History of Djanet

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Djanet is rooted in the Middle Ages. This picturesque oasis, located in the southeast of Algeria, was formed through the unification of three fortified settlements known as ksour: Azellouaz, El Mihan, and Adjahil. The exact date of its founding is lost to the centuries, but it is known that these settlements emerged as permanent habitats for nomadic Tuareg tribes who appreciated the strategic advantage of the valley.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of small settlements into an important regional center was driven by several reasons:

• Geography and Water Resources: The city is situated at the foot of the Tassili n'Ajjer plateau. The presence of water sources in the wadi (seasonal river) bed allowed for the creation of a "living island" amidst the harsh Sahara Desert.
• Trans-Saharan Trade: The oasis became a vital stopover for caravans. Travelers and merchants stopped here to rest and replenish supplies of water and food before their long journeys.
• Security: The location of the ksour on high ground provided natural protection and a good vantage point, which was critical during the era of inter-tribal conflicts over resources.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy and culture of early Djanet were shaped in conditions of isolation and close connection with nature:

• Agricultural Traditions: Life revolved around the cultivation of date palms and gardening. Locals developed efficient irrigation systems that allowed agriculture to thrive in an arid climate.
• Architectural Style: Traditional structures were built from shale and clay, blending with the color of the surrounding rocks. Narrow covered streets protected residents from the scorching sun and winds.
• Cultural Heritage: Djanet became a guardian of Tuareg traditions. It is here that the unique Sebeiba festival originated, celebrated annually since ancient times to symbolize a peace treaty between local communities.

Key Historical Milestones

• Middle Ages: Formation of three fortified settlements (ksour) — Azellouaz, El Mihan, and Adjahil, the union of which marked the beginning of the modern city.
• 1911: A French detachment under the command of Captain Charlet occupies the oasis of Djanet, establishing the first military post.
• 1916: The region is swept by a Tuareg uprising led by Sultan Amoud, forcing colonial troops to temporarily abandon the garrison.
• 1918: French forces regain control of the oasis, marking the beginning of a period of stable colonial administration.
• 1938: The strengthening of military infrastructure is completed, turning the city into an important logistical hub in the Sahara.
• 1962: Following the declaration of independence, the city officially becomes part of the sovereign state of Algeria.
• 1982: The adjacent Tassili n'Ajjer plateau is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, attracting the attention of the global community.
• 1986: The region receives the status of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, highlighting the uniqueness of the local ecosystem.
• 2014: The unique local Sebeiba festival is inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• 2019: The government announces the elevation of Djanet's administrative status to a separate province (wilaya).
• 2021: The administrative reorganization process is completed, and the city becomes the full-fledged administrative center of the new province.

Stages of Transformation and Development

The development of the city of Djanet is the story of an isolated oasis transforming into a key tourist and administrative center in the south of Algeria. Each milestone in its history brought significant changes to the economy and the urban landscape.

• Consolidation of Historical Districts: The unification of the three ancient ksour (Azellouaz, El Mihan, and Adjahil) into a single agglomeration laid the foundation for the urban structure. This allowed for the creation of a shared water management system and strengthened trade ties within the oasis.
• Construction of Tiska Airport: The arrival of an air harbor was a turning point in the city's economic history. The airport broke the region's centuries-old isolation, ensuring rapid connection with the north of the country and opening direct access for international travelers.
• Shift to Tourism: After the inclusion of the Tassili n'Ajjer plateau in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the city began transforming from an agrarian center into a tourism hub. This led to the emergence of a network of hotels, campsites, and the development of the service sector, which became the main source of income for many families.
• Urbanization of the Valley: In the second half of the 20th century, the city expanded beyond the boundaries of the old fortified settlements on the rocks. New construction unfolded in the lowlands, requiring the creation of a modern road network and engineering utilities adapted to desert conditions.
• Modernization of Agriculture: The introduction of modern irrigation methods alongside traditional foggaras (underground channels) allowed for the expansion of palm groves, ensuring food security for the growing population.
• Administrative Reform: Obtaining the status of a provincial administrative center (wilaya) gave a powerful impulse to urban planning. New government institutions, hospitals, and educational centers appeared in the city, significantly raising the standard of living and creating new jobs.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of the city of Djanet is a visual chronicle of human adaptation to the harsh conditions of the Sahara. The urban development of the oasis progressed from defensive structures on the heights to a modern city spread out in the valley. The settlement's appearance was shaped by the climate, available natural materials, and historical events occurring in the south of Algeria.

