Ghardaïa
Encyclopedia
Ghardaïa is the capital city of Ghardaïa Province, Algeria
. The commune of Ghardaïa has a population of 104,645, with 82,500 in the main city according to 2005 estimates. It is located in northern-central Algeria in the Sahara Desert and lies along the left bank of the Wadi
Mzab. The M'zab valley
in the Ghardaïa Province (Wilaya) was inscribed under the UNESCO
World Heritage List in 1982, as a cultural property evaluated under the criteria II ( for its settlement having an impact on urban planning even to the present century), III (for its Ibadi
cultural values), and V (a settlement culture which has prevailed to the present century).
Ghardaïa is part of a pentapolis
, a hilltop city amongst four others, built almost a thousand years ago, and founded by the Mozabites a Muslim Ibadi
sect (non-Arabic Muslims, including the Berbers) in the M’Zab valley. It is a major centre of date production and the manufacture of rugs and cloths. Divided into three walled sectors, it is a fortified town. At the centre is the historical Mʾzabite area, with a pyramid-style mosque and an arcaded square. Distinctive white, pink, and red houses, made of sand, clay and gypsum, rise in terraces and arcades. In her 1963 book, La force des choses the French
existentialist philosopher
Simone de Beauvoir
described Ghardaia as "a Cubist painting beautifully constructed".
who lived in a cave (ghār) in the area before it blossomed into a town inhabited by Kharijite Muslims who came to escape persecution from Orthodox Muslims in the north.
Gardaia name is derived from the Tamazight word Tagherdayt ( ⵟⴰⴳⵀⴻⵔⴷⴰⵢⵜ)which means the castle. The Mozabites came from the Zab area of Aures. The fled the area from the Arabic hellalin invasion. They are Ibadin muslims.
plateau
, as inscribed under the UNESCO Heritage List, is a unique conglomeration of five cities confined in area of 75 km² situated 600 km to the south of Algiers
, the capital of Algeria. Original architecture of the semi desert valley is dated to early 11th century ascribed to the Ibadis with their cultural identity originally traced to the Maghreb
who had their capital at Tahert as an Ibadi Kingdom. They were forced to leave Tahert consequent to a devastating fire in 909 (it is reported that destruction was caused by the founder of the (Shi'ite) Fatimid Dynasty). They first moved to Sedrata and finally to M'Zab valley. They settled in five fortified villages located on rocky outcrops, known locally as “Kosars”, even though they could have lived in one larger village encompassing all the five, which were planned with meticulous details to precise layouts defined by set principles of community living within a defensive environment. Each village was planned in diverse topography comprising a small island, a ridge, a hilltop, a peak and a recess. The villages were fortified in such a manner that they were inaccessible to the nomadic groups. The five villages set up with identical planning concepts were Ghardaia, Melika, Beni Isguen, Bou Noura and El Atteuf. The identical “miniature citadels” as they are termed had each their own mosque with minaret functioning as watch towers, houses built around the mosque in concentric circles and surrounded by a high walls (extending up to the ramparts). which together gave the feel of a fortress to each village. The mosque also provided for storage of grains and arms for defence. However, during the summer season a they migrated to a "citadel" outside the fortified villages, in an informal setting of artificial palm grove, a cemetery
and a mosque
.
Ghardaïa, as a village, was established in the 11th century, its founding attributed to the female saint Daïa
who inhabited a cave (ghār) in the valley. Daïa is highly venerated by Mozabites who deemed the valley as of high religious importance so they built their houses in the area and occupied the land for ten centuries. Nicknamed "the Puritans of the desert", they do not smoke or drink.
It was developed into a town by Kharijite Muslims who came to Ghardaïa as a haven to escape the persecution from Orthodox Muslims in the north. The ancient ksar
of Metlili-Chaamba was founded by Tamer and Trif in the 12th century and is inhabited by the Chaamba
, descendants of the Beni-Mansour Souleima Ben Medina (Saudi Arabia), a collection of tribes among whom are the Ouled Allouche, the Ouled Abdelkader, the Chorfa, the Almorabitines (descendants of the Prophet of Islam Mohammed), the Zouas, and the Beni Beni Brahim or Merzoug. The village of Berriane
was built in 1679 and historically was a place of conflict between the Arabs and Berbers and Mozabites.
