Gharadaia, Algeria is an oasis that you will find in the northern part of Algeria.

Gharadaia, Algeria is an oasis that you will find in the northern part of Algeria. Gharadaia has a population of about 111 000 people and it is the capital city of Gharadaia province. Gharadaia, Algeria is quite a popular place because it is also the main town in Mzab which is a stony valley in the northern part of Sahara. It is also famous because it is a major producer of dates and it also manufactures rugs and clothes.

The city of Gharadaia, Algeria was founded in the 11th century by the Muslim Kharijite sectaries. The reason behind the establishment of the city was that these sectaries were running away from the persecution of the Muslims of the north. The place was at first controlled by the French soldiers in 1854. But it was formally incorporated into France in 1882.

There are number of places that you should not miss while touring Algeria. Plan your itinerary in such a manner that you do not miss out on this fascinating place. There is an extremely interesting market where you can shop. You can collect the local souvenirs too and carry these back home. There is also a beautiful mosque that you can visit. Another place that you should not miss is the Beni Isguen. It is well known for the Moabites.

Gharadaia in Algeria is located in the valley of the M'Zab wady* in the North of the Algerian Sahara. It is the most important one among the five oasis cities that were successively built during the early part of the 11th century by the M'Zabite Berbers.

The place is also popularly known as the "Pentapolis of M'Zab". The other desert cities are El Atteuf, Bounoura, Beni Isguen, Melinka that are the main cultural and tourist attraction in Algeria. These are also popular as these are the masterpieces of architecture and town planning.

It is now totally a man-made green oasis that is surrounded by fabulous, well planned cities. Indeed it is a wonderful example of how the Saharan desert can be inhabited by careful water management, urban development and the re-use of resources.