Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tamegroute
Stressed out? You've come to the right place: Tamegroute's Zawiya Nassiriyya is said to
cure anxiety and high blood pressure, thanks to the post-mortem calming influence of Sidi
Mohammed ben Nassir - founder of the influential and learned Nassiri brotherhood who
were famed for their ability in settling Drâa Valley disputes in the 17th century. The
zaw-
iya
is still a place of pilgrimage for the sick and a working Quranic school. Bibliophiles
should plan desert trips around visits to the
zawiya's
library of ancient illuminated texts or
try to coincide with the annual
moussem
between the 12th and 22nd of November.
Besides miracle cures, Tamegroute is known for its labyrinth of
ksour,
which you can
explore with a local guide or by yourself to test your internal compass. Tamegroute also
has a
Saturday souq
.
Sights
Zawiya Nassiriyya
(suggested donation Dh20; morning & late afternoon Sat-Thu)
While non-Muslims can't visit
Sidi ben Nassir's green-roofed mausoleum, anyone can visit the library inside the adjacent
medersa
for Quranic scholars. Among the 4000 books on these glassed-in shelves are an-
cient medical, mathematics, algebra and law texts, in addition to splendid 13th-century
Qurans written on gazelle hide. You'll find it through an arch in the northwest corner of
the main square.
MEDERSA
Cooperative des Potiers
( 8am-6pm Mon-Fri)
Oxidised copper yields the distinctive 'Tamegroute green' glaze
used on the local pottery, which originated when the Nassiri brotherhood invited crafts-
men from Fez to settle in the village. Two families remain, turning out irridescent rustic
bowls, stamped tiles and elegant platters. Heading south, you'll find it on your left as you
leave the village.
GALLERY
Sleeping & Eating
Auberge-Restaurant-Camping-
Jnane Dar Diafa
GUESTHOUSE
€
