Built within Ksar Loudaghir, this minaret is built from local stone which gives it an authentic and majestic appearance. Its simple but robust architecture makes it one of the most remarkable historical and architectural monuments in the Oriental region, symbolizing the cultural identity and architectural heritage of the province, and highlighting the human capacity to adapt and innovate in its environment.
This monument, approximately 19 meters high, is composed of a solid square base that gradually transforms into an octagonal shape as it rises, forming an imposing tower visible from afar with a unique architectural design which highlights the beauty of Islamic architecture.
The sides of the minaret, which dates back to the 5th century AH (11th century), are decorated with simple patterns and geometric decorations harmonized with the local architectural style, while small openings allow a balanced distribution of light and air. air, providing those who enter it with a feeling of calm and serenity.
The minaret has deep religious and spiritual symbolism for the Figuiguis. It is closely linked to their daily lives, a place of prayer and celebration of religious events, playing a key role in preserving the teachings of Islam, making it an integral part of the collective memory of the inhabitants of Figuig who greatly appreciate its cultural and religious value.
In addition to the spiritual side, the minaret also served as a watchtower to protect the city from invaders, making it a living witness to the history of the region and a monument embodying the spirit and evolution of Islamic civilization.
According to Taïeb El Jabri, member of the Figuig Association for the Heritage and Culture of the Oases, the octagonal stony minaret is one of the oldest historical monuments in the province of Figuig since its construction dates back to the year 542 A.D. ‘Hegira.
He explained that this architectural gem was built in two phases, the first of which continued until 613 AH, where it was built in a square shape reaching a height of 5 meters, and the second, 70 years later, when the Loudaghir chorfas ordered its completion to reach a height of 19 meters in a semi-circular form, noting that this minaret is different from other minarets in the Kingdom, because it is entirely built of stones, clay and lime.
Mr. El Jabri also underlined that Figuig is distinguished by a variety of architecture, including those of mosques, zaouïas, mausoleums, underground hammams, in addition to the military architecture visible in the towers and ramparts protecting the ksours. .
Most of the buildings in Figuig, he explained, were built with a specific clay that is only found in this region, in addition to stones and lime. Oleander branches and date palm wood were also used to construct roofs and windows.
He added that Figuig is distinguished by its alleys, some of which are through, others not, some are uncovered while others are covered, and each alley has a specific role, as do the houses, which can have up to on three floors, having independent rooms with doors reserved for welcoming guests, and others intended for storage.
The region is also characterized by its hydraulic architecture, with around 36 water sources and several underground hammams, the most important of which are Titt N’Hafsa at Ksar Loudaghir, built during the time of the Marinid dynasty in the 7th century AD. Hegira, and the Fougani hammam (Tajemmalt), one of the oldest hammams, he continued.
These hydraulic installations have a particular role, being located near mosques for washing and performing ablutions. They also served as public wash houses for women who wanted to wash clothes. he said, also noting that traditionally, the bride and groom bathed in these hammams before their wedding to ask for blessings, a custom which still persists in certain ksour.
He also insisted on the need to preserve the heritage of the region, because many monuments are in the process of cracking, specifying in this context that the mosque of the Tahtani hammam, one of the oldest mosques in the region, old more than 9 centuries old and possessing traditional Islamic architecture of great importance, is threatened with ruin.
For his part, Azedine Ben Abdelhaq, a resident of Ksar Loudaghir, affirmed that the inhabitants have spared no effort to provide the mosque with the necessary means and to satisfy the needs of its annexes.
The stony minaret of Figuig, through its beauty and its human depth, its spiritual values and its symbolism, remains a witness to the historical and civilizational richness of the region, and a precious heritage to be preserved in order to provide the opportunity for researchers and visitors to discover the jewels of the Kingdom’s history and its authentic architecture.
