Tuesday, October 20, 2015


Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou


The ksar, a group of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls, is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat. The houses crowd together within the defensive walls, which are reinforced by corner towers. Ait-Ben-Haddou, in Ouarzazate province, is a striking example of the architecture of southern Morocco.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/444


The Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou is a communal housing compound, typical of a type of construction that is traditional to the Maghreb. The buildings lie in a strategic position against a mountain. They have angle towers and are surrounded by steep defensive walls.

The Ksar consists of larger and smaller private houses, but also communal areas like a market place and a mosque. All are made from moulded earth and clay brick. The walls and towers are often ornamented with decorative motifs. 

The age of the site is unknown. The town has been protected by the Moroccan authorities since 1953. 

http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/aitbenhaddou.html

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