Marché a la Criée, Beni Isguen, M'zab valley, Algeria

Marché a la Criée is a market place in Beni Isguen town. It is the largest of the five Ibadi villages of M'zab valley in Algeria, some 600 km south of Algiers.

Late in the afternoon it becomes the centre of the social life of Beni Isguen with the daily auction. Those who sell yell out the price of their item until someone buys it or the price is brought down.

This picture was taken during Friday prayer time, when it feels like a western movie town at noon (maybe apart from the carriages :)

#unesco

M'zab valley including the village of Beni Isguen is since 1982 a well deserved UNESCO World heritage site.

A quote from the UNESCO reasoning:
A traditional human habitat, created in the 10th century by the Ibadites around their five ksour (fortified cities), has been preserved intact in the M’Zab valley. Simple, functional and perfectly adapted to the environment, the architecture of M’Zab was designed for community living, while respecting the structure of the family. It is a source of inspiration for today’s urban planners.

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The ancient M'zab Valley's five fortified cities reveal themselves as you explore Ghardaia's labyrinthine streets and distinctive pyramid-shaped mosque. Bargain for handwoven carpets at the bustling central market, then join a guided tour of nearby Beni Isguen's preserved medieval architecture and palm groves.

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