Troglodyte Settlements (Matmata)

are underground dwellings dug out, and lived in, by man.Originally the term 'troglodyte' comes from Greek,meaning cave dweller. The troglodytes are a type of dwellings that are found in a group of desert villages spread around North Africa, with Matmata and Bulla Regia, both Tunisia, as the principal examples.

 

Troglodytes are made as caves dug vertically into the ground. In order to make this possible, there is a need for a porous ground. While the main motivation to build underground houses, instead of normal over-ground houses, is the warm climate in summer where normal ventilation and isolation does not manage to keep the heat out. And even in winter, the troglodytes prove valuable, as they isolate against the freezing winter nights of the desert. To some extent these dwellings have also served as protection against robbers & invading enemies.

 

Troglodytes are believed to be a relatively recent invention in Saharan architecture, dating not more than 7- 800 years back in time. While the structures proved to be a success, their dissemination have only been limited, probably because normal houses are easier to build, and because there are only a limited number of days where such houses do not protect against heat/cold.Today most of these troglodyte villages are facing changing attitudes from the village dwellers, and more and more are leaving the troglodytes for modern houses which sometimes have air conditioning and always heating.

Thanks for viewing & feedback. For more info on Troglodyte dwellings,

welcome to click on image.

Thanks for the informative explanation and the great photo,

Jim

Not an easy image to shoot well, Cherlyn. Could easily be flat and boring, but not in your hands. Particularly like the lighting.

Very interesting introduction to this image, Cherlyn. It's a maze of buildings and walls. Really good.

Especially the light is beautifull in this image, rendering weel the structure in all those houses

Wonderful image with a beautiful light.

Love the exquisite comp., perfect light & contrast, nice colors & perspective, Cherlyn, another great piece!!! Best regards

Well composed and excellent light. Regards.

Wonderful cityscape and of very amazing exposure and composition here , very great details and with very original colors

 

All of the best my friend

Beautiful work with very nice lighting, Cherlyn! Best regards, Ruud.

Excellent document! Best regards, Catalin

Perfect composition, very beautiful.

Very nice cloudy photograph, Cherlyn. I like the forms, colors, textures and light. Good shot! Regards!

Very interesting contrast between white and stone walls, and between the darken sky and the lightened buildings.

Well-composed image with interesting information,Cherlyn.

Nice white houses among the brown surrounding Cherlyn.

Lovely light and the DOF. Great shot.

Curious anecdote and nice postcard. Regards.

Perfect colors and composition, Cherlyn, very good.

 

Regards.

 

Alberto

The dark sky blends in well with the light colored dwelling. Must be an interesting place to visit Cherlyn

Thanks for the above mention. Very well informed. One thing for such is that they do not block their neighbors view. Good composition and exposure.

Very nice composition and light Cherlyn. Bravo.

great composition and colors Cherlyn !

Good composition , colors and lights .Congratulations .