In Salah

In Salah or Ain Salah (Arabic: عين صالح‎) is an oasis town in central Algeria. It was once an important trade link of the trans-Saharan caravan route. As of the 2008 census it has a population of 32,518, up from 28,022 in 1998, with an annual growth rate of 1.5%, the lowest in the province. The village is located in the heart of the Sahara Desert region of northern Africa. The name In Salah comes from the term "good well" although the water is known for its rather unpleasant, salty taste.

Geography

A creeping sand dune on the western edge of town is advancing on the city and cuts In Salah in half. The dune is moving at a speed of approximately one meter (three feet) every five years. As buildings are covered by its leading edge, structures at the back of the dune are being gradually uncovered. When a formerly covered location at the back of the dune once again becomes free, it is established who the past owners were and the building is restored and moved into by relatives. Four red or violet clay brick ksour (walled villages) are found in the oasis, each having its own citadel.