These people revolted against French colonialism in the popular uprisings of 1864 at Bouchoucha. Colonel Alphonse Ferjeux Didier, who commanded Ghardaïa from 1883 to 1886 and again from 1890 to 1895, was said to be deeply understanding of the politics of the Mzab peoples.
is divided into 13 communes
or municipalities, which includes the Ghardaïa municipality. It is bordered by Ouargla and El Bayadh Wilayas. It is nestled in the M'zab
valley, lying on the left bank of the Wadi Mzab, which is commonly dry throughout the year. The commune of Ghardaïa now covers an area of 590 km² (227.8 sq mi) and includes a number of suburbs, towns and villages in addition to Ghardaïa. Suburb settlements include Mélika, Béni Isguen, Bounoura
(Has Bunur) and El Atteuf
(Tadjnint) , all of which lie to the southeast of Ghardaïa city and the ancient ksar
of Metlili-Chaamba or Metlili which lies 42 km (26.1 mi) to the southwest. Outside of the Mzab valley, Berriane
(Has Ibergane) and Guerrara (Iguerraren) are towns of note, the first 45 km (28 mi) to the north, and the second 110 km (68.4 mi) to the northeast.
This region is marked by large temperature differences between day and night, and summer and winter ranging from lows of 0°C to highs of 46°C. The prevailing winds of summer are hot and strong while those of winter are cold and wet. Sandstorms generally occur from March to May. In October 2008, Ghardaïa was severely affected by flooding due to heavy rain.
fossil groundwater continental infill whose reserves are estimated at 1.5 trillion m3. It is also sourced
Another important industry is the manufacture of rugs and cloths. Ghardaïa is renowned for its coarse goat hair carpets, generally with simple geometric patterns in black and white. Metlili-Chaamba is known for its "Deglet Nour" dates and its camel hair products.
One important aspect of social life and economic values of the people of the region is concerned is that there begging and theft are non existent in the community. They have a close-knit society with all aspects of economy and social customs dictated by the community.
The residents have preserved the original medieval architecture remarkably well; the valley of which it forms being a part of an official World Heritage Site
. The Medabian quarter lies to the northwest. The military compound and hospital are located in the southern area. It is given the epithet "the pearl of the oasis" and is as one of the most important tourist regions for its ancient cultural heritage in southern Algeria. Apart from the tourism interests, the Wilaya of Ghardaia also draws anthropologists, architects, researchers and historians to explore its rich cultural, anthropological and architectural uniqueness. An interesting aspect of their community welfare is the fact that they follow the rules of governance diligently and also contribute to the maintenance and care of the community. Mozabites in the light of their rigid approach in negotiations, dominate the financial sector, particularly in banking and wholesale sectors They also have their own mosque, cemetery, recreation and sporting activities. They have a patriarchal system of social inheritance. Another unique feature among the Mozabites is that right from birth a “Mozabite is looked after by the community for education, work, marriage, and the building of a home. Touiza (groups of volunteers) are organised for building houses.”
The Wilaya of Ghardaia is also well known for its Weaving, Dinanderie D'art, basketry, pottery and carpet weaving (tapestry). The rugs of the area so popular that every year the "National Day Of Rugs" is held in March.
The Mozabites of Ghardaia have their distinct identity of traditional costume of saroual loubia (baggy trousers) and chéchia (head gear).
In March and April, a carpet festival provides an opportunity for celebration, competition, as well as sales.
valley and home of the Ibadi
religious sect in Algeria. As a religious Muslim sect they did not subscribe to the doctrine of Sunnism and Shi'ism. They practice a different way, praying, worship of God and designing mosques as compared with Malikis who form the majority of Algerians. Here, wasting water, and more generally any gift of land, is considered a sin. The Ghardaïa Mosque, built in the 10th century, is of Moorish architecture
style. Its tower, simple and elegant, includes a large portal at the top of the shaft, the design of which provides for ventilation flow.
The White Fathers
, a Roman Catholic missionary society, live in a hermitage
near the old city, and have a collection of books on the Sahara.
The Jewish quarter is in the eastern side of the city and is noted for its craft shops and many wells.
(or simply Ghardaïa airport
). There is also a bus station.
Algeria
Algeria , officially the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria , also formally referred to as the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria, is a country in the Maghreb region of Northwest Africa with Algiers as its capital.In terms of land area, it is the largest country in Africa and the Arab...
. The commune of Ghardaïa has a population of 104,645, with 82,500 in the main city according to 2005 estimates. It is located in northern-central Algeria in the Sahara Desert and lies along the left bank of the Wadi
Wadi
Wadi is the Arabic term traditionally referring to a valley. In some cases, it may refer to a dry riverbed that contains water only during times of heavy rain or simply an intermittent stream.-Variant names:...
