Aït Ben Haddou is a cluster of traditional buildings located in the province of Ouarzazate, Morocco. Built entirely from clay and surrounded by a fortified wall reinforced with towers, the site is distinguished by its simplicity and durability. With its distinctive architecture, this kasbah represents a model of traditional housing in southern Morocco. Aït Ben Haddou is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Origin of the Name
The name Aït Ben Haddou comes from the local leader Amghar Ben Haddou , who is believed to have lived at the site since the time of the Almoravid dynasty in the 11th century. The kasbah was later named after him. This leader ruled the region and was considered a prominent figure in its early history. The original inhabitants of the kasbah were mainly families belonging to tribes that settled in the area, building the structures according to a traditional architectural style suited to the local environment and climate.
Location
Front view of Aït Ben Haddou
Aït Ben Haddou is located about 30 km from Ouarzazate, in the Ounila Valley , south of Télouet , the stronghold of the Glaoui leader. The valley was historically a traditional caravan crossing point linking Marrakech with the southern Sahara.
Aït Ben Haddou: World Heritage
Aït Ben Haddou was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 .
This classification is due to the fact that Aït Ben Haddou is an authentic example of local architecture in southeastern Morocco, and serves as a living witness to the social life and cultural identity of its inhabitants.
