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taboo5 | profile | all galleries >> Morocco >> la Kasbah ait Ben Haddau, Morocco (October 2007) tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

la Kasbah ait Ben Haddau, Morocco (October 2007)

In the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs” (the Dadès Valley-stretching out between the peaks of the High Atlas and the Jbel Sarhro mountain range), there is in one that stands out - the Kasbah ait Ben Haddou. It is so well preserved and spectacular, that it has been featured in more than 20 films, including in Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. Technically, ait Ben Haddou is a ksar, which is a collection of family homes, communal areas and buildings, surrounded by high defensive walls. There are still ten families that still live within the ksar. It is located along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech in present-day Morocco. To protect this magnificent place, Ait Ben Haddou became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
La Kasbah ait Ben Haddou cover page.
La Kasbah ait Ben Haddou cover page.		 Map of Morocco with the star indicating la Kasbah ait Ben Haddou.
Map of Morocco with the star indicating la Kasbah ait Ben Haddou.		 Entrance to la Kasbah ait Ben Haddou that was established in the 11th century.
Entrance to la Kasbah ait Ben Haddou that was established in the 11th century.		 It is on the main trade route from Marrakech to the Sahara.
It is on the main trade route from Marrakech to the Sahara.
The location was an ideal stop for traders taking salt across the desert and returning with other goods such as gold and ivory.
The location was an ideal stop for traders taking salt across the desert and returning with other goods such as gold and ivory.		 Close-up of the kasbah.
Close-up of the kasbah.		 Ait Ben Haddou doesn't look real. It looks, instead, like a Hollywood set. Many movies have been filmed there.
Ait Ben Haddou doesn't look real. It looks, instead, like a Hollywood set. Many movies have been filmed there.		 It is one of the best-preserved kasbahs in Morocco.
It is one of the best-preserved kasbahs in Morocco.
Technically, ait Ben Haddou is a not a kasbah but a ksar.
Technically, ait Ben Haddou is a not a kasbah but a ksar.		 A ksar is a collection of family homes, communal areas and buildings surrounded by high defensive walls.
A ksar is a collection of family homes, communal areas and buildings surrounded by high defensive walls.		 Nice iron design in a window that I saw at the kasbah.
Nice iron design in a window that I saw at the kasbah.		 A narrow passageway and door at ait Ben Haddou.
A narrow passageway and door at ait Ben Haddou.
The red earthen walls and buildings are typical of the architecture of southern Morocco.
The red earthen walls and buildings are typical of the architecture of southern Morocco.		 The distinctive red color comes from the iron rich soil.
The distinctive red color comes from the iron rich soil.		 This laborer was unloading a wheel barrel full of dirt.
This laborer was unloading a wheel barrel full of dirt.		 I took a break as I climbed up some steps at ait Ben Haddou. There was a lot of climbing to do to get to the top.
I took a break as I climbed up some steps at ait Ben Haddou. There was a lot of climbing to do to get to the top.
At the top of the kasbah are the ancient walls of what once was probably a building.
At the top of the kasbah are the ancient walls of what once was probably a building.		 A closer view of the ruins of this stone structure. Do you see my head sticking out of the top?
A closer view of the ruins of this stone structure. Do you see my head sticking out of the top?		 Me standing in the doorway feeling relieved that I made it to the top.
Me standing in the doorway feeling relieved that I made it to the top.		 The view from the top looking down is spectacular.
The view from the top looking down is spectacular.
A panoramic view from the top of ait Ben Haddou.
A panoramic view from the top of ait Ben Haddou.		 Another panoramic view from the top. Both were made from a composite of 4 photos.
Another panoramic view from the top. Both were made from a composite of 4 photos.		 A door at ait Ben Haddou where this rusty hand was used as a door pull.
A door at ait Ben Haddou where this rusty hand was used as a door pull.

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