Mzab. The M'zab valley
M'zab
The M'zab or Mzab, , is a region of the northern Sahara, in the Ghardaïa wilaya, an administrative division similar to a province, of Algeria...
in the Ghardaïa Province (Wilaya) was inscribed under the UNESCO
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
World Heritage List in 1982, as a cultural property evaluated under the criteria II ( for its settlement having an impact on urban planning even to the present century), III (for its Ibadi
Ibadi
The Ibāḍī movement, Ibadism or Ibāḍiyya is a form of Islam distinct from the Sunni and Shia denominations. It is the dominant form of Islam in Oman and Zanzibar...
cultural values), and V (a settlement culture which has prevailed to the present century).
Ghardaïa is part of a pentapolis
Pentapolis
A pentapolis, from the Greek words , "five" and , "city" is a geographic and/or institutional grouping of five cities...
, a hilltop city amongst four others, built almost a thousand years ago, and founded by the Mozabites a Muslim Ibadi
Ibadi
The Ibāḍī movement, Ibadism or Ibāḍiyya is a form of Islam distinct from the Sunni and Shia denominations. It is the dominant form of Islam in Oman and Zanzibar...
sect (non-Arabic Muslims, including the Berbers) in the M’Zab valley. It is a major centre of date production and the manufacture of rugs and cloths. Divided into three walled sectors, it is a fortified town. At the centre is the historical Mʾzabite area, with a pyramid-style mosque and an arcaded square. Distinctive white, pink, and red houses, made of sand, clay and gypsum, rise in terraces and arcades. In her 1963 book, La force des choses the French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
existentialist philosopher
Existentialism
Existentialism is a term applied to a school of 19th- and 20th-century philosophers who, despite profound doctrinal differences, shared the belief that philosophical thinking begins with the human subject—not merely the thinking subject, but the acting, feeling, living human individual...
Simone de Beauvoir
Simone de Beauvoir
Simone-Ernestine-Lucie-Marie Bertrand de Beauvoir, often shortened to Simone de Beauvoir , was a French existentialist philosopher, public intellectual, and social theorist. She wrote novels, essays, biographies, an autobiography in several volumes, and monographs on philosophy, politics, and...
described Ghardaia as "a Cubist painting beautifully constructed".
Etymology
The name of Ghardaïa has its origins in a female saint named DaïaDaïa
Daïa is an Algerian Berber saint. She is venerated by the Mozabites of the M'zab region of northern-central Algeria. She is reputed to have lived in a cave near Wadi Mzab in the M'zab valley. Kharijite Muslims later flocked to the valley and built the town of Ghardaïa to escape persecution from...
who lived in a cave (ghār) in the area before it blossomed into a town inhabited by Kharijite Muslims who came to escape persecution from Orthodox Muslims in the north.
Gardaia name is derived from the Tamazight word Tagherdayt ( ⵟⴰⴳⵀⴻⵔⴷⴰⵢⵜ)which means the castle. The Mozabites came from the Zab area of Aures. The fled the area from the Arabic hellalin invasion. They are Ibadin muslims.
History
The M'Zab valley, in limestoneLimestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate . Many limestones are composed from skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral or foraminifera....
plateau
Plateau
In geology and earth science, a plateau , also called a high plain or tableland, is an area of highland, usually consisting of relatively flat terrain. A highly eroded plateau is called a dissected plateau...
, as inscribed under the UNESCO Heritage List, is a unique conglomeration of five cities confined in area of 75 km² situated 600 km to the south of Algiers
Algiers
' is the capital and largest city of Algeria. According to the 1998 census, the population of the city proper was 1,519,570 and that of the urban agglomeration was 2,135,630. In 2009, the population was about 3,500,000...
