In pictures: Algerian tourism

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  A street scene in the old town of Beni Isguen on April 24, 2013. Most married women in the traditional Mozabite town wear a full white covering that leaves only one eye exposed. Tourists who come to admire the traditional oasis villages around Ghardaia are usually a significant source of income for the area, but security concerns have led to a drop in visitor numbers this year. Photo: Lindsay Mackenzie for The National.

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  Colourful facades face the main square in the old town of Beni Isguen. Lindsay Mackenzie for The National.

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  A group of retired Mozabite professors sit together in the main square of the old town of Beni Isguen. Lindsay Mackenzie for The National.

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  Algerian tourists admire the view from atop a mud minaret in the old town of Beni Isguen. Lindsay Mackenzie for The National.

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  Merchants at the market of Ghardia prepare to open their stalls in the morning. Lindsay Mackenzie for The National.

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  A view of the oasis town of Ghardaia. Lindsay Mackenzie for The National.

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  Palm trees dot the landscape in Beni Isguen. Lindsay Mackenzie for The National.

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  Farida Babaamer-Hadj Aissa, owner of the Tiny Tours travel agency in Ghardaia. Security concerns have led to a significant drop in visitor numbers this year. Lindsay Mackenzie for The National.

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  The courtyard of the Maison Traditionelle Akham, a popular hotel on the edge of Ghardaia, at dusk. Lindsay Mackenzie for The National.

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  Guests and visitors at the Maison Traditionelle Akham, a popular hotel on the edge of Ghardaia, watch local musicians perform. Lindsay Mackenzie for The National.

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  Sophian Tamar, (right), the son of a French-Algerian tourist couple, takes a photograph during a music performance at the Maison Traditionelle Akham in Guardaia. Lindsay Mackenzie for The National.