Guardians of the Past
The Anti Atlas Mountains in Southwest Morocco, stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Tafilalt, exhibit a unique landscape of rugged mountains and arid plateaux. Traditionally, the Anti Atlas was a conflict zone, facing threats from Berber tribes and Sahara nomads. Despite settling down in the early 20th century, the region remains rich in cultural heritage.
The Anti Atlas’s uncertain harvests and historical conflicts shaped a distinctive collective architecture—the igoudar, or collective granaries. Built by Berbers for safeguarding crops and valuables, igoudar have a rich history dating back to nomadic times. The structures hold sacral significance, deemed untouchable and sanctified by marabouts, embodying values of justice and protection.
The igoudar served multiple roles—economic, religious, and political hubs within communities. Each granary had its own metric system, administered justice, stored legal acts, and hosted village councils.
Despite the decline of external threats, the igoudar remained central to community life.
In different regions of the Anti Atlas, various types of igoudar emerge. In the northwestern area, often built by tribes, they resemble fortresses with high walls and watchtowers. Central Anti Atlas igoudar, associated with semi-nomadic populations, feature courtyards for herding. In the south, near the Sahara, igoudar perch on rock cliffs due to nomadic raids.
My travels through the Anti Atlas have led me to around sixty igoudar, witnessing both their historical significance and their gradual disintegration. Lack of resources and changing lifestyles contribute to the decay. While some igoudar, like Id Aissa and Tasguint, are well-maintained tourist attractions, 95% face neglect.
