16 Preserving the Old “Ksar” of Bou Saada - Algeria Diafat, A; Dr. Madani, S. Laboratoire PUViT, Université Sétif 1, Sétif, Algeria Abstract: This study aims to highlight the built and cultural heritage of the old Ksar in Bou Saada while looking for developing its economic potential. It also intends to contribute to the promotion of cultural tourism activities and improve the quality of life for the local community. Historically dating back to the medieval period, the “Nakhla Mosque” is the initial core and a main landmark in the city. Four factors were determinant in the foundation of this holy city: water, security, agriculture and religious spirit. Today, it is crumbling under the rapid urban growth and the weight of a rampant demography; more than eighty thousand inhabitant. A historical and morphological analysis is used to understand the physical and cultural aspects generating the local environment, as well as the facts behind the sustainable urban development of this secular Saharan town. The expected results lead to identify appropriate regeneration strategies. Keywords: Built Heritage, Cultural Heritage, Economic Development, Sustainability, Strategic Planning, Bou Saada. Introduction Historic urban centers are special places not only due to their cultural heritage, but also due to their urban pattern. These old urban fabrics are suffering from squalor. For a long time, this heritage is crumbling under the weight of poverty and absence of rehabilitation works necessary for their maintenance and improvement. These historic centers are losing their traditional character as relevant measures are not taken. There is a need to preserve the heritage of Ksours in the South of Algeria. (see Figure 1) The Ksar is a human settlement, peculiar to the populations in the Saharan environment. It is also a traditional urban form in the walled cities of this region. Regarding its construction rules, the Ksar in relationship with the palm grove is the most adequate built form for the local climate. The layout follows an organic principle implying various scales of environmental appropriation: building scale (private houses and public amenities), social or familial scale (cluster of houses surrounding the dead end), urban unity scale (buildings along an axis – Zkak - or around a square – Rahba - a separate unit for the group), city or Ksar scale (regarding their structure and hierarchy, the articulated entities lead to the emergence of a center that can be identified and recognized by the community). ISBN: 978-84-697-1815-5 323