Taroudant — The Forgotten Register

Your quest for the registry begins at Bab el-Kasbah, a monumental gate of Taroudant's ramparts, erected in the 16th century under the Saadian dynasty. Near the old Kasbah, it marked the historic entrance to the southern quarter of the medina. The ramparts, approximately 8 meters high and 6 meters thick, total 7.5 km in perimeter and are the first clue to the strategic importance of this imperial Saadian city. This gate was a vital passage point for trade and military movements, testifying to the power of Sultans Mohammed ech-Cheikh and Al Massoudi who fortified the city.

Walking along the Ramparts of Taroudant, you understand the military ingenuity of the Saadians. Erected mainly between 1510 and 1550, these 7.5 km of fortifications, dotted with 130 watchtowers and 19 main gates, served as an impregnable fortress against Portuguese and Berber invasions in the 16th century. These ramparts, ranked among the best preserved in Morocco and compared to those of Marrakech, tell the ambition of the Saadian rulers who made Taroudant the cradle of their empire before conquering Marrakech in 1525. Every stone of these Souss-Massa fortifications bears the mark of a history of resistance and sovereignty.

Your journey then leads you to Place Assarag, the historic central square in Taroudant's medina. Surrounded by cafes and markets, it has been a site of traditional gatherings and local festivities since the 17th century. Close to the souks, it is the convergence point of the paved alleys, a crossroads where Taroudant's trade and social life flourished. It was here, in the heart of the city, that news circulated and the Sultan's edicts were proclaimed, making this square a key location for understanding the city's functioning and the dissemination of the valuable information you are seeking.

Souk El Khemis, the weekly market held on Thursdays and dating back to the 17th century, is one of the largest in Souss. Specializing in local crafts, spices, and livestock, it covered several hectares immediately adjacent to the Grand Mosque and the southern ramparts. This market represents Taroudant's economic dynamism, a central hub where merchants from across the region came to exchange their goods. Exploring its aisles, you will discover the city's commercial soul, a wealth that funded the construction of its monuments and which, perhaps, holds clues to the forgotten registry.

Your quest concludes near Bab al-Hamra, the emblematic red gate of the ramparts, built around 1540. This gate, one of the 19 historic ones, adorned with sculpted geometric motifs, is an eastern access point to the medina, connected to the network of souks. By passing through this gate, you have traversed the history of Taroudant, from the Saadian fortifications to the bustling souks. You have deciphered the secrets of this imperial Saadian city, understood its role as a fortress and commercial center, and, we hope, laid hands on the much-sought-after registry. This interactive visit to Taroudant has offered you a unique insight into the heritage of Souss-Massa and the legacy of a dynasty that shaped Morocco.