Ouarzazate
Lawrence of Arabia
The desertâs gateway
âNourâ, in Arabic, means âlightâ, it is the chosen name for the Arab Leagueâs creation, The Ouarzazate solar power station. December 2015 marks the date of its establishmentd. This massive solar power complex is ten kilometres away from Ouarzazate, in the Drâa-Tafilelt region.
Nicknamed the door of the desert, Ouarzazate is the capital of its province, and a proud home for two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Berbers are the original people of the region. They built prominent Kasbahs and buildings that define the city.
Given that itâs the gateway to the desert, most excursion start from Ouarzazate. Its elevation of 1160 metres literraly puts it on a pedestal. The fortified village of Ait Benhaddou is the World Heritage Site. Many movies were filmed within this village, including Lawrence of Arabia.
The rebellion of the true lords
The other half of Ouarzazateâs pride, Kasbah Taourirt is one of the most beautiful architectural landmarks of the city. The Glaoui tribe, Lords of the Atlas. Have restored the castle in 1882, after it was founded in the 17th-century.Â
This ornamented, fortified âsandcastleâ never ceases to amaze the visitors with its enormity and detailed carvings. Tâhami El Glaoui was the Pasha of Marrakech, and Kasbah Taourirt was his home.
During the reign of Mohammed V, the Glaouis rebelled against the King of Morocco; when the kingdom was under French protectorate. The village itself was founded in the 12th-century, and still boasts a gorgeous medina that can be visited by anyone.
Also declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kasbah Taourirt helps Ouarzazate spread its authentic Kasbahs and Berber heritage. And because of that, many studios were established in Ouarzazate.
Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
One of Ouarzazateâs two World Heritage Sites, Kasbah Ait-Benhaddou attracts tourists, locals, and Hollywood directors. This fortified village is on the route between the Sahara and Marrakech. There are a few families living in these villages, and they get to be smitten with Ait-Benhaddouâs natural appeal everyday.Â
The Message, Marco Polo, and Kundun were all shot in Ait-Benhaddou, in addition to other Hollywood blockbusters. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, and it has been shining with glory since then.
A massive, bright future.
Noor Solar Energy Plantation is Ouarzazateâs solar power complex, located in the Drâa-Tafilelt region - ten kilometers from Ouarzazate. The total project cost nine billion dollars. The project,, at maximum capacity and peak, is expected to produce over 579 MW.Â
It is one of Moroccoâs bigger projects, and it is estimated to fix many issues that Morocco is currently going through.
A castly hotel
Tifeltout Kasbah belonged to Tâhami El Glaoui, former Pasha of Marrakech, and the Atlasâ true Lord. Scenes from the movie Lawrence of Arabia were shot in the Tifeltout Kasbah.
Part of the Lordâs Kasbah was converted to a hotel-restaurant. Needless to say, gazing into the yonder from above will make you feel youâre within a Game of Thrones episode
Authenticity in film
Moroccan entrepreneur, Mohammed Belghmi, founded the Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate. It is 5 kilometres to the west, and for that, the Studio was a perfect backdrop for many Hollywood movies. Atlas studios also happen to be one of the largest film studios in the world.Â
Belghmi realised the appeal of the propertyâs vast desert and mountains. They ended making for amazing backdrops for Hollywood blockbusters.Â
Renowned movies such as; The Last Temptation of Christ, Fishing in Yemen, Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Gladiator, Legionnaire, the cult classic, Hills Have Eyes, and the all-time favourite -Game of Thrones.
Thanks to the areaâs climate and weather conditions, Atlas Studios expanded tremendously since it was founded in 1983.
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