Oasian cities: A tourist heritage threatened by the invasion of urban expansion, case of the Oasis of Boussaada, Algeria

Abstract

The Oasis of Boussaâda is a natural, architectural and cultural heritage, which made it a destination for investors in the field of tourism. Since the 1980s, there has been a random expansion of uncontrolled structures within palm groves, which have become threatened with extinction, because of the lack of urban space and the increasing demographic growth. In this context, the present study dealt with the discussion and analysis of the impact of urban expansion on Boussaâda Oasis, which received large numbers of immigrants from most of the country during the period 1987-1998. These factors have resulted in increasing population growth and rapid urban expansion; but most of the time, this expansion was irrational and not subject to urban legal constraints because of the weak mechanisms for applying laws and influence of government planning and policy which has had impacts on the oasis. Within this perspective, the research aims to follow the stages of urban expansion of the oasis of Boussaâda, showing the expansion reasons and the consequences on the expense of the Oasis.