ksars

A ksar (plural ksars or ksour) is a fortified village or fortress common to North Africa, especially in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and the western Sahara. The term derives from the Arabic qasr meaning fortress or palace and is used in Berber-speaking areas to designate a walled settlement built to protect inhabitants and stored goods on desert trade routes. Many ksars are traditional settlements that evolved from caravansary-like functions into permanent communities.

Architecturally, a ksar is usually built of rammed earth (pisé or adobe) and is surrounded by thick mud-brick walls that can rise several meters high. Defensive features may include corner watchtowers, a gatehouse, and a network of narrow passageways or lanes that can be sealed off from the outside. Inside, the complex typically comprises clusters of dwelling units organized around one or more courtyards or squares, with storage rooms or granaries, cisterns, and sometimes a central marketplace or religious spaces. The design emphasizes shade, wind protection, and the efficient use of locally available materials such as clay, straw, and wooden beams.

Historically, ksars served as hubs for commerce and agriculture on trans-Saharan and regional routes. They provided protection for people, livestock, and caravans, and offered storage for goods, water, and grain in arid environments. In modern times, many ksars remain inhabited and are valued for their cultural heritage and distinctive architecture. Notable examples include the Ksar of Aït Benhaddou in Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with other ksars in the Atlas and Draa regions. Preservation efforts focus on mud-brick conservation and sustainable tourism.