Isandalen

(singular Asandal)

   Members of the second wave of Tuareg groups to settle in Niger's Aïr in the 11th century. Originally from the Gulf of Sidra oasis of Augila, they were forced southward by the pressure of the Arab Bani Hilal and other competing groups in Tripolitania and Fezzan. They founded Aïr's old city Assodé. Later, they joined forces with the Tuareg Itesen and established the sultanate of Agadez in the 15th century. The Isandalen have since vanished, but a few Tuareg Itesen live in the Madaoua region.