Thursday, December 1, 2011

CASTLES … KASBAHS AT AIT BEN HADDOU, MOROCCO

 

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KASBAHS AT AIT BEN HADDOU, OUARZAZATE, MOROCCO

Hidden away in the arid foothills of Morocco's Atlas Mountains is Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified city (or "ksar") made of adobe, mud plaster and stone. The kasbahs and earthen houses of the city have been featured in many films, including "Gladiator" and "Lawrence of Arabia." Southern Morocco's ruling families used to live in these and other nearby kasbahs, which are located along an ancient trade route leading to the Western Sahara. Today, fewer than 10 families reside in the ancient city (most have relocated to the "new town" nearby). If you visit, don't be surprised if you're invited into one of the families' homes to share a spot of traditional mint tea.

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