In pictures: Algerian tourism

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.