Chief town of the M'zab Oasis, north-central Algeria. It lies along the left bank of the Oued Mzab in the northern Sahara. Founded in the 11th century, it was built around the cave reputedly inhabited by the female saint Daia. 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.
The traditional Jewish quarter, with its many wells and craft shops, lies to the east, and the Medabian quarter lies to the northwest. The military compound and hospital are to the south, and the town also has an airport. Population: 71,483.