Zagora is the administrative center for the southern Draa. Just to the south of the city is Amzrou, one of the oldest Jewish casbahs in the Valley. Amzrou: The ancient village of Amzrou was the home of a large community of Jews who left the country around 1958, after having lived for centuries in harmony with the Muslim community. Today, Draouis are the sole occupants. It has narrow streets and covered areas that accentuate the high walls. The west door was used by the Jews and the east by the Muslims. It has an old synagogue, which is in better shape than others in the Draa Valley. The view from the tower is incredible. Nearby are the jewelers and the blacksmiths, which you can visit. Blacksmiths, who were trained by the Jews, are still using the models left by them to make fibula (pins to hold garments together) and medallions. Mhamid: Mhamid is the last oasis in the Draa Valley. It was one of the staging points for the caravan trade across the Sahara. It also is the district with the ruins of what is believed to be the first Jewish city of Morocco, Tidri. Tidri: The oldest Jewish community in Morocco is said to be the ancient city of Tidri. Due to security problems, the road to it is currently blocked by the Moroccan army. The dirt road to it passes by the ancient cemetery of Toum le Rjam. Thousands of mounds of rocks are believed to be the tombs of Jews killed by the Almohads in the 12th century, but this has not been proven. The Jews of Tidri venerated the tomb of a holy man named Isaac Akkouim who is said to have been the founder of Tidri. Muslims also venerate Isaac Akkouim, under the name of Sidi Moussa. The road to the saint's tomb is currently blocked.
|