Ksar Draa

Ksar Draa (also known as Ksar Draa of Timimoun, Aghem Draa, or the Timimoun Citadel) is an abandoned fortified ksar located in Adrar Province, in the heart of the Algerian Sahara. Renowned for its isolated desert setting and unclear origins, it is among the best-preserved ksour in the region. The structure features two circular outer walls made of sand, straw, and clay, rising about 10 meters high and up to 2 meters thick, with a single entrance and no exterior windows. Inside, the ksar once included residential spaces, communal kitchens, and a mosque arranged over three levels. Its original purpose remains debated, with theories suggesting it served as a refuge during religious persecution, a caravanserai on Trans-Saharan trade routes, a military outpost, or a prison.

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