Kasbah in Morocco

The Kasbah of Tangier, a fortified citadel built soon after Morocco reclaimed the city from English occupation in 1684, holds significant historical and architectural importance. Under the patronage of Sultan Moulay Ismail, its reconstruction was overseen by Governor Ali ibn Abdallah Errifi, necessitating a complete rebuilding of its defenses. The kasbah housed the Kasbah Palace, including residences, a treasury, courtrooms, prisons, stables, and a mosque. The mosque, initially constructed by Ali Errifi, was expanded over the years with additions such as a minaret and ornate entrance by his grandson Ahmed. Renovations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries preserved and altered its original features, with recent restoration efforts aiming to uncover its original decorative elements, completed around 2015. For more detailed information on kasbah in Tangier, further reading is recommended.

The Kasbah, originally founded in the 17th century, began as a fortified village, or ksar, strategically positioned at the entrance to the Skoura palmeraie along the river. In the late 19th century, M’hamed Ben Brahim Nasiri, chosen by Madani El Glaoui to educate his sons, received a tighremt (fortified mansion) in compensation, built by El Glaoui’s craftsmen within the ksar. Today, the Kasbah in Morocco, prominently occupying the southern part of the complex, contrasts with the ruined northern ksar. It gained cinematic fame in “Lawrence of Arabia” and remains under the ownership and maintenance of the Nasiri family, serving partly as a museum showcasing traditional local artifacts and architecture. Built from rammed earth or mudbrick, the kasbah features square corner towers adorned with geometric designs typical of Berber oasis architecture. The main house, a late 19th-century addition, stands as the focal point with four corner towers (later expanded to five) and various courtyards. The central courtyard, known as wust ad-dar, spans multiple levels: covered on lower floors for storage and kitchens, open on upper levels for living spaces adorned with ochre and white paint, with access to the rooftop terrace offering panoramic views and featuring a sundial. For more detailed information on kasbah Amridil, further reading is recommended.

Aït Benhaddou, a historic ighrem or ksar in Morocco, exemplifies traditional Moroccan earthen clay architecture along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Dating back to the 11th century during the Almoravid period, though most current structures are from the 17th century, it served a crucial role on the trans-Saharan trade route. Today, the ksar is sparsely inhabited, with residents primarily living in a modern village across the river, sustaining themselves through agriculture and tourism. The site, damaged by a 2023 earthquake, includes defensive walls, corner towers, a mosque, a caravanserai, multiple kasbahs, and a granary. Built from rammed earth, adobe, clay bricks, and wood, its preservation is supported by UNESCO and local efforts, maintaining its authenticity and cultural significance. For more detailed information on kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, further reading is recommended.

Telouet Kasbah, also known as the Palace of Glaoui, stands along the ancient caravan route linking the Sahara with Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains. Initially constructed in 1860 by Mohammed Ibiyet, head of the Glaoui clan, the kasbah grew in prominence due to its strategic location near major salt mines and caravan passages. Over the years, it expanded significantly with contributions from craftsmen across Morocco, incorporating classical Andalusi-Moroccan and local Amazigh (Berber) architectural styles. During the French colonial era, Thami El Glaoui, successor to Madani El Glaoui, aligned with the French regime and rose to prominence as the Pasha of Marrakesh. However, his collaboration eventually led to the family’s decline after Morocco gained independence in 1956. The kasbah fell into disrepair and was confiscated by the Moroccan government, now managed by the local village council. Despite ongoing damage, efforts to restore parts of the palace, including ornate reception rooms, began in 2010, aiming to preserve its historical and cultural significance amidst natural challenges like the 2023 earthquake. For more detailed information on kasbah of Telouet, further reading is recommended.

The Kasbah of the Udayas, also known as Qasbat al-Awdāya, is a historic citadel in Rabat, Morocco, situated strategically at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river opposite Salé and adjacent to Rabat’s Medina quarter. Initially established in the 10th century as a ribat (fortified outpost), it was rebuilt and expanded over the centuries, notably by the Almohad caliph Abd al-Mu’min in 1150, who transformed it into a fortified citadel with a palace and mosque. The kasbah saw various developments under subsequent rulers, including the construction of significant landmarks like Bab Oudaia, an ornate gate built by Ya’qub al-Mansur in the late 12th century. During the 17th century, it became a refuge for Moriscos expelled from Spain, who established the Republic of Salé, a base for corsairs operating in the region. The kasbah includes the Old Mosque, dating back to Abd al-Mu’min’s era, and a pavilion built by Moulay Ismail in the 17th century, now housing the Oudayas Museum. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the kasbah remains a cultural and historical icon, showcasing centuries of Moroccan architectural and cultural heritage. For more detailed information on kasbah of the Udayas, further reading is recommended.