Zagora history

Foundation and Historical Roots

The history of Zagora is inextricably linked to the mountain of the same name, Jebel Zagora, which towers over the settlement. Although the modern city only took shape as an administrative centre in the 20th century, this area has been inhabited since ancient times. The first significant mentions date back to the 11th century, when the Almoravid dynasty built a fortress on the mountain peak to control the region. Furthermore, the Drâa River valley, where the city is located, is considered the historical cradle of the Saadi dynasty, which ruled Morocco in the 16th–17th centuries.

Key Factors of Development

Zagora's evolution from a small oasis into an important regional hub was driven by several factors:

• Geography: Its location in the Drâa River valley provided access to water, allowing for the creation of a vast oasis amidst the rocky desert.
• Trade: The city became a key stop on the legendary Trans-Saharan caravan route. The famous sign "Timbuktu — 52 days" serves as a reminder of the times when caravans carrying gold, salt, and spices passed through Zagora.
• Strategic Role: Zagora served as a "gateway to the desert," connecting the southern regions of the Sahara with the major imperial cities of the north, such as Marrakech.

Early Culture and Economy

The economic foundation of the early settlement was based on oasis agriculture. Locals masterfully utilized irrigation systems to cultivate date palms, grains, and henna. The cultural landscape was shaped by a blend of Berber traditions, Arab culture, and the heritage of desert peoples. This is reflected in the unique architecture of the local fortified villages (ksour) and kasbahs, built from clay and straw, which protected inhabitants and food supplies from raids and the harsh climate.

Key Milestones in Zagora's History

• 11th Century: The Almoravid dynasty constructs a fortress on the summit of Mount Zagora to control strategically important caravan routes.
• 16th Century: The Drâa River valley becomes the cradle of the Saadi dynasty, which begins the unification of Moroccan lands from here.
• 1591: Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur uses the route through Zagora for his famous expedition to Timbuktu, strengthening trade ties with the south.
• 17th Century: The influential Sufi Zawiya Nasiriyya is founded in nearby Tamegroute, becoming a spiritual and educational centre for the region.
• Early 20th Century: During the French protectorate, an administrative post is established on the site of the modern city, initiating the urbanization of the oasis.
• 1956: Following Morocco's independence, Zagora becomes part of the kingdom as a vital southern outpost.
• 1958: The historic visit of King Mohammed V to the Drâa Valley region highlights the significance of the Saharan territories.
• 1975: The city serves as one of the key assembly and logistics points for participants of the peaceful Green March.
• 1997: Zagora officially receives the status of administrative centre for the newly created province of the same name.
• 2003: The first international "Zagora Marathon" is launched, promoting sports tourism in the desert.
• 2011: The opening of Zagora Airport for commercial flights significantly simplifies tourist access to the region's attractions.
• 2018: Completion of a major airport renovation allows for more flights and stimulates the city's economy.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The evolution of Zagora is a journey from a caravan transit point to a modern tourism hub. Below are the key stages that have defined the city's current appearance and economy.

• The Golden Age of Caravan Trade
  Historically, Zagora developed as a crucial logistics hub on the way to Timbuktu.
  Significance: This period laid the economic foundation of the region and formed its unique multicultural identity, uniting Arab, Berber, and African traditions. The famous sign "Timbuktu — 52 days" became a symbol of this era and the city's main brand.
• Transition to Sedentary Agriculture and Irrigation
  The creation of complex irrigation systems in the Drâa River valley transformed the oasis into a major centre for date palm cultivation.
  Significance: Agriculture became the basis for survival and stability, allowing residents to settle permanently and build the fortified ksour that define the region's architectural style.
• 20th Century Administrative Urbanization
  During the French presence and the early years of independence, the foundation of the modern city was laid with administrative buildings and a regular layout, distinct from traditional clay structures.
  Significance: Zagora began to transform from a conglomerate of villages into a proper urban centre, leading to the development of schools, hospitals, and municipal infrastructure.
• Designation as Provincial Centre (1997)
  Establishing the Zagora province as a separate administrative unit gave a powerful boost to urban planning.
  Significance: This decision attracted government investment, accelerated road construction, and strengthened the city's political weight in the Drâa-Tafilalet region.
• Opening and Modernization of the Airport
  The launch of commercial flights and the subsequent renovation of Zagora Airport ensured direct links with Casablanca and Marrakech.
  Significance: The airport solved the problem of transport isolation, making the region accessible for mass tourism and business travel, which radically changed the structure of the local economy in favour of the service sector.
• Emergence as a Centre for Desert Tourism
  In recent decades, the city has reoriented itself to welcome travellers wishing to see the Sahara (the Tinfou dunes are here, and Erg Chigaga is nearby).
  Significance: The appearance of hotels, campsites, and travel agencies created thousands of jobs, making tourism the second most important economic sector after agriculture.

