The morning souk in central Béchar is one of the more interesting markets in southwestern Algeria, drawing traders from the Saoura oases and as far as the Mauritanian border. The stalls run heavy on dates from the surrounding palm groves, dried desert herbs and spices, Saharan textiles and rugs, and the leatherwork — saddles, bags, sandals — that has long been a speciality of the region.
The market is busiest in the cool hours of the morning, slowing through the afternoon as the heat takes hold. Photography requires the usual desert-Algeria courtesy of asking first; a few stall-holders are happy, others firmly not.