Ksar Azelouaz
Description of the project
Ksar Azelouaz – Djanet consists of the remains of an ancient palace in the region, whose name means “time of the authentic” in the Targui tradition. Located in the town of Djanet, in the far south, it is distinguished by its architectural simplicity, appearing as a closed urban fabric with contiguous dwellings forming a wall that surrounds the palace on all sides. Gardens and oases, belonging to the palace’s inhabitants, extend to the north, south, and west.
The site holds sacred significance for the local population due to its close connection with the rituals of the Sbiba, one of the region’s most important traditions since ancient times. The preserved area of Ksar Azelouaz was officially established and its boundaries defined in 2021, offering insight into the historical and cultural heritage of the region.
The minaret
The minaret of Azelouaz rises with a graceful, earthy sobriety, featuring a tapered pyramidal form and smooth surfaces of sun-dried mud brick and local stone. Its minimalist silhouette is crowned by traditional corner finials, a signature of Sudano-Sahelian architectural influence adapted to the specific climate of the Tassili n'Ajjer.
This iconic structure serves not only as a call to prayer but also as a timeless sentinel over the palm groves, symbolizing the architectural ingenuity of the Tuareg people and the enduring cultural heritage of the Djanet oasis.
Video of the project
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