road of 1000 kasbahs is one of the most intriguing experiences imaginable, especially for those interested in learning more about Morocco. Following the program, you will see both famous and lesser-known locations. You will explore beautiful paradises as well as the Berber way of life. Let’s delve further into this adventure.
The term “kasbah” may seem weird and even unclear to some. The Arabic word “kasbah” is described as a “central section of a city” or, more popularly, as a “fortress” based on its origin.
However, this term refers to two distinct forms of architecture. First, there are the kasbahs in the country’s north, such as Rabat’s Kasbah of the Oudayas, Chaouen’s Alcazaba, and Tangier’s Kasbah. They are fortified structures that originally served as a governor’s home, as well as other military and administrative areas.
Second, there are the southern kasbahs, which served as a home for affluent families as well as a gathering spot along trade routes.
Although these two varieties appear to be identical, they are not. The first category is associated with Muslim culture in the North. These are also found in Spanish Muslim background and are referred to as alcazabas. The second kind is associated with Berber culture in the South. Unlike Muslim kasbahs, which were constructed to last as the foundations of future towns, Berber kasbahs were established at strategic sites with no idea of perpetuating or growing. This is visible in the construction materials, particularly adobe, which requires continual upkeep to avoid structural collapse.
Although the name appears to be an exaggeration intended to catch the attention of tourists, it is actually accurate. In Morocco’s southern area, there are over a thousand kasbahs.
The road of 1000 kasbahs are in various levels of preservation, with some in better condition than others. Some are in the lowlands, while others are further up. They might be quite distinct in some ways while still having certain things in common. (A rectangular plan with four defensive towers and single-entry access, as well as numerous higher storeys for various functions, typically the first floor for the food storeroom, the second for the kitchen and employees, and the third for the household)This results in an unlimited number of variants.
The objective of this page is not to list them all, but to provide enough detail to comprehend how they differ from one another. The voyage will take us through a range of natural settings that serve as a precursor to the Sahara.
We recommend starting at Ouarzazate, which is home to Atlas Studios (the biggest in the world) and the Kasbah of Taourirt. This kasbah is one of the oldest extant in the nation and served as the residence of the Glaoui, the family who ruled the region under a feudal system.
The intended route is 2 to 4 days long; fortunately, there are acceptable hotels all along the route. There are also some antique kasbahs accessible for guests seeking a more genuine stay.
This is only a simple attempt to capture Morocco’s finest architectural history in a few brushstrokes. If you’ve been in the region and want to contribute by telling us about something that astonished you, please let us know.
