Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
&
Tin Mal
Argan Oil
The precious Argan trees, similar
in appearance to olive trees, are
found only in southwestern
Morocco. They bear a fruit from
which oil can be extracted by
splitting, roasting and pressing
the nuts. Locals use it as a
medicine; it's also a staple of
beauty and massage treatments
and tastes delicious when it's
drizzled on couscous.
The main attraction at Tin
Mal is an ancient mosque that
dates back to the time of the
Almohads
(see p32)
. Way back
in the 12th century, this was the
heart of a mountain empire that
had unified local tribes under a
militant version of Islam. It was
from here that an army set out in
1144 to lay siege to Marrakech
and went on to conquer the rest
of Morocco. This mountain
mosque provided the basic
architectural prototype for the
impressive Koutoubia in
Marrakech. Though roofless, it
continues to be the venue for
Friday prayers, the one day
when it remains inacce-
ssible to visitors.
d
Map C2
• Closed Fridays • Adm
%
Ouirgane
Ouirgane, 16 km (10 miles)
south of Asni, is a pretty little
place. The actual village is
hidden among the trees
along the valley above the
Oued Nifis river. There's
a Jewish saint's shrine
and two salt factories
(one modern, one
traditional). Stop by for
lunch or, if you plan on
lingering in the village,
spend the night at one of
the two enchanting hotels
- La Roseraie and the Au
Sanglier Qui Fume
(see p93)
-
for which the place is best
known.
d
Map C2
^
Kasbah Talaat-n-Yacoub
*
Tizi-n-Test Pass
How much you
enjoy the experience of
this 2,092-m (6,861-ft) pass
depends on whether you
are a passenger or in the
driver's seat. As a driver, you
have to keep your eyes glued to
the road ahead in order to
negotiate the endless hairpin
bends. The narrow road with no
safety barriers ensures that you
won't have much opportunity to
enjoy the spectacular views. But
for passengers, the view across
Argan fruit
South of Ouirgane, the road
climbs steadily through a rocky,
bare landscape. After passing
through the small Berber hamlet
of Ijoujak, visible off
to the right is the
commanding hilltop
fortress of Kasbah
Talaat-n-Yacoub. This
was once a strong-
hold of the Goundafi
tribe who controlled
access to the Tizi-n-
Test until the early
20th century, when
they were subdued
by the French.
d
Map C2
Tin Mal Mosque interior
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