DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. The desert town of Ghadames is situated in the three country triangle of Libya, Tunisia and Algeria and is tantamount to being an historical oasis that lies within the Libyan desert. The Islamic Cemetery just outside the city gates is an impressive sight and a reminder that the town was once an important centre of the region's caravan trading routes. A seven kilometre long wall surrounds the town that is entered via seven gates. In the corridors and gateways of the local architecture that consists of mud and gypsum, are protective signs in Kufi calligraphy. Saharan art is a mixture of Arab-Islamic, Berber and Byzantine influences. In 1986, the fascinating oasis town, with its long history and age-old traditions was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Although the drawings and paintings on the walls will eventually suffer due to the gradual decay of the mud buildings, Ghadames' cultural legacy will hopefully remain in tact.
