In the south-east of the Kingdom as in several regions of the country, the Kasbahs stand out like open books plunging the visitor into a fascinating universe combining historical facts, kaleidoscopic traditions and magical oasis landscapes.
In front of these ancient fortified castles with their grandiose ramparts, one can only let oneself be carried away by the magnificence of these fortresses which bear witness to the creative genius of the Moroccans throughout history and the splendor of their architectural inventions which defy the vagaries of the time and nature.
One of these beautiful fortified structures that furnish the Moroccan Deep South is the Kasbah of Amridil. An architectural masterpiece with high corner towers adorned at the upper part with decorative motifs inviting those who take the route of the Thousand Kasbahs between Errachidia, Ouarzazate and Zagora to make a highly recommended stopover.
Built in the 17th century by Mhamed Naciri Sekkouri, son of Ahmed Bennacer, the founder of the Zaouia Naciria of Tamgroute, Amridil, due to its strategic position overlooking the Sekoura oasis and the El Hejjaj wadi which winds through it, is part unmissable part of the Drâa-Tafilalet tourist circuit.
Like a pearl in its setting, the Kasbah of Amridil has been able to preserve its appearance intact thanks to the efforts of its inhabitants, who took great care of this marvel, but also thanks to the various restoration works financed by the supervisory ministry.
The beauty of Amridil was such that Bank Al-Maghrib issued a 50 dirham note in 1987 on which the Kasbah appeared, thus giving more national and international influence to this fortress and contributing to the promotion of the historical, spiritual and architecture of this citadel.
“It’s impressive. The Kasbah is so beautiful,” Luis Suarez, a Puerto Rican tourist, who came to Morocco with his wife Rosa Martinez as part of an organized trip, told MAP.
This professor of structural engineering indicates that he followed with the greatest attention the explanations provided by the tourist guides on the ecological methods and techniques of construction of this historic building, noting that “every corner, every room is unique here”.
In Amridil, guided tours are offered to tourists offering an overview of the history of the kasbah and showcasing various traditional utensils, objects and tools used by locals in their daily lives.
Although it has several courtyards and features, the Kasbah’s most imposing structure is the main house, a square building with four corner towers. A garden has been added to the southern part of the kasbah, although this is a design element imported from Marrakech during recent restorations.
“The beauty of Amridil has remarkably attracted global producers who have opted for this fortress as a filming location for major global blockbusters,” explains tourist guide, Hamid Bousshib.
Cult films like Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator I, as well as national productions including Ard Jmoue, Hdidane and Enigma Tahadi have set their sights on Amridil to shoot several sequences there, he said.
The one whose fame has transcended borders, each year welcomes large flows of tourists in search of a place where the scents of Amazigh history and traditions and the beauty of natural reliefs and oasis settings intertwine.
By Driss HACHIMI (MAP)
