Tassili n'Ajjer facts for kids
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
.jpg)
Landsat image of Tassili n'Ajjer
|
|
| Location | Algeria |
| Includes | Tassili National Park, La Vallée d'Iherir Ramsar Wetland |
| Criteria | Cultural and Natural: (i), (iii), (vii), (viii) |
| Inscription | 1982 (6th Session) |
| Area | 7,200,000 ha (28,000 sq mi) |
|
IUCN Category II (National Park)
|
|
| Location | Tamanrasset Province, Algeria |
| Established | 1972 |
| Official name: La Vallée d'Iherir | |
| Designated: | 2 February 2001 |
| Reference #: | 1057 |
Tassili n'Ajjer is a huge mountain range in the Sahara Desert, located in Algeria. Its name means "Plateau of the Rivers." This amazing place covers about 72,000 square kilometers (27,800 square miles). Most of the mountains here are made of sandstone.
Tassili n'Ajjer is very famous for its incredible ancient rock art. These artworks show herds of cattle, big wild animals like crocodiles, and scenes of people hunting and dancing. The closest town to this area is Djanet, which is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) southwest.
Contents
What is Tassili n'Ajjer?
Tassili n'Ajjer is a large mountain area found in the Algerian part of the Sahara Desert. It's not just mountains; it's also a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it's a very special place that is protected because of its unique nature and history.
The landscape here is mostly made of sandstone. Over many years, wind and water have shaped the rocks into amazing formations. Some look like tall pillars, while others look like strange mushrooms.
Amazing Rock Art
One of the most exciting things about Tassili n'Ajjer is its ancient rock art. There are thousands of drawings and paintings on the rock walls and in caves. These artworks were made by people who lived here thousands of years ago.
The art shows what life was like back then. You can see pictures of:
- Large groups of cattle, which means the area was once much greener.
- Wild animals like giraffes, rhinos, and even crocodiles, showing a very different environment than today's desert.
- People hunting, dancing, and doing other daily activities.
These paintings are like a window into the past. They tell us stories about how people lived, what animals were around, and how the climate changed over thousands of years.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tassili n'Ajjer was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. This is a special title given to places that are important to all of humanity. It's recognized for its:
- Natural beauty: The unique rock formations and desert landscapes are stunning.
- Geological importance: The area helps us understand Earth's history.
- Cultural value: The prehistoric rock art is incredibly important for understanding human history.
The site also includes a protected wetland called La Vallée d'Iherir. This area is important for birds and other wildlife.
Images for kids
-
Anonymous reproduction of the Tassili mushroom figure Matalem-Amazar found in Tassili.
-
An ostrich
-
Sleeping antelope - also found on the reverse of the 1000 Algerian dinar banknote
-
Bubalus antiquus
-
Footprints
-
Human beings
See also
In Spanish: Tassili n'Ajjer para niños
