chief town of the Mʾzab Oasis, north-central Algeria. It lies along the left bank of the Wadi Mzab in the northern Sahara (Desert). Founded in the 11th century, it was built around the cave (ghār) reputedly inhabited by the female saint Daïa (the cave is still venerated by Mʾzabite women). Ghardaïa is a fortified town with white and red clay houses that rise in terraces and arcades toward the pyramid-style mosque at its centre. It is divided into three walled sectors. At the core is the Mʾzabite section, built around the mosque and an arcaded square. The traditional Jewish quarter, with its many wells and craft shops, lies to the east, and the Medabian quarter is to the northwest. The military compound and hospital are to the south, and the town also has an airport. Pop. (1998 prelim.) mun., 110,724.