, the capital of Algeria. Original architecture of the semi desert valley is dated to early 11th century ascribed to the Ibadis with their cultural identity originally traced to the Maghreb
Maghreb
The Maghreb is the region of Northwest Africa, west of Egypt. It includes five countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania and the disputed territory of Western Sahara...
who had their capital at Tahert as an Ibadi Kingdom. They were forced to leave Tahert consequent to a devastating fire in 909 (it is reported that destruction was caused by the founder of the (Shi'ite) Fatimid Dynasty). They first moved to Sedrata and finally to M'Zab valley. They settled in five fortified villages located on rocky outcrops, known locally as “Kosars”, even though they could have lived in one larger village encompassing all the five, which were planned with meticulous details to precise layouts defined by set principles of community living within a defensive environment. Each village was planned in diverse topography comprising a small island, a ridge, a hilltop, a peak and a recess. The villages were fortified in such a manner that they were inaccessible to the nomadic groups. The five villages set up with identical planning concepts were Ghardaia, Melika, Beni Isguen, Bou Noura and El Atteuf. The identical “miniature citadels” as they are termed had each their own mosque with minaret functioning as watch towers, houses built around the mosque in concentric circles and surrounded by a high walls (extending up to the ramparts). which together gave the feel of a fortress to each village. The mosque also provided for storage of grains and arms for defence. However, during the summer season a they migrated to a "citadel" outside the fortified villages, in an informal setting of artificial palm grove, a cemetery
Cemetery
A cemetery is a place in which dead bodies and cremated remains are buried. The term "cemetery" implies that the land is specifically designated as a burying ground. Cemeteries in the Western world are where the final ceremonies of death are observed...
and a mosque
Mosque
A mosque is a place of worship for followers of Islam. The word is likely to have entered the English language through French , from Portuguese , from Spanish , and from Berber , ultimately originating in — . The Arabic word masjid literally means a place of prostration...
.
Ghardaïa, as a village, was established in the 11th century, its founding attributed to the female saint Daïa
Daïa
Daïa is an Algerian Berber saint. She is venerated by the Mozabites of the M'zab region of northern-central Algeria. She is reputed to have lived in a cave near Wadi Mzab in the M'zab valley. Kharijite Muslims later flocked to the valley and built the town of Ghardaïa to escape persecution from...
who inhabited a cave (ghār) in the valley. Daïa is highly venerated by Mozabites who deemed the valley as of high religious importance so they built their houses in the area and occupied the land for ten centuries. Nicknamed "the Puritans of the desert", they do not smoke or drink.
It was developed into a town by Kharijite Muslims who came to Ghardaïa as a haven to escape the persecution from Orthodox Muslims in the north. The ancient ksar
Ksar
Ksar is the Arabic term for "castle", loaned from Latin castrum.The Berber equivalent is aghrem or ighrman ....
of Metlili-Chaamba was founded by Tamer and Trif in the 12th century and is inhabited by the Chaamba
Chaamba
The Chaamba are a large Sulaymi Arab tribe of the northern Sahara in Algeria. They live around Métlili, El Golea, Ouargla, El Oued, and the Great Western Erg, including Timimoun and Béni Abbès While traditionally they were nomads specialised in raising camels, most have settled in the oases over...
, descendants of the Beni-Mansour Souleima Ben Medina (Saudi Arabia), a collection of tribes among whom are the Ouled Allouche, the Ouled Abdelkader, the Chorfa, the Almorabitines (descendants of the Prophet of Islam Mohammed), the Zouas, and the Beni Beni Brahim or Merzoug. The village of Berriane
Berriane
Berriane is a medium-sized town in the south of Algeria and the capital of the district of the same name in the province of Ghardaïa . It is located in the north of the Sahara desert, in the extreme North of the wilaya of Ghardaïa, 554 km south of Algiers and 43 km north of Ghardaïa City...
was built in 1679 and historically was a place of conflict between the Arabs and Berbers and Mozabites.
These people revolted against French colonialism in the popular uprisings of 1864 at Bouchoucha. Colonel Alphonse Ferjeux Didier, who commanded Ghardaïa from 1883 to 1886 and again from 1890 to 1895, was said to be deeply understanding of the politics of the Mzab peoples.
Geography and climate
The city is located within the Sahara Desert in northern-central Algeria. The Ghardaïa ProvinceGhardaïa Province
Ghardaïa is a province in eastern Algeria, named after its capital Ghardaïa. The M'Zab Valley, located there, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.-Administrative divisions:...
is divided into 13 communes
Communes of Algeria
This is a list of all communes in the North African country of Algeria. Currently, there are 1,541 communes in the country. The population data is from June 25, 1998.-See also:* List of cities in Algeria* List of postal codes of Algerian cities...
or municipalities, which includes the Ghardaïa municipality. It is bordered by Ouargla and El Bayadh Wilayas. It is nestled in the M'zab
M'zab
The M'zab or Mzab, , is a region of the northern Sahara, in the Ghardaïa wilaya, an administrative division similar to a province, of Algeria...
valley, lying on the left bank of the Wadi Mzab, which is commonly dry throughout the year. The commune of Ghardaïa now covers an area of 590 km² (227.8 sq mi) and includes a number of suburbs, towns and villages in addition to Ghardaïa. Suburb settlements include Mélika, Béni Isguen, Bounoura
Bounoura
Bounoura is a city in Bounoura District, Ghardaïa Province, Algeria. As of 1998 it had a population of 27,800.-References:...
