The Ksar of Aït Benhaddou is a historic fortified village, also known as ighrem, located in the Quarzazate province of Morocco. The ksar is along the former caravan route between Sahara and Marrakesh. It greatly exemplifies Moroccan earthen clay architecture and is one of the most famous mud brick buildings around the world. The village has been on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1987.
Located on the slopes of the Atlas Mountains, the site of Aït Benhaddou was fortified in the 11th century during the Almoravid period.
Although none of the current buildings are believed to date back before the 17th century, their construction techniques are similar to the traditional methods that were used for centuries in the area. The site protected its authenticity by continuing to use traditional materials like clay, adobe, and mud rather than concrete.
The high defensive walls of the Ksar are another hallmark of the traditional architecture of the region.
The ksar was strategically important due to its location in the Ounila Valley, one of the main trans-Saharan trade routes. However, today, the village has a couple of Berber families living in it. Although it mostly consists of dwellings there are also small cafes, shops, and museums. The decrease in the population resulted from the valley’s loss of strategic importance in the 20th century.
Aït Benhaddou is a tourist attraction center for the province since many famous films and shows were shot there like The Mummy, Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones.
