The Ksar Of Ait-Ben-Haddou From The Past

The site of the ksar has been fortified since the 11th century during the Almoravid period.  None of the current buildings are believed to date from before the 17th century, but they were likely built with the same construction methods and designs as had been used for centuries before. The site's strategic importance was due to its location in the Ounila Valley along one of the main trans-Saharan trade routes. The Tizi n'Tichka pass, which was reached via this route, was one of the few routes across the Atlas Mountains, crossing between Marrakech and the Dra'a Valley on the edge of the Sahara. Other kasbahs and ksour were located all along this route, such as the nearby Tamdaght to the north.

Over time, Ait Benhaddou became an important hub for trade and commerce, and its strategic location on the caravan routes between Sudan and Marrakech made it a valuable asset for merchants and traders. The village was also a center of culture and learning, with scholars and craftsmen from around the region congregating there to share their knowledge and skills.