Traditional Building: The Era of Ksour

The oldest layer of development is represented by traditional Saharan architecture. The historical core of the city consists of three fortified settlements (ksour) located on mountain slopes for protection against floods and enemies. This style can be characterized as Berber-Saharan vernacular.

• Materials: The basis of construction consisted of local shale (schist), clay (toub), and date palm trunks for roofing. Stone masonry without the use of cement ensures natural ventilation.
• Layout: Streets are designed as narrow, winding corridors, often covered ("skabat"), creating shade and coolness even during the hottest afternoons.
• Iconic Districts: The districts of El Mihan, Adjahil, and Azellouaz have preserved their authentic structure. Houses here literally blend with the landscape, mimicking the colors of the surrounding rocks.

Colonial Period: Military Functionality

In the early 20th century, the architectural landscape was augmented with elements of European fortification architecture, adapted to the desert. This period is characterized by strict forms and the strategic location of objects.

• Style: Military colonial style. Buildings are distinguished by thick walls, rectangular forms, and the presence of internal courtyards.
• Iconic Building: The dominant feature of this period is Fort Charlet, built on a commanding height. Its white walls and crenellated towers contrast with the ochre tones of the old city, creating the recognizable silhouette of Djanet.

Modern Development: Urbanization of the Valley

From the second half of the 20th century to the present day, the city has developed in the style of functional modernism. Due to population growth and the development of tourism, construction descended from the mountains into the palm grove and the wadi (riverbed) valley.

• Features: Modern buildings are constructed from concrete and brick but often retain traditional color schemes (sand and terracotta shades) so as not to disturb the visual harmony of the oasis.
• Urban Planning: Wide avenues, administrative buildings, schools, and hospitals have appeared. An important element is the tourism infrastructure — hotels and guest houses, often stylized as traditional Tuareg dwellings but equipped with modern amenities.

Notable Figures

The history of the city of Djanet and the Tassili n'Ajjer region is inextricably linked with the names of rulers, explorers, and cultural figures. These individuals played a key role in protecting, studying, and celebrating the oasis.

• Amoud Ag Mokhtar — Supreme Chief (Amenokal) of the Kel Ajjer Tuaregs.
  A national hero of Algeria who led the resistance against French colonial expansion in the early 20th century. His leadership and diplomatic skills allowed him to unite tribes to defend their lands.
• Edouard Charlet — Captain of the French Army.
  He commanded the military expedition that occupied the oasis in 1911. Fort Charlet, the famous fortress atop the cliff which today serves as an architectural landmark and symbol of the city's colonial era, is named in his honor.
• Charles Brenans — Lieutenant and amateur explorer.
  While serving in Djanet in the 1930s, he was the first European to discover and realize the value of the thousands of rock paintings in the canyons of Tassili n'Ajjer. His discoveries paved the way for the scientific recognition of the region as an open-air museum.
• Henri Lhote — Ethnographer and traveler.
  Organizer of the famous expeditions of the 1950s that documented the ancient rock art. Thanks to his books and exhibitions, the world learned about the "Frescoes of Tassili," transforming the remote oasis into a center of international tourism.
• Othmane Bali — Virtuoso musician and poet.
  A native of Djanet who became a legend of modern Tuareg music. He innovatively combined traditional rhythms with the sound of the oud, introducing a wide audience to the culture of his people.
• Badi Lalla — Singer and guardian of traditions.
  A renowned performer in the "tinde" style, whose voice became a symbol of Tuareg female poetry. She made an invaluable contribution to the preservation of the region's intangible cultural heritage.