Ouargla – The archaeological city of Sederata, whose ruins lie about 10 km southwest of Ouargla, is one of the historical landmarks that urgently needs preservation to protect it from natural and human threats, contributing to the promotion of cultural tourism in the region.
Cultural heritage enthusiasts in the area believe that this archaeological site is increasingly vulnerable to various threats that could accelerate its decay over time. These threats range from natural hazards, especially rain and sandstorms, to human-induced dangers.
In this context, Abdelhak Belnouar, a history professor at Martyr Hamma Lakhdar University in El Oued, highlighted during a recent meeting in Ouargla—held as part of Heritage Month (April 18-May 18) on the “Importance of Valuing the Architectural Heritage of the Old Palace and the Sederata Archaeological City”—the types of risks facing this archaeological site. These include negative human behaviors such as environmental pollution from random waste disposal and construction debris, as well as acts of vandalism and unauthorized land acquisition near the site.
Belnouar noted that these actions constitute a “clear violation” of the site, which contradicts the decree issued on January 23, 1968, classifying Sederata as a national archaeological monument that must be protected.
He stressed the need to activate legal mechanisms to preserve this archaeological site, focusing on awareness-raising activities about its historical and cultural significance, and implementing preventive measures such as creating green belts and vegetative cover to halt sand encroachment, involving various stakeholders and relevant sectors.
The local Sederata Association also proposes immediate measures, including fencing the site to protect it from negative factors and conducting a study to develop an intervention plan for the site.
Among their suggestions is establishing an archaeological and cultural park to preserve the existing ruins, creating visitor reception points, monitoring protected areas threatened by expansion, and reviving previous excavations that highlighted the architectural heritage of this ancient city.
Road Construction and Water Well Drilling at the Site
In the past, the site benefited from two operations funded by the Special Fund for the Development of Southern Regions, which provided financial support for its rehabilitation. These included constructing a road leading to the site and drilling a water well.
Since the 19th century, the site has undergone several excavations aimed at uncovering its buried archaeological features. However, these excavations have stopped, hindering further discoveries of Sederata’s landmarks buried under the sand.
Historical sources indicate that the most notable excavations took place in 1881, 1942, 1952, 1977, and 1997, revealing key features such as a mosque, which is a square hall covered with about twenty vaults supported by 16 pillars, and the spacious, square-shaped houses of Sederata.
The arcades in the Sederata houses, overlooking the courtyard, are among the features that distinguish the architectural design of old desert houses. They serve as family gathering places during hot weather and are used for various household purposes.
Sederata, spanning an area of 2 square kilometers, was built in the 10th century and is considered a buried city under the sands.
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