Algeria is a vast country with many ancient historical sites and unique cultures for you to discover. One of the most fascinating regions in Algeria is the M’Zab Valley located in Southern Algeria. This region is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and comprises of five fortified oases towns including Ghardaïa, Beni Isguen, El Atteuf, Melika, and Bounoura.
We have written an extensive article about Ghardaïa which is the main town and also the capital of the M’Zab Valley. In this article, we will cover the town of Beni Isguen that is also part of the M’Zab Valley.
A Brief History of Beni Isguen
The name Beni Isguen originates from the Berber words which translates to “the sons of those who keep the faith”. This oasis town was established during the 11th century, in the year 1051 to be exact, by the Ibadis Muslim refugees from from Tahert (or Tihert). Today, there are over 22,000 residents from 12 different tribes living in Beni Isguen.
Discovering the Culture of Beni Isguen
Since Beni Isguen is part of the Ibadi sect of Islam, all of its inhabitants follow a very distinct set of religious, social, and architectural traditions that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. This makes Beni Isguen, including the other oases towns in the M’Zab Valley, one of the most well-preserved and culturally rich towns in all of Algeria.
The Ibadite religion and traditions place an important emphasis on simplicity, piety, and communal responsibility. There is a strong sense of solidarity among the community. Older generations have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and life experiences that are expected to be passed down to younger generations. Values such as honesty, strong work ethic, and mutual aid can be shared through intergenerational relationships, helping younger individuals to gain wisdom and guidance. All inhabitants are expected to follow a very strict moral code that governs the way they dress and behave.
The Unique Architecture of Beni Isugen
The Fortified Walls
A distinctive feature of Beni Isguen is its fortified walls, which have historically protected the town from invaders, particularly bandits attempting to rob trade caravans. These fortified walls were restored in 1860. The city also has five main watchtowers, along with additional watchtowers positioned outside within the oasis. The interior of each watchtower consists of five levels. The inhabitants employ a clever technique of using sun reflection to communicate during the day and using fire to communicate at night.
A Defensive Wall
Within these fortified walls, the town is characterized by a network of narrow, winding, and interconnected streets. This labyrinthine layout is strategically designed to disorient potential invaders during a raid. Additionally, the city wall features holes that widen from the interior and narrow from the exterior. This design allows townspeople within the walls to discern incoming enemies from the outside.
The Mosque
The 12-century mosque, with its tall minaret, is located on the west end of Beni Isguen and is an important religious and architectural landmark.
The Houses
The houses in Beni Isguen are constructed using mud bricks and palm wood. This is a clever traditional Saharan building method that protects the home from the harsh desert environment and keeps a cool temperature inside the home.
Visit the Market Square
Beni Isguen is famous for its auction market, known as the “Lalla Achou” market. Livestock, jewelry, carpets, brassware, and other valuables are auctioned off in a highly organized manner which embraces equality. Each resident family has its own office (El Houjret) which is a meeting place for all members of the community. The town maintains strict commercial ethics, and any price increase is strictly controlled by the Islamic association.
Given that the town is situated on hills and features narrow, labyrinthine pathways, the market square is strategically positioned at the city’s front, ensuring its accessibility to all townspeople regardless of their residence.
The market auction is open every afternoon (between El Asr prayer and sunset) from Sunday to Thursday.
Rules to Follow When Visiting Beni Isguen
Tourists and visitors are welcomed to visit Beni Isguen. However, there are a few very important rules to follow to respect the local customs.
- Visits must be accompanied by a local guide. The first thing you should do upon arriving at Beni Isguen is to visit its tourism office located at the entrance. Here you will be assigned a local guide to accompany your visit.
- There is a strict dress code which requires visitors to dress modestly. For men, this typically means long pants and a shirt with sleeves. For women, it’s advisable to wear loose-fitting clothes that cover the arms, legs, and chest area.
- Taking photos of buildings and landscapes are allowed. It is prohibited to take any photos or videos of the residents in the town.
- Smoking is prohibited in the town.
- The visiting schedule is in the morning between 8:30am to 12:30pm and in the afternoon between the El Asr prayer to sunset. The town is open for visitors everyday except for religious holidays.
- There are no accommodation options in the town and you are required to leave by nightfall.
- It is amazing to be able to enter this secluded community and catch a glimpse of some of the fine arts that are produced inside the oasis walls – detailed pottery pieces, beautifully woven carpets, jewelry and brass ware. The most remarkable site is the mosque that serves as a watchtower. The city is a maze of corridors and wonderful hidden sites that deserve the effort to be seen.
Plan a Visit to Beni Isguen in Algeria With Us
Many travellers consider a visit to Ghardaia to be an extraordinary travel experience! It is an incredible opportunity to enter into a secluded community that is strongly committed to preserving the cultural and spiritual heritage. You will be fascinated by their unique culture and awed by their architectural feats. Perhaps you might even leave this beautiful fortified oasis town with a detailed pottery piece or a beautifully woven carpet that will always remind you of this travel experience.
Contact one of our Algeria Travel Experts today to start planning a private tour to Algeria including a visit to Beni Isguen.
