Kaldiri

Kaldiri is a small settlement located in the southern region of the country of Algeria, within the administrative boundaries of the Illizi Province. The village sits at an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters above sea level, surrounded by the rugged terrain of the Hoggar Mountains. It lies roughly 60 kilometers east of the provincial capital, Illizi, and is accessible by a network of unpaved country roads that connect it to nearby towns and the Trans-Sahara Highway.

The history of Kaldiri dates back to the early 19th century when it was established as a seasonal encampment for Tuareg nomads traveling across the Sahara. By the mid‑20th century, the settlement grew into a permanent community as government policies encouraged rural development in the region. During the Algerian War of Independence, the area was occasionally used as a covert base by insurgent groups due to its remote location and proximity to the Niger border.

Today, Kaldiri’s population is estimated at around 1,200 residents, predominantly of Tuareg ancestry. The economy is largely based on pastoralism, with herding of goats and sheep providing the main source of livelihood. Small-scale agriculture is practiced on terraced plots irrigated by local springs, and artisanal crafts such as woven blankets and metalwork are sold at regional markets. The village maintains a primary school and a health outpost, and local governance is organized through a traditional council led by an elected elders committee.