(Has Bunur) and El Atteuf
El Atteuf
El Atteuf is a town and commune in Ghardaïa Province, Algeria. According to the 1998 census it has a population of 12,713....
(Tadjnint) , all of which lie to the southeast of Ghardaïa city and the ancient ksar
Ksar
Ksar is the Arabic term for "castle", loaned from Latin castrum.The Berber equivalent is aghrem or ighrman ....
of Metlili-Chaamba or Metlili which lies 42 km (26.1 mi) to the southwest. Outside of the Mzab valley, Berriane
Berriane
Berriane is a medium-sized town in the south of Algeria and the capital of the district of the same name in the province of Ghardaïa . It is located in the north of the Sahara desert, in the extreme North of the wilaya of Ghardaïa, 554 km south of Algiers and 43 km north of Ghardaïa City...
(Has Ibergane) and Guerrara (Iguerraren) are towns of note, the first 45 km (28 mi) to the north, and the second 110 km (68.4 mi) to the northeast.
This region is marked by large temperature differences between day and night, and summer and winter ranging from lows of 0°C to highs of 46°C. The prevailing winds of summer are hot and strong while those of winter are cold and wet. Sandstorms generally occur from March to May. In October 2008, Ghardaïa was severely affected by flooding due to heavy rain.
Hydrology
Ghardaïa's ancient water distribution system was devised by the Mozabites, keeping in view the ephemeral flows of its oueds (rivers). Realising the preciousness of this natural resource, the Mozabites developed a unique hydraulic system of underground tunnels to harvest rainwater and divert it to the oases. They have an equitable water distribution to all gardens and also maintain good flood protection measures. The water supply is accessed in a number of ways through an incredible irrigation system that distributes water from many wells. Well drilling occurs to a depth ranging from 350 ft (106.7 m) to 500 ft (152.4 m), then drawing the water from the AlbianAlbian
The Albian is both an age of the geologic timescale and a stage in the stratigraphic column. It is the youngest or uppermost subdivision of the Early/Lower Cretaceous epoch/series. Its approximate time range is 112.0 ± 1.0 Ma to 99.6 ± 0.9 Ma...
fossil groundwater continental infill whose reserves are estimated at 1.5 trillion m3. It is also sourced
Layout and architecture
The unique layout of the Ghardaïa village is dictated by the rocky terrain of the region. Apart from the mosques and the housing pattern layout, with the mosque at the top of the hill, and the houses laid in labyrinthine alleyways, there is also a large market centre. The houses in particular are oriented in such as way that it admits sunlight into every as they strongly believe: "Inhabitants of the house where sun comes in will never see a doctor". Chimneys are also set in such a way that it does nor encroach their neighbours comfort.Economy
Ghardaïa is a major centre of date production, with nearly 60,000 palm trees produce dates. The wood of dead palms is used to make house roofs; live trees are not killed as they are considered living beings that sustain the inhabitants.Another important industry is the manufacture of rugs and cloths. Ghardaïa is renowned for its coarse goat hair carpets, generally with simple geometric patterns in black and white. Metlili-Chaamba is known for its "Deglet Nour" dates and its camel hair products.
One important aspect of social life and economic values of the people of the region is concerned is that there begging and theft are non existent in the community. They have a close-knit society with all aspects of economy and social customs dictated by the community.
Culture
World Heritage Site
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance...
. The Medabian quarter lies to the northwest. The military compound and hospital are located in the southern area. It is given the epithet "the pearl of the oasis" and is as one of the most important tourist regions for its ancient cultural heritage in southern Algeria. Apart from the tourism interests, the Wilaya of Ghardaia also draws anthropologists, architects, researchers and historians to explore its rich cultural, anthropological and architectural uniqueness. An interesting aspect of their community welfare is the fact that they follow the rules of governance diligently and also contribute to the maintenance and care of the community. Mozabites in the light of their rigid approach in negotiations, dominate the financial sector, particularly in banking and wholesale sectors They also have their own mosque, cemetery, recreation and sporting activities. They have a patriarchal system of social inheritance. Another unique feature among the Mozabites is that right from birth a “Mozabite is looked after by the community for education, work, marriage, and the building of a home. Touiza (groups of volunteers) are organised for building houses.”
The Wilaya of Ghardaia is also well known for its Weaving, Dinanderie D'art, basketry, pottery and carpet weaving (tapestry). The rugs of the area so popular that every year the "National Day Of Rugs" is held in March.
The Mozabites of Ghardaia have their distinct identity of traditional costume of saroual loubia (baggy trousers) and chéchia (head gear).
Festivals
Every spring, the commune of Metlili-Chaamba, 31.3 km (19.4 mi) from Ghardaïa, celebrates the "Day mehr" when people from all over the country and other parts of the world attend and participate in a camel race.In March and April, a carpet festival provides an opportunity for celebration, competition, as well as sales.
Religion
Ghardaïa is the traditional heart of the M'zabM'zab
The M'zab or Mzab, , is a region of the northern Sahara, in the Ghardaïa wilaya, an administrative division similar to a province, of Algeria...
valley and home of the Ibadi
Ibadi
The Ibāḍī movement, Ibadism or Ibāḍiyya is a form of Islam distinct from the Sunni and Shia denominations. It is the dominant form of Islam in Oman and Zanzibar...
religious sect in Algeria. As a religious Muslim sect they did not subscribe to the doctrine of Sunnism and Shi'ism. They practice a different way, praying, worship of God and designing mosques as compared with Malikis who form the majority of Algerians. Here, wasting water, and more generally any gift of land, is considered a sin. The Ghardaïa Mosque, built in the 10th century, is of Moorish architecture
Moorish architecture
Moorish architecture is the western term used to describe the articulated Berber-Islamic architecture of North Africa and Al-Andalus.-Characteristic elements:...
style. Its tower, simple and elegant, includes a large portal at the top of the shaft, the design of which provides for ventilation flow.
The White Fathers
White Fathers
The missionary society known as "White Fathers" , after their dress, is a Roman Catholic Society of Apostolic Life founded in 1868 by the first Archbishop of Algiers, later Cardinal Lavigerie, as the Missionaries of Our Lady of Africa of Algeria, and is also now known as the Society of the...
, a Roman Catholic missionary society, live in a hermitage
Hermitage (religious retreat)
Although today's meaning is usually a place where a hermit lives in seclusion from the world, hermitage was more commonly used to mean a settlement where a person or a group of people lived religiously, in seclusion.-Western Christian Tradition:...
near the old city, and have a collection of books on the Sahara.
The Jewish quarter is in the eastern side of the city and is noted for its craft shops and many wells.
Transportation
It is served by Noumérat - Moufdi Zakaria AirportNoumérat - Moufdi Zakaria Airport
Noumérat - Moufdi Zakaria Airport , also known as Noumerate Airport, is a public airport serving Ghardaïa, the capital of the Ghardaïa Province in Algeria. It is located southeast of the city...
(or simply Ghardaïa airport
Airport
An airport is a location where aircraft such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and blimps take off and land. Aircraft may be stored or maintained at an airport...
). There is also a bus station.
Notable Metilli people
- Tayeb Sheriff, former transport minister, PhD in aeronautics and current UN Secretary-General of the International Civil Aviation OrganizationInternational Civil Aviation OrganizationThe International Civil Aviation Organization , pronounced , , is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It codifies the principles and techniques of international air navigation and fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure safe and orderly growth...
. - Ahmed BenbitourAhmed BenbitourAhmed Benbitour is an Algerian politician who was Prime Minister of Algeria from 1999 to 2000.Born at Metlilli, Ghardaïa, Benbitour graduated from Université de Montréal in 1984 with a Ph.D. in Economics. He now lives in London, England....
, former leader of the Algerian government and world renowned economist and former adviser to the director of the World Bank - Maryam Benkhalifa, the only woman elected to the Wilaya assemblies and central committee member
- Abdelhamid Zeghmi, regional CEO of BoeingBoeingThe Boeing Company is an American multinational aerospace and defense corporation, founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington. Boeing has expanded over the years, merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Boeing Corporate headquarters has been in Chicago, Illinois since 2001...
. - Hamid Jloud, current president of the Association of Arab intellectuals in Canada.
- Mustapha Benbada, current Minister of Medium and Small Industries and Handicrafts.
- Ahmed Laam, economist, former Minister of Water Resources.