The small village of Akka, located 60 kilometers west of Tata, is home to historical monuments that continue to amaze archaeologists and visitors. The region, a former key stopover for trans-Saharan caravans, offers many secrets and remains that will take you far back in time.
Set off on an extraordinary historical journey, between mystery and greenery, in the shade of the magnificent oasis’ palm trees. You will be able to visit gorgeous monuments while also having an excellent human experience with the oasis’s locals.
The magnificent Minaret Lalla Baytou-Allah, the last remains of the mosque that had once stood in the middle of the Kasbah Abdellah Ben Mbark, piques one’s attention. These locations, also known as Timzgida Llibna Rebbi and Agadir n’Oumghar, have long been the source of local folklore and continue to spark debate among experts.
The structure is 9m tall and made completely of terracotta bricks, with diamond patterns on the exterior. Its overall size is similar to Rabat’s Hassan Tower, earning the nickname “Oum Hassan.” The interior of the Minaret is so spacious.
You will also get the opportunity to visit Ksar Agadir n’Owzrou, located 5 kilometers to the north. This architectural masterpiece, dating back to the 14th century, is located on a rocky ridge overlooking Akka’s palm grove and river. The citadel is surrounded by a ten-meter-high wall, and some authentic houses are still inhabited.
Tamedlout, a medieval village south of Akka, was founded in the 9th century by Abdallah Ibn Idriss. It was a flourishing stopover on the trans-Saharan trade route, as well as a mining city with great potential due to its silver-rich soil. Despite its prosperity, the city vanished from historical records around the start of the 14th century. Its history is unclear and vague, although oral tradition claims that it was destroyed during battles amongst the region’s residents.
Today, the city lies buried beneath the desert sand, revealing just a few dispersed traces. However, investigations have revealed several fortresses with a 150cm thick enclosure, as well as many coins and other metallurgical industry products.
At the gates of the desert and at the rear of the Jbel Bani, the landscapes of the region are quite desert-like. In these arid regions, nature regains its splendor of greenery in the oasis of Akka. The locals have been able to manage the desert through time and even with the limited water available to make the Akka Valley a fertile and generous land.
Hardworking and generous people with whom you will share wonderful moments of hospitality while seeing the stunning landscapes.