The Architectural Code of the Desert

Zagora's architecture is unique in that you will not find the succession of styles typical of Europe, such as Gothic or Baroque. The city's appearance is dictated by the harsh Sahara climate and the materials available in the Drâa Valley. This is a realm of earthen architecture, which has smoothly transformed under the influence of colonial planning and modern tourism trends while maintaining a unified colour palette.

Major Architectural Eras and Styles

• Traditional Era (Pre-20th Century)
  Style: Berber Architecture (Saharan Style).
  Based on the use of local materials — clay, earth, and straw. The main types of structures are ksour (fortified villages) and kasbahs (fortress-houses).
  Characteristic features: "Pisé" technique (rammed earth), massive walls for thermal regulation, flat roofs made of palm trunks, narrow slit windows, and geometric ornaments on facades.
  Iconic landmark: Ksar Amezrou — an ancient fortified settlement that has effectively become a historical district of modern Zagora. Its covered alleyways are designed to protect residents from the scorching sun.
• French Protectorate Period (Mid-20th Century)
  Style: Colonial Functionalism / Neo-Sudanese Style.
  During this time, Zagora began to take shape as an administrative centre. European engineers introduced a regular layout, but with respect for local aesthetics.
  Characteristic features: The appearance of wide straight streets, administrative buildings with arcades and courtyards. Use of concrete painted in the colour of the local soil (ochre and terracotta).
• Modern Period (Late 20th — 21st Century)
  Style: Modern Moroccan Style / Desert Modernism.
  An era of active tourism development and gaining the status of provincial capital.
  Characteristic features: Construction of hotels and government institutions mimicking the forms of ancient kasbahs (crenellated walls, corner towers) but built with modern materials. A key feature is strict adherence to the colour code: all buildings in the city are painted in shades of pink and red sandstone.

Urban Development

Unlike the intricate medinas of Morocco's imperial cities (such as Fez or Marrakech), Zagora has a clear and understandable structure. The city stretches along the main artery — Avenue Mohammed V. This is a wide boulevard lined with date palms, serving as the axis of all city life.

Urban planning here is subordinate to the idea of the oasis: urban development does not oppose nature but integrates into the palm groves, creating a unique landscape where modern villas coexist with ancient irrigation canals.

Historical Figures and Rulers

The history of Zagora and the Drâa Valley is inextricably linked to the rise of powerful dynasties and spiritual orders that influenced the fate of all Morocco.

• Mohammed ash-Sheikh
  Role: First Sultan and founder of the Saadi dynasty (16th century).
  Significance: Originated from the Drâa River valley (Tagmadert area near modern Zagora). It was from here that he launched the campaign to unify Morocco and expel Portuguese colonizers from the coast, turning the region into the cradle of a royal dynasty.
• Ahmad al-Mansur
  Role: The most famous Sultan of the Saadi dynasty (16th century).
  Significance: Although he ruled from Marrakech, his name is closely tied to Zagora as the organizer of the great expedition to Timbuktu. It was his trade ambitions that made Zagora a key point on the "golden route," immortalized in the famous sign "Timbuktu — 52 days."

Spiritual Leaders and Scholars

Zagora's proximity to the religious centre of Tamegroute has gifted the region with distinguished thinkers whose heritage attracts pilgrims and historians to this day.

• Sidi Mohammed ben Nacer
  Role: Theologian, founder of the Nasiriyya Sufi brotherhood (17th century).
  Significance: Founded the famous zawiya (religious centre) in the suburbs of Zagora, which became one of the most influential spiritual institutions in the Maghreb. Through his efforts, a unique library of ancient manuscripts was assembled, which remains the region's main cultural treasure today.
• Ahmad ibn Nasir
  Role: Traveller, scholar, and writer (17th–18th centuries).
  Significance: Author of the renowned "Rihla" (book of travels), in which he described the pilgrimage from the Drâa Valley to Mecca. His works serve as a valuable historical source on the life and geography of that time.

Modern Figures and Athletes

In recent history, Zagora has gained fame thanks to its residents who have conquered the harsh conditions of the desert through sport.

• Lahcen Ahansal
  Role: Legendary ultra-marathon runner.
  Significance: A native of the Zagora area who became a 10-time winner of the world's toughest footrace, the "Marathon des Sables". Thanks to his success, Zagora has acquired the status of the world capital of desert running and sports tourism.
• Mohamad Ahansal
  Role: Professional long-distance runner.
  Significance: Brother of Lahcen and a 5-time champion of the "Marathon des Sables". The Ahansal brothers are national heroes and are actively involved in developing sports in the region, inspiring local youth.