The New International Encyclopædia/Air, or Asben

AIR, ä-ēr′, or Asben. A hilly region in the southern part of Sahara, situated between 17° and 20° northern latitude and 7° and 10° eastern longitude. It is regarded as one of the best populated centres of Sahara, but has been very little explored as yet. The valleys are supposed to be fertile and the climate temperate. There are no permanent rivers, but the numerous ravines fill with water during the rainy season, and it often happens that a large valley is converted into a river in a very short time. The country is ruled by a native Sultan, and the population, estimated at about 100,000, consists chiefly of Tuaregs. Capital, Agades (q.v.).