Archaeological ksour, kasbahs, and stores of Touat: Between determining the function and standardizing the terminology in the Saharan domain.

Abstract

This research provides a comprehensive study of the ksour, kasbahs, and granaries in the Touat region, which is notable for its rich array of landmarks characterized by diverse forms, historical origins, military fortifications, and architectural styles. Although numerous studies have been conducted on the Touat area, they remain limited in scope, focusing either on specific architectural types or on particular zones within the region. Therefore, this research aims to clarify the concepts associated with ksour, kasbahs, and granaries, defining their functions within the archaeological and Saharan context. This study offers a detailed analysis of each type of structure, highlighting their roles in the social and economic lives of the region’s inhabitants. Furthermore, it explores the architectural styles unique to each type and underscores their historical and cultural importance. Through this work, we seek to raise awareness of the value of these architectural structures and encourage greater efforts to preserve them.