Ksar Draa
قصر دراع | |
Ksar Draa Location in Algeria | |
| Location | Timimoun Province, Algeria |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 29°32′05″N 0°11′00″E / 29.534832°N 0.183471°E |
| Type | Ksar |
Ksar Draa (also known as Ksar Draa of Timimoun and the Timimoun Citadel) is an abandoned ksar located in the Timimoun Province (formerly part of Adrar Province) of Algeria. It is notable for its isolated location in the Sahara Desert and its uncertain history, and is one of the best preserved ksour in the region. The structure consists of two circular outer walls of sand, straw and clay, standing approximately 10 metres (33 ft) tall and up to 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) thick. It has a single entrance and no exterior windows. Inside it contained living spaces, communal kitchens and a mosque, spread across three levels.
Theories about its original purpose include its use as a hiding place by Jews during times of religious persecution in the Touat, as a caravanserai (lodging place for caravans on the Trans-Saharan trade route), as a military outpost, or as a prison.[1][2][3][4]
References
- ^ Ilyas, Dabladji (July 2022). Architecture of Oblivion case of the depths of the Algerian desert, The role of commemorative architecture in the tourism development of heritage sites (Master's Thesis). University of Blida. p. 78.
- ^ "The Fascinating Citadel in Algeria's Sahara Desert". Maghreb Magazine. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
- ^ De Abreu, Kristine (23 February 2023). "Exploration Mysteries: Ksar Draa". explorersweb.com. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
- ^ Readman, Kurt (15 February 2023). "Ksar Draa and the Circular Palaces of the Algerian Desert". historicmysteries.com. Retrieved 23 October 2025.