Preserving oasis life
ElKhorbat is an ancient ksar, a fortified village, built in the 19th century. This village is an emblem of oasis life throughout southern Morocco, representing and preserving the architectural and historical heritage dating back to the 14th century. In 2022, A project was launched to improve the living conditions of the inhabitants and to restore the beauty of the oasis. In addition, the village’s Khettara or well and tunnel systems, shows unique heritage and an ingenious ancestral understanding of groundwater drainage and water management principles.
This village values tradition and culture and has also initiated the development of an oasis museum for the preservation of its authentic traditional oasis culture that represents the history of human settlement.
The local farmers and craftswomen, who are masters at weaving and traditional embroidery, are part of the tourism value chain that also serve as suppliers of the restaurant and the guest house network.
HIGHLIGHTS
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The Oasis Museum
This is an initiative to maintain and safeguard the heritage of the oasis civilization by protecting the environment and maintaining traditional agricultural and local production systems. The village has been showcasing oasis culture and the diversity of local traditions and customs through exhibitions where antiques photos, maps, sketches, and paintings are displayed.
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Rural market development
The village community plays an active part in promoting the products of women associations and the local farmers. This initiative also reduces regional inequalities by creating income-generating tourism activities.
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Village restoration
The village is encouraging the local community, especially young people and girls, to launch rural green projects by bringing life back to the centuries-old buildings. Once restored, they are rented out to tourism providers to be used as museums, guesthouses, and local handicraft stores which display and sell authentic products.
