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Pikarey

Whenever we talk of Ouarzazate, we evoke the whole history of its population:

1*Local black slaves coming from ancient Soudan, Senegal, Tchad and Niger to Draa valley in the beginning of the 11 th century. Allong with the Saharan caravanes bringing salt and gold to Morocco; then the majority to settle down.

2*Local Berber Tribes of Ait Atta, Imeghrane & Imegoune: This population settles along Saghro mountain chains and southern version of High Atlas. They were the major fighters against the French during the period of the Protectorate (1912 - 1956). They all melted in Ouarzazate especially after the creation of the city to serve as a garrison (1928). Most inhabitants now are retired people from abroad (Holland, France) or soldiers beside new comers from many regions of the country looking for work either in movies, metal mines or administration.

Since the 60's, Ouarzazate has been the theatre of many film productions. Therefore, it's widely known in all over the world by its typical light, peace and hospitality.

The visitor is surprised when he is at Ouarzazate near to High Atlas, Anti Atlas mountains, 1000 casbahs and Siroua. Close to those populations mentionned above.

Ouarzazate is a useful base from which to explore the ksour and Kasbahs of Ait Benhaddou. However, there is not a lot to do in the town itself. During the 1980’s, the Moroccan government had big plans for this town, as the first stop on the "Saharan Adventure", there is even an airport here. The town became known as "Morocco’s Hollywood" as it has been used as a base for many "exotic" film like David Lean’s "Lawrence of Arabia", Bernardo Bertolucci’s "Sheltering Sky" and "Jesus of Nazareth". The local Glaoui Kasbah Taorirt and the "centre artenasal" (across the Kasbah) are worth a visit. Ait Benhaddou is one of the most fantastic sights of the Atlas as the kasbahs are the most elaborately decorated and best preserved (thanks to UNESCO). They have been built and re-built as sets for such movies as Jesus of Nazareth, Lawrence, and Orson Welles’ Sodom and Gomorrah.

Source: World66