The Rock Round Palace, a unique feature of Ksar Drâa in Algeria, is not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of the diverse communities that once lived in this desert oasis. Built from locally sourced materials like adobe and stone, the palace reflects the traditional vernacular architecture of the region, blending harmoniously with the harsh Saharan landscape.
For much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the ksar, including the Rock Round Palace, was home to a significant Jewish community.
Jews, alongside Berber and Arab families, lived in this fortified village, contributing to local trade and crafts. The Jewish presence in the ksar was an important part of the region’s cultural and social life.
However, after Algeria’s independence from France in 1962, the situation for Jews in the country changed dramatically. The new government, led by the FLN (National Liberation Front), sought to build a unified national identity, often at the expense of minority groups, including Jews.
The Jewish community, seen as linked to the French colonial period, became targets of violence and hostility. Attacks on Jewish homes and businesses, threats, and the desecration of synagogues and cemeteries forced many to flee to other countries.
This violent shift in the social and political landscape pushed many Jews to emigrate.
A significant number of Algerian Jews moved to France, where there was already a large Algerian Jewish community, while others moved to Israel, joining the broader migration of North African Jews who faced persecution in their homes.
The persecution, combined with the fear of further violence, led to the gradual abandonment of Ksar Drâa and other similar ksars.
Today, the Rock Round Palace stands as a historical site, a reminder of the diverse cultural heritage that once thrived in the region. Videos circulating on Youtube suggest that anyone off the street can wander inside and around the citadel suggesting it’s not being protected well for future generations.
The remnants of Jewish life, visible in old houses and synagogues, add to the richness of its story and highlight the multicultural history of Ksar Drâa. Let’s hope that one day people of all religions will find safety in any place they call home.
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