And if there is one historical site not to be missed when visiting this concentration of history and culture, it is the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. An architectural jewel that continues to defy the vagaries of time and nature to spread its charm to the delight of visitors from around the world.
With its red adobe walls, its atypical architecture and its grandiose ramparts which dominate the Ounila valley, the Ksar, located 30 km from Ouarzazate, serves not only as a home for its inhabitants, but also as a source of inspiration. for architects, painters, filmmakers and ordinary visitors.
These masterpieces of the 7th art have remarkably contributed to the international influence of the site which has served as a backdrop for cult films. A promotion that has made the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou a favorite destination for movie buffs from around the world.
“It’s so beautiful, we didn’t hesitate to make the trip to come and appreciate this jewel. There’s nothing like it,” Truman, a Canadian tourist who came with his little family to admire the site.
Listed as a UNESCO universal heritage site since 1987, the site, which dates back at least to the 17th century, runs along the caravan route which once linked Morocco to sub-Saharan Africa and which allowed trade in textiles, gold, dates, salt, spices…
The Ksar includes community spaces including a mosque, a public square, cereal threshing areas outside the ramparts, a fortification and a collective granary (agadir) at the top of the village, a caravanserai (foundouk), two cemeteries ( Muslim and Jewish) and a sanctuary of Sidi Ali or Amer.
This marvel which has managed to preserve its authenticity intact in particular in terms of construction techniques, shapes and materials stands majestically forming an aggregate made of small houses but also castles with their high corner towers decorated with raw brick patterns.
It is in this sense that in March 2021, a partnership agreement was signed aimed, among other things, at the creation of a space for tourist activities and museum exhibitions in the village of Ait Ben Haddou, in addition to the tourist development of areas overlooking the Ksar.
“The village of Ait Ben Haddou welcomes each year more than 520,000 tourists from all sides to admire the beauty of the architecture and the richness of history,” said Mohamed Laghdaf Cheikh Maoulainine, delegate of the tourism of Ouarzazate-Zagora-Tinghir.
This site with a tourist and socio-cultural vocation enjoys particular attention from all stakeholders, he noted, adding that the territorial marketing of the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou contributes remarkably to the promotion of attractiveness tourism in the province of Ouarzazate in particular and the Kingdom in general.
And with a view to giving more influence to the region, the Ksar regularly hosts cultural and artistic activities. Very recently the locality vibrated to the rhythm of the 2nd edition of the Izouran Festival, a cultural and artistic event aimed at the preservation of Amazigh oral heritage and the exploration of Amazigh culture and the different aspects of intangible heritage in the enchanting setting of oases and kasbahs of the historic site of Ait Ben Haddou.
The festival saw the participation of an audience of academicians, writers and storytellers from Morocco, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, the Republic of Congo and Senegal.
Every day, the Ksar of Ait ben Haddou wakes up at the first light of day, more beautiful and more imposing. If the Ksar was for a long time the crossroads for caravans using the trans-Saharan trade route, today it continues to fulfill the same function in another aspect. That of caravans of tourists coming from the four corners of the world to appreciate the beauty, charm and authenticity of a most fabulous site.
How has the tourism industry affected the local community and preservation efforts in Ait Ben Haddou?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert in Ait Ben Haddou
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Layla Kassem, an expert in Moroccan cultural heritage and architecture. Dr. Kassem, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Kassem: Thank you for having me. It’s a delight to discuss such a fascinating and historic site as Ait Ben Haddou.
Editor: Ait Ben Haddou is described as an architectural jewel. What makes it so special in terms of its design and cultural significance?
Dr. Kassem: Ait Ben Haddou is special for many reasons. Its red adobe walls and unique kasbah architecture are stunning, reflecting the ingenuity of the Berber people who built it. Furthermore, it’s not just a structure; it’s a living community that has retained its authenticity through the centuries. The site represents a historical convergence of trade routes that has shaped not only local architecture but also cultural exchanges between Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa.
Editor: The site has been a backdrop for many iconic films. How has this artistic representation contributed to its fame?
Dr. Kassem: Absolutely! Films such as Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and The Mummy have showcased Ait Ben Haddou’s extraordinary beauty to a global audience. This exposure has turned it into a pilgrimage site for movie buffs and reinforces its status as a cultural landmark. Many visitors come because they have seen it on screen, but leave with a much deeper appreciation of its heritage.
Editor: With over 520,000 tourists visiting each year, how does this influx of visitors impact the local community and the preservation of the site?
Dr. Kassem: The economic benefits cannot be overstated; tourism provides crucial income for local families and fosters the preservation of traditional crafts and skills. However, it also poses challenges. Managing the balance between attracting tourists and preserving the site’s integrity is critical. Initiatives, such as the partnership agreement signed in March 2021, aim to enhance tourist facilities while also ensuring that heritage conservation remains a priority.
Editor: Can you tell us about some of the specific features or communal spaces within the Ksar that reflect its historical importance?
Dr. Kassem: Certainly! The Ksar encompasses essential communal areas, including a mosque, a public square, and various communal granaries. These spaces are not only functional but serve as symbols of the social structure and daily life of its inhabitants through history. The inclusion of both Muslim and Jewish cemeteries points to the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the area, making it a microcosm of Moroccan history.
Editor: Ait Ben Haddou was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. What does this designation entail for its protection and future?
Dr. Kassem: UNESCO status is incredibly important as it brings international attention and resources toward conservation efforts. It encourages sustainable tourism practices, helps funds restoration projects, and raises awareness about the site’s historical significance. The hope is that this protection will ensure that Ait Ben Haddou remains a beautiful, vibrant, and living heritage site for generations to come.
Editor: Lastly, what advice would you give to potential visitors who want to experience Ait Ben Haddou beyond its beauty?
Dr. Kassem: I would encourage visitors to engage with the locals and learn about their traditions and way of life. Spend time in conversations with artisans and families that call Ait Ben Haddou home. Participate in local events, and if time allows, explore the surrounding landscapes. The experience is enriched when one appreciates not just the aesthetics but also the community’s stories and struggles, which have shaped this UNESCO site.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kassem, for sharing your insights on Ait Ben Haddou. It truly sounds like a site that combines breathtaking architecture with rich history and culture.
Dr. Kassem: It’s been a pleasure. I hope many more people visit and appreciate this extraordinary place!
Editor: Thank you for tuning in to Time.news. Until next time, keep exploring the wonders of our world!