Agadir region : Taroudant

Taroudant is the eleventh century the capital of a small kingdom. Annexed by the Almoravids in 1056, independent under the Almohads, it was destroyed in 1306 by the Marinids. 

It reached its peak in the sixteenth century under the influence of al-Shaikh Mohammed who made ​​it his capital and a base for their attacks against the Portuguese settled in Agadir. She became an important caravan center, famous for the abundance and quality of its goods: sugar, cotton, rice, etc. In the seventeenth century, Taroudant is under the reign of the kingdom of Tazeroualt, the region between Tiznit and Tafraoute and, as such, a prime target for military expeditions led by Alawite sultans. 

In 1687, Sultan Moulay Ismail fact massacred much of the population. As the entire region, Taroudant suffers from closing the port of Agadir. It folds up behind its walls in 1912 the rebel-El Hiba who made ​​the city the seat of his resistance against the French army until 1913 The population of Taroudant is deemed proud and rebellious. In retaliation, the city largely destroyed several times. The king would never have passed through its gates for fear of the rebellious mood of its inhabitants. Taroudant is however known for its sense of hospitality, the friendliness of its traders. 

Located at the intersection of the Souss valley and mountains of the High Atlas, the "Little Marrakech" gives an excellent overview of southern Morocco. First capital of the sixteenth century Saadian, a refuge for rebel princes, coveted by the southern tribes, Taroudant has an important place in the history of Morocco. 

Nowadays, personalities come for the rest in the shade of its stunning ocher walls. Also famous for its crafts and Berber jewelery, it attracts many tourists from Agadir (very well served by bus destination). 

To the desert, culture awaits. Step obliged trade caravans linking the Sahara to the port of Agadir, Taroudant is since the Middle Ages the destination of all frequent travelers. 

City of history and culture, Taroudant is also a city of colors. The ocher and indigo are declined with heat, to the delight of painters and photographers. Two major architectural works are a major destination of Taroudant in the Souss region: the great wall of 7.5 km and the Kasbah, located slightly away from the city. 

Walls steeped in history. What Taroudant will you remember? Past is always present, majestic palms, a rich and varied crafts? Colors, certainly ... 

Many agriculture, the production and packaging of citrus and fruit juice. The city of Taroudant, surrounded by magnificent walls of the sixteenth century, is also known for its handicrafts including Berber jewelry. 

The nearby silver mines easily supply the raw material.