Sahara’s Door,
Erfoud
11/05/07 13:25 Filed in:
Morocco
Articles
Erfoud, sometimes referred to as “the door
of the Sahara”, was founded as a military
outpost to bring the Bedouins in the region
under French control in
Morocco.
Erfoud is now used as a base for
tourists wishing to travel onward
towards Merzouga, the Ziz Valley and
other exotic southern locales.
Located on the Ziz River, it is different
than most Moroccan villages. It does not
have century-old buildings, but was instead
built in the early 1900s by the French as
an administrative headquarters. Buildings
are made of red sand of the area mixed with
lime. The settlement with its high walls
and tightly packed houses were constructed
as protection from the marauding nomadic
tribes.
Erfoud has the usual winding streets and
alleyways. Near Erfoud are large palm
groves that have been used by travelers for
respite. Not far away is the desert and
sand dunes of Merzouga. Erfoud has a
flourishing marble industry. Marble from
this area is red, brown and black.
Written by: Carole Morris
Provided by:
Morocco
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