• Salah Abdullah Al-attar - Editor-in-Chief

  • ع

Matmata, Tunisia... A village beneath the earth telling the story of humanity's resistance to the harsh climate..

In southeastern Tunisia, where hills and time-carved rocks stretch endlessly, the underground village of Matmata lies hidden—one of the most magical villages in the world, thanks to its uniquely designed homes. These dwellings stand as a living testament to human ingenuity in adapting to a harsh climate.

Deep in a valley surrounded by sandstone hills, carefully carved cave houses emerge, appearing as a natural extension of the rock formations. These subterranean homes, cool in summer and warm in winter, shelter their inhabitants from sandstorms.

Dating back over 2,000 years, Matmata is a prime example of traditional Berber architecture, built from clay bricks and caves dug into sandstone. It has since become a remarkable tourist destination, especially after serving as a filming location for Star Wars in 1970.