The Slave Quarter 1

The slave quarter, entirely build a few hundred meters from the Mos Espa set, is directly inspired by a Tunisian "ksar". The natural function of the ksar, a fortified Berber attic, is to act as a storage place for corn provisions during the wintertime. Inside the slave quarter set, the resemblance to its insiration is very noticeable: the same aspect, same color and the irregularity of materials has been fully reproduced.

The original 'Ksar' is located 300 kilometers away from the replica set, in the neighborhood of Tataouine, whose name inspired George Lucas in all likelihood. The ksar was chosen instead of dozens of similar buildings probably due to its size and conservation. Adorned with all the usual futuristic tools (metal pieces, futuristic doors, moistures vaporator, etc.) and repainted, it has also been used for the interior slave quarters scenes.

That Ksar, beyond any historical interest, is now a hotel. If you stay there, you will find some hints of the prequels shooting: some Tatooine style doors are merely examples. Also do not be surprised to discover some recycled props, used as construction material in the surrounding habitations.

Original "Slave Quarter" in the town of Tataouine / South Tunisia (winter 98)

Replica set in Chott el Garsa Desert (winter 1998)

The only picture of the slave quarters during the shooting in August 1997 shows a modified jet engine in front of the building. It is probably the 'real' part of a spaceship or similar machine, the rest being added by computer. And the sort of tube in the foreground at the right, would be the ankle of some mechanical bi or quadruped.

A few dozen of meters away from the set is where the duel between Quin-jon, Jedi hero, and Darth Maul, kind of Palpatin emperor, was shot. That scene was mentionned in an article in the French magazine "Première" (September 1997). The lunar aspect of the site given by the sand domes is due to the constant wind strikes against the damp Chott el Gharsa ground.

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