-where walls look like cliffs
Chenini, southern Tunisia
The ksour (singular: ksar, plural: ksour) of Tunisia, and the Maghreb in general, are fortified villages, usually built on hilltops, and consisting of a group of connected houses, often having collective granaries and other buildings such as a mosque, bath, oven, and shops. The buildings are built into the cliffs, with the walls merging into their surroundings, achieving both camouflage and natural insulation.
Chenini is one of the more spectacular of the ksour on the Berber tourist trail in southern Tunisia, built as it is between two ridges to afford protection against raids. The oldest structure here dates back to the 12th century, and some of the granaries are still used for heir original purpose by the villagers now living below. Cheninie is in the tatouine district of Tunisia and you will likely have seen images of it before as this is the area used for filming Star Wars.
Other villages around include Douiret, Ksar Ouled Soltane, Ksar Hailouf and Ksar Hadada. In fact, the word ksar features in place names across the Maghreb, particularly on the Saharan side of the Atlas Mountains and the valley of the Draa River. The Spanish terms Alcázar and Portuguese Alcácer are derived from this North African Arabic word, and appear in place names and buildings originating as fortresses.
Travel with Intent 
Fascinating – we’re off in March, mostly to relax in the weather but hoping to take a trip out to Tatouine to see where Star Wars was filmed. x
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I hope you have a wonderful time – you may like this post too https://travelwithintent.com/2013/07/20/mos-espa-tunisia-dune-encroachment/
On Fri, Mar 20, 2015 at 8:56 PM, Travel with Intent wrote:
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I’ve never been to Tunisis but would love to visit one day and I think I’d love to see this too!
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Marvelous! I don’t know why, but I always assumed that Tunisia was pretty much flat and such views were the prerogative of more mountainous countries such as Morocco. Glad to be proved wrong… Splendid colours, hope you’ll post more pictures of these villages in the future!
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Great photos, so full of history
Thank you for linking up
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Amazing architecture. I wish I can personally visit this village. It looks so stunning. #mysundayphoto
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interesting photos, never been myself, so much history there.
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Really worth a visit if you ever have the chance!
Sent from my iPhone
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Just the sort of place I’d love to visit. I need to see more away for the big towns in North Africa.
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Stunning photos Debbie of a beautiful place 🙂
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So captivating, I could just sit there and inspect every window.
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Looks a great place to visit with plenty of history there.
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Star Wars eh. Now i know where it was filmed.
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Yours is the most beautiful take on the DP Photo Challenge’s theme. Stunning photos. I had never heard of this place before. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you so much for your very kind words.
This was an amazing trip and a very happy surprise for me too 🙂
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You’re most welcome, Debbie. Thank, you, for having such an amazing way to capture images and stories.
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Great photos and info.
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great photos, very unique and interesting. thanks for putting them here.
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Full of interesting information, Debs. I’d like to go to Tunisia too 🙂
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very nicely done! great shots
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“Where walls look like cliffs” I can’t think of a more original example and response. Recently, I started bugging hubby about going there and now you posted it. I see it as a sign. Thank you Debbie. I appreciate your concise (no-nonsense) text and impeccable captures.
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I was there in 2006 so these are pretty old shots. I really enjoyed the trip. The architecture and scenery are wonderful and the locals are very friendly. I highly recommend it – I went with Explore.
On Sat, Mar 14, 2015 at 10:48 AM, Travel with Intent wrote:
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How’s the food?
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The food was good. Not too spicy unless you want it that way. Lots of veg and couscous. Excellent bread. Harissa usually served as a side so you can add heat to your own taste. And I’m a particular fan of brick, so I was happy!
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