The modest village of Illigh, nestled in the foothills of the Western Anti-Atlas, in the middle of Tazerwalt land, the small village of Illigh fiercely guards an immense architectural and cultural heritage: The House of Iligh, known as Dar Iligh. The former Semlali ruler’s headquarters, known as Boudmira, was founded in 1626 by Ali Abou Hassan As-Semlali and died in 1668 following an attack by Sultan Moulay Rachid. A meticulously preserved centuries-old building hiding attractions and knowledge that describe the details of a golden past behind its white walls. The place is about 50 kilometers from Tiznit and will definitely captivate you with its amazing architecture and fascinating history.
When you arrive, you will be welcomed with a shimmering all-white castle that covers a maze of narrow streets leading to shaded buildings and sunny courtyards. A labyrinth that precisely reflects the history of the sites that have been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. Dar Iligh is part of an old palace, with fortresses and rooms that are constantly being restored.
There are also the ruins of a Mellah and a marketplace that was once a stopover for trans-Saharan caravans. The building now houses a museum detailing the region’s history, as well as a library with rare manuscripts and numerous Makhzenian (Royal military) correspondences, contracts, and commercial registers, some of which were written in multiple languages by Jews working for the house and who played an important role in the commercial ecosystem.
This is a magnificent architectural complex, matched only by the cultural and historical richness it contains.
Dar Iligh is close to Sidi Ahmed Ou Moussa, which got its name from Abou Al-Abbas Ahmed-Ou-Moussa Al Jazouli Al Semlali, a famous mystic of ‘Cherifian’ descent and ancestor of Dar Iligh’s chief. After his death, a mausoleum and a Zaouia were created to honor his memory, and they have since become a world-famous spiritual destination and a popular pilgrimage place.
Each year, the region celebrates the mysterious Saint with a religious and commercial Moussem, the largest in the Souss region. The celebration takes place around a big open-air Souk and includes artistic and cultural activities with spiritual practices and diverse ceremonies. By attending, you will have the chance to attend shows that are as exciting as they are surprising, all while immersed in the most unique atmosphere.
The Oulad Sidi Ahmed O Moussa are an acrobatic brotherhood who claim to have inherited these skills from their eponymous ancestor. Oulad Sidi Ahmed Ou Moussa have been active for a long time and are known for their performances of ancestral acrobatics, particularly the prowess of the world-famous human pyramids.
The American community first became aware of these performances in 1820, when troupes were invited to perform with Ernest Renz, King of the German Circus, in 1852.
Acrobatic jumps, such as Arabski and Araberbogen, are inspired by the art of this